Aims & Organisation

The aim of the Toy Library, as set out in its constitution, is the education of children within the London Borough of Lewisham by the provision of educational and stimulating toys and play equipment.

This is achieved by

Providing a mobile toy library service, and professional guidance where required, to childminder support groups organised by the Bunbury trust.

The Toy Library is staffed by a part-time Toy Librarian and a Toy Library Assistant. We welcome volunteers to support the staff in toy cleaning. The Toy Library is open to the public for three two-hour sessions each week and a five and a half hour session on the 1st Saturday of every month. Membership is available to all families, childminders, carers and Not-for-profit groups in the borough. Members pay an annual subscription of £24 for families and carers unless they are in receipt of Income Support (proof required), in which case membership is free. Childminders pay £15/year by providing their Childminding Certificate and Groups can join for £50/year.

The Toy Library continues to depend fundamentally on the grant it receives from the London Borough of Lewisham which contributes towards the Toy Librarian's salary. We are also grateful to the Local Network Fund whose funding has enabled us to employ an admin and outreach worker. The Thompson Trust made us a grant that enabled us to bridge the gap between one Community Fund grant ending and another being awarded.

Review of progress and achievements

The Toy Library has enjoyed another successful year under the guidance of its Management Committee.

As of June 2009, membership stood at approximately 148 families, carers and groups, and approximately 54 childminders.

We continue to be grateful to the Community Fund (previously known as the National Lottery Charities Board) for its funding which is currently providing our Toy Library Assistant's salary. We are also grateful to the Local Network Fund whose funding has enabled us to employ an admin and outreach worker. The Thompson Trust made us a grant that enabled us to bridge the gap between one Community Fund grant ending and another being awarded.

Legal Information

The Lewisham Toy Library is a registered charity, number 271496. It is governed by constitution dated 10 May 1976, and amended on 8 May 1996.