Perth Toy Library

I don't know about you but we've been shocked at the cost of having a child. I know that sounds obvious but you basically need to take what you think you're going to spend, double it and add a zero!  Apart from the clothes, nappies, food and socialising there is also the small matter of your little one's development and the endless pressure to buy into the next 'big thing' that will help make them smarter / happier / love you more! People, I'm talking about toys. 

As they grow up there's endless choices on offer, and kids will go through phases of playing with only one thing for a month and then discarding it for ever in favour of a new favourite.

Thankfully, I came across parenting gold last summer and this week's #RhonaRecommends is going to save you a fortune!

Perth Toy Library is in a wee white building just next to the Ambulance Station in Oakbank. When we moved to the area they had signs out advertising their 32st Birthday open day which gave us a perfect opportunity to pop along and find out more - frankly, we were amazed by what’s on offer!

The library operates like any other - you pay an annual membership fee of £10 and for that you can go along whenever you like to loan out a maximum of 6 toys at a time which range between 50p – £2.50 to hire for 3 weeks. Loan times can be extended by another 3 weeks if there’s no one waiting for your toy which means you could hire bikes, a skateboard or even a garden slide for the whole summer!

There’s also the ‘Gold’ membership option of £30 per year which includes hire of all toys, and grandparents who often have less frequent need for the service are offered lifetime membership for £15.

I was stunned by the range of toys they have; over 400 fun, educational and musical toys, puzzles and games for every age. From babies and toddlers right up to bikes for 7/8 year olds. The toys are also kept clean and maintained between uses. It’s a great way to try out a toy you’re thinking of investing in or to borrow something like a walker which you know won’t be used for long.

I spoke to Phil, the library’s Committee Chair, who told me that one of the benefits of trading for 30 years was seeing wonderful repeat business from generations of the same families. They now see new parents come in for toys, who many of the volunteers remember from when they were the ones using them!

We plan to join up again this summer and use the library for some extra garden toys, but it’s also ideal for local people or grandparents who have young families visiting. I know myself that taking a stash of toys everywhere when visiting others isn’t always easy, so it’s great to know that there’s a way of arranging for some to be there temporarily.

Pictures of all toys are clearly displayed on the walls with little cards to let you know how much they are, and whether they’re currently available to hire. With the addition of a baby sensory room (which baby Freya loved!) complete with light up UV carpet it means members can also ‘stay and play’ when they come to visit.

Here comes the heartwarming bit - the library is staffed entirely by volunteers and relies on donations from people like you and me. If you’ve got toys in good condition which you know have plenty of life in them yet then give them a ring, or if you know someone with time to spare who may like to help the library get in touch and let them know.

The Toy Library have also attracted a couple of young people doing student placements in the community as part of their college courses, as it’s an ideal way for them to see the workings of such an important and long standing community facility.

If you haven’t been along yet, or like me have been meaning to, then make it a pitstop on your next trip to the area. It’s walking distance from lots of schools and also on the No 7 bus route so easy to access coming from somewhere like Scone. We'll see you there!

Contact details for Perth Toy Library;

Beechgrove Lodge, Hillend Road, Perth, PH1 1DL

Opening hours: Tues 1.30-3pm | Thur 9:45-11:15 | Sat 9:45 – 12:00

Tel: 07814 551184 | Email: perthtoylibrary@hotmail.co.uk | Website