Toy and
leisure libraries are a great way to share resources and help with the learning and development of children. They not only help parents to save money, they can also reduce waste, which is good for the environment.
Toy libraries
Toy libraries allow parents to donate and borrow toys in their local community. These schemes are run by volunteers and professionals such as nursery and school teachers, social workers, health workers and others. The following is a list of toy libraries, which operate in towns and villages across Essex:
Brightlingsea
Toy library is held at: St James Church Centre, Victoria Place, Brightingsea
Contact: Mrs Shirley Raines (Church Centre), Tel: 01206 302378
Canvey Island
Toy library is held at: Canvey Community Children's Centre, Furtherwick Park School, Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, SS8 7AZ
Contact: Mrs Rosemary Harris, Canvey Island Toy Library, Tel: 01268 690806
Colchester
Lee's Room, Unit D3, Cowdray Centre, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1BW
Contact: Mrs Pam Cook, Colchester Toy Library, Tel: 01206 500211
Toy library is held at: Willow Brook Primary School, Barnardiston Road, St Annes, Colchester, CO4 0DT. All Aboard Toy Library
Contact Tel: 01206 865555.
East Hanningfield
East Hanningfield Village Hall, The Chase, East Hanningfield, CM3 8AE Contact: Miss Fiona Ward, Hanna's Tots Toy Library, Tel: 01245 400965
Great Dunmow
Dourdan Pavilion, Recreation Ground, Great Dunmow.
Contact: Sarah Dalton, Tel: 01279 874804
Harlow
Kingsmoor House Family Centre, Paringdon Road, Harlow.
Contact: Melanie Powers, Harlow Toy Library, Tel: 01279 446118
Saffron Walden
Contact: Mrs J Tobitt, Tel: 01799 521780
Writtle
Chelmsford Special Needs, 21 Melba Court, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3EW
Contact: Sue Newman,
Leisure libraries are similar to toy libraries. However, they are specifically aimed at people with special needs. Often run by parents, they operate a loan system for specialist leisure equipment, as well as providing information and advice for carers, together with organised social activities.