Toy Lending Libraries: Environment Friendly Play Space

Green is the new black, or so I have been told. For those of you like me who enjoy surfing the net for the latest trends, you may have noticed the abundance of "green toys" for children of all ages. Toy lending libraries provide an alternative that is even better than buying one of the new "green toys". Toy lending libraries allow you to play or borrow a used toy. Here is a look at toy lending libraries including my favorite (Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library).

What Is a Toy Lending Library?

The name says it all. Toy lending libraries are libraries that lend toys. Parents can donate toys their child has outgrown to the local toy lending library where they can be used by countless other children. Many toy lending libraries like the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library, which is located in the Shadyside area of Pittsburgh, provide beautiful play spaces for children to go with their caregiver to spend a few hours playing with the toys. If you are a parent of children under the age of six and have the opportunity to visit Pittsburgh's Toy Lending Library, I strongly urge you to do so. It is the best play space in Pittsburgh. First time visitors are admitted free and returning visitors have the opportunity to pay a small fee or to volunteer their time at the library in order to subsidize the cost. For more information on Pittsburgh's toy lending library clickhere.

Benefits of Toy Lending Libraries

The benefits of toy lending libraries are many. First, they provide a place for parents to donate gently used toys. This helps the environment by keeping those environmentally unfriendly toys away from the landfills. Toy lending libraries also provide children with the opportunity to try out toys before purchasing. If you are a parent, you have probably experienced the frustration (and expense) of buying the latest "hot" toy only to find that your child doesn't play with it. Borrowing a toy for a few weeks lets you find our which toys make the best investments. Many toy lending libraries like the toy lending library in Pittsburgh, PA provide a safe and fun play space for your child to interact with other children. Toy lending libraries are also great places for moms to go to socialize with other mothers, while their children play together. Chicago's Lekotek is a toy lending library that focuses on children with special needs.

Toy Lending Libraries in the US

Click here for a link to a list of toy lending libraries in cities across the United States. Toy lending libraries are wonderful resources and a great way for families to live a greener lifestyle.

Sources:

http://www.pghtoys.com/

http://www.lekotek.org/

http://usatla.org/Locations.html