Isobel Asti and Hannah Tomlinson had fun playing at Wakefield district's first-ever toy library

Wednesday, October 15, 2003

(Photograph) - Isobel Asti and Hannah Tomlinson had fun playing at Wakefield district's first-ever toy library, which opened last month. The unit at the city's Addlib Gallery has 40,000 worth of equipment, including story sacks, table tennis, Lego bricks and sensory toys, and a musical instrument collection worth 15,000. It is a joint project run through the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and the Library and Information Services. Councillor Olivia Rowley, EYDCP chair, said, 'For years people have been able to borrow books and this is designed on the same principle. Toys are an important tool in children's development and we have an extensive collection that will appeal to all ages.' At present the toy library is available only to early years, childcare and playwork providers, local businesses, schools and community organisations working with children aged nought to 14, though parents will be able to access its services next year. Photo by Joan Russell/Guzelian