I often get questions from other libraries on our Toy Lending Library, so I thought it would be a good idea to put the information here for anyone else who might have some questions.
My library has had a toy lending library since the early 70s and it is still one of our most popular collections. I am going to try to go through this section by section so I can be as helpful as possible. Please comment if there is anything you need clarification on.
Purchasing
I use a variety of sources from Lakeshore Learning to Walmart to Target to Amazon to our local hospital gift shop. Our Toy Library is in sections based on suggested ages and that guides what we purchase. Melissa and Doug is one of my favorite brands because they seem to have the best products in terms of longevity (even their puzzles seem to handle the rigors of multiple families). Lakeshore also has some very amazing product choices for multiple ages that have diverse learning methods. For games for young kids you can't go wrong with Peaceable Kingdom (they are also very good about sending us replacement pieces when things don't get returned).
Space
We have a set of shelves that are specifically our toy lending library. Items are in their designated sections and housed in storage totes or bags. We do have more toys/kits in our parenting section as well.
Cataloging and Processing
When we receive them we fill out a form which (for right now until I move us digital) are housed in binders with copies of any included papers and a photo of the toy. The form we use is pictured below. From there it goes back to tech to get processed. I can't speak too much about that portion of things, but it does require some creative custom cataloging. We also write the item's number on each piece included with the toy. The numbers are all a system T 15-031/3. T for toy. 15 is the year it was added. 031 is the unique number for that toy (usually denotes how many we have added in a given period). 3 is the section that it is housed in.
Sections
Section 1: Early Years, Under 2 Years
Section 2: Toddlers, Ages 2-3
Section 3: Preschool, Ages 3-5
Section 4: Primary Grades, K-2nd
Section 5: Upper Grades, 3rd-5th
Games
Rules
We have signs in the area and on each item asking that people not play with the toys in the library. When we talk to people about it (because they still regularly do play with them) we just explain that many of our toys have very small pieces and that we would hate for a young child to choke on something that someone might leave out. And to be fair we just have one rule for all the toys. And it is also so we don't have pieces walk off or wind being put back in the wrong container.
Check In
When our toys are returned they are put on a special cart in our children's area. Only youth staff are responsible for counting the pieces. If everything is present, it is re-shelved. If something is missing we call the patron (or send a letter in certain circumstances) and ask them to take a peek for it. Those toys are then set aside on a separate cart until pieces are returned. Toys are cleaned as needed. We may take home and wash plush ones. But we keep a container of child-friendly disinfectant wipes for our toys. Not all of them are cleaned each time as we do not have the time and staff to keep up with that, so we try to be very transparent with our families to try to remember to keep them clean if they so choose. We do try to clean as frequently as possible for our younger ones (particularly during the height of flu season), but as the mom of a tiny one I know that we are all pretty good about cleaning them before we let them play with them.
Missing Pieces
Inevitably there are always those who do not return pieces. Some toys are still playable with missing pieces and some are not. Depending on the items, we may charge for the whole thing (if for instance half the item is gone or damaged) or we may charge a small fee for having to recopy and laminate missing instructions.
Labels
Each item has the barcode, a photo of the toy, an itemized list of pieces, and a note saying for checkout only. Certain items will have a "Choking Hazard" notice attached as well.
Additional Questions I Have Received Over the Years
Which staff roles clean the toys—is it the librarians, non-MLIS staff, whoever happens to accept the return? How do you determine which staff members take the plush ones home for occasional cleaning, and how do they get paid/time off/reimbursed for doing it?
My youth department only has myself and my assistant, so we are typically the only ones who do the cleaning and counting. I do have 2 library pages that work for a few hours once a week and they are now trained to do the same as well. I always try to operate with equality of cleaning when it comes to degree level (whichever of us has the time does it). Either of us will take home plushies to clean depending on who is feeling it (typically we will just leave early or come in late for time compensation, but we have the flexibility in this department to do so-we work pretty wonky hours anyway).
From the photos you sent it looks like all the toys are in either a clear plastic bag or a clear tub with a lid, is that right? And the patron would check out the whole thing including the bag/tub?
Yes they are all in clear tubs. They check out the whole item. It is particular convenient for our grandparents that check them out when they have grand-kids visiting as they can keep everything together.
Do the toys have the same checkout period and renewal policies as other materials, like books?
All of our youth items (children and YA) check out for 3 weeks and all policies concerning them are the same.
Can patrons place holds on the toys, and if so, are the holds stored in the same place as book holds for patron pickup?
Yes holds are placed somewhat often (particularly for teachers who know they want something for their room like our parachute). It just goes right at the end of the shelf where the books for that patron would normally be held.
Can patrons return the toys in a bookdrop if the library building is closed?
Unfortunately, no as our book drop is nowhere near large enough to accommodate the toys, but I have never heard a complaint from anybody about this. Luckily, we do not have fines on our youth items so if they can't get here one day they don't worry too much.
What types of toys would you recommend for such a project? The girls originally brought things like stuffed animals, which I explained the problems with that (germs, lice, etc.). I know I’ve seen lots of board games, American Girl dolls, etc., from libraries, but what is actually popular?
What is popular varies all of the time, but our board games are quite popular. I continue to get requests to add more options. [The problem with many is just the sheer number of pieces we have to count.]
Our sections for younger kids are popular particularly with our Preschool teachers, daycare providers and grandparents with visiting family. We strive to select anything that promotes educational initiatives, motor skills, literacy, pre-reading skills, etc.
Do you take donations of toys? This of course was part of the original intent of the project, but not sure if this is practical?
I do occasionally receive donations. I treat them like any other donation. They must understand that once they give it to us we may do with it what we feel necessary. Sometimes they get sent on to our local thrift shop, but typically the ones we are given are in remarkably good condition.
What do you require of borrowers and/or donators? Any sort of signed agreement?
Toys are treated like any other library item/donation.
How much work and upkeep is such a project?
Counting and cleaning is really the biggest upkeep. We have a system for missing pieces that we fine-tuned so we know exactly what that process looks like each time. We also have staff designated with specific aspects of our Toy Library. This really helps manage the workload.
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