Innovative toy library gearing up to open on Freeman Street Market to help struggling families

A new and innovative scheme which will give children in Grimsby the chance to play with a new toy every four weeks is gearing up to open on Freeman Street Market to help struggling families in the area.

Set up by local community group East Marsh United, The Toy Cupboard is a library for children aged 0 to 5 to enjoy. Not only does the library lend out books, but it also has an incredible selection of toys for a wide range of ages and interests.

The library is set to officially open within the coming weeks - and Carolyn Doyley, of East Marsh United, believes the scheme will be a big hit among local families amid the cost of living crisis.

Carolyn said: “Young children quickly outgrow toys in those early years. Joining the Toy Library means that people can come in, pay a small amount and have a toy for four weeks. It keeps things moving, providing a range of stimulating toys for children’s early brain development while cutting down on storage. It's great for the environment - it's eco-friendly and financially friendly in this current cost-of-living crisis. It’ll be exciting for the kids to come, and to leave with a new toy every four weeks.

"It's been quite a long time getting everything together. Initially, it was going to be a book lending library for adults and children as well as a toy library but then we realised we needed to really refine it because of the space. We recognised the importance of stimulating play for brain development in early years. Toys that will stimulate are really necessary, so that’s our focus."

Carolyn said the establishment of the toy library has been a "massive community effort". Alongside toys bought by East Marsh United, the library is also stocking toys - new and pre-loved - that have been donated by Tesco, McDonalds and the Scope charity from members of the community. “It’s been created by the community, for the community. The local community have come together to help transform the unit,”

Local artist Sarah Palmer of The House With The Blue Door has created the stunning, colourful signs for the Toy Cupboard, which have been painted entirely by hand.

"The sign really captures what The Toy Cupboard is all about. The keywords are 'play, explore and learn'. It's all about development and having fun," Carolyn said.

All fees will be donated back into The Toy Cupboard to enable them to purchase more toys and books. At the beginning of the scheme, toys will be limited to one per child. Carolyn said, “The Toy Library is in its infancy just like your children, so let’s grow together.”

The library is set to officially open on Freeman Street Market in the coming weeks.

By Lauren Davidson Senior Reporter - Grimsby Live

05:00, 25 NOV 2023