Minneapolis Toy Library has its grand opening in October, and if you have kiddos under the age of 6, you will want to check it out!
I visited Rebecca Nutter, one of the founding partners of the Minneapolis Toy Library, on a beautiful September morning. We were joined by her beautiful 2 month old, 3 year old and said 3 year old’s Luke Skywalker. We chatted with Rebecca about the Toy Library and how it works. We also discussed the library’s goals for the future.
All the while Luke Skywalker was taking a nap in the pasture with the horse and cow at my feet.
Here’s a sample of what you can find at the Minneapolis Toy Library
Age Appropriate Toys: For ages birth-5
Location: Held at Minneapolis libraries every 3 weeks–Follow on facebook to find out more information
Membership Fee: $20/year per family
Toy Limit: 5 toys per family
Length of Loan: 3 weeks
Toy Care: Borrowers responsibility to return toys clean and within reasonable care
Late Fees: $1/toy
Donations: Accept new and gently used toys for children ages 0-5
Grand Opening!!
Saturday, October 3
9:30 am-11:30 am
NorthEast Library
on Central Ave and 22nd
Add this event to your calendar
and
Saturday, October 24
2:30 pm-4:30 pm
Washburn Library
5244 Lyndale Ave. South
The Founding Mothers of Mpls Toy Library
Humble Beginnings
The Minneapolis Toy Library launched just 4 months ago in May.
As conscience moms, four ladies jumped on board to create a better community and lives for their families. They want to reduce waste, foster development (in children) and build community.
Taryn Tessneer recruited three other women to build the Development Team: Rebecca Nutter who has a background in early childhood education, Molly Stein who is working to register the library as a non-profit and Rosie Call who is from Australia and had a toy library there.
Unfortunately, shortly after the launch, Taryn moved out of the metro, but she has left the fate of the Minneapolis Toy Library in dependable hands.
The goal is to build their membership to 400. Who wants to give it a try?
Mpls Toy Library Goals
Become a Non-Profit
Currently the Minneapolis Toy Library is working through the paperwork and registration process to become a non-profit.
This is very important to them because the funds they have through membership fees are used to grow the toy collection.
As a non-profit, they can also register for grants to support this service to the community.
Find a Permanent Space
Rebecca would love to find a space to keep the toys that does not include her and her colleagues’ garages and closets. Hauling toys to and from events can be a little daunting. It would also be beneficial to members to have more accessibility to the library.
We are excited to have the Minneapolis Toy Library in our community. Rotating toys out of the house is a perfect answer for families with kids under the age of 6, and it’s a lifesaver for families in small houses. Not only is it a great resource for parents, but it is also a great option for grandparents and aunts and uncles.
Thanks so much, Minneapolis Toy Library!
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