Toy story: cash for children's library

Updated: 26 March 2008

A £250 grant from the District Council has meant new toys for Rickmansworth Toy Library. The service lends toys to children aged from birth to eight years.

A £250 grant from the District Council has meant new toys for Rickmansworth Toy Library.  The service lends toys to children aged from birth to eight years.

Library volunteer, Clare Street, said:

"The grant has enabled us to buy some special toys which help all children to understand more about what it's like for youngsters who are disabled.  In addition, the library stocks some toys for children who have special needs.

"We appreciate the District Council's support and we are now asking residents to come forward to help as well.  We desperately need more volunteers - please ring us for more details."

Head of leisure services at Three Rivers District Council, Chris Hope, said:

"The Toy Library provides a great service for children from all backgrounds and we were delighted to assist.  If you can spare some time, you can make a real difference by volunteering to help the Library."

The new toys include a teddy bear in a wheelchair and a guide dog.  Other available toys include: activities centres, musical toys, water play, board games, jigsaws, slides, electronic learning games, tunnels, pop-up houses and ride-on toys.  CD Roms are also available. The toys are suitable for babies, toddlers and pre-school children, as well as educational toys, in line with the National Curriculum Key Stage 1.

Hire charges for the service range from 50p to £5 per toy. Two forms of ID are requested upon joining the library.

For more information about volunteering or joining the Library residents can ring 01923 710633.