A Treasure Chest of Service: The role of toy libraries within play policy in Wales (Executive Summary)

Robat Powell, Nia Seaton

01 December 2007

International research shows that engaging in play is vital for children's social, emotional and physical development, their good mental health and communication skills. Most importantly, it allows children to create their own space where they can enjoy themselves.

We found that toy libraries do much more than loan toys - they provide a variety of important services to children, families, childcare providers and practitioners. We also found that toy libraries' origins, i.e. why there were set up and by whom, was a more significant determinant of what services they provided than their geographical location.