Toy Library opens in Apopka

The Toy Library of Central Florida is now open. And it is in Apopka!

What is a "Toy Library," you ask?

A toy library is like a book library, except it lends toys, puzzles, and games instead of books. Toy libraries are also known as toy exchanges. Toy libraries offer play sessions for families and a wide range of toys appropriate for children at different stages in their development. Toy libraries provide children with new toys every week or two, saving parents money and keeping children from getting bored.

Dawn Tusing, the Executive Director of the Toy Library of Central Florida explains the concept this way, "When a group of parents get together on a regular basis they exchange stories, ideas, recipes, gossip and all kinds of helpful suggestions. Why not toys? Imagine if you were to exchange books, games, toys, magazines, interesting articles or creative activities. That’s what members of a toy library do. Each week you will bring home a box full of new and different toys. Your children will look forward to seeing what’s new. Then just when they get done with one box, it’s time to exchange again. This can go on indefinitely. I call it perpetual fun and learning."

Tusing has been operating the non-profit Toy Library for about a year, but just recently moved to the new location at 2517 East Semoran Blvd. in Apopka. For the past year she has worked with two dozen volunteers to perfect the operation. Seven of those volunteers are now ready to help Tusing on a regular basis. There is no paid staff at this time.

"Kids learn a lot through play," Tusing told The Apopka Voice. "And kids need more choices than most parents can afford."

Membership costs $20 per month.

How does it work?

"Members checkout toys that are age appropriate for their children," according to Tusing. "Once they are finished playing with the toys, they return the original toys then have the opportunity to checkout more toys. This is referred to as an “exchange”. Members can exchange as often as they want."

The Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting on Friday, August 19th. The Toy Library will officially on Tuesday, August 23rd.

The hours are:

• Monday -4:00pm - 6:00pm
• Tuesday-9:00am – Noon
• Wednesday- 9:00am – Noon and 4:00pm - 6:00pm
• Thursday- 9:00am – Noon
• The Toy Library is closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The available toys are suitable for boys and girls ages 2 to 12.

More information is available on the Toy Library's website.