Opening times

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
  • Providing a community toy library service to as many children as possible who would benefit from the service, with particular emphasis on low income families

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 four two-hour sessions each week and a four and a half session on the 1st Saturday of every month. Membership is available to all families living in the borough. Members pay an annual subscription of £20 unless they are in receipt of Income Support, in which case membership is free.

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 March 2001, membership stood at approximately 90 families and carers, 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.
Last updated 13th September 2007
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