Imagine rooms full of toys and games, and room for kids to interact with other children, share toys, and make new friends. These shared spaces exist in the form of toy libraries in Singapore.
A visit to the toy library encourages parent-child bonding, as well as the development of social skills when children play together. And you know what they say – the best way to learn is through play.
Here are some toy libraries in Singapore, most of which are open to the public (some are specifically for special needs children). If you have toys to give away, some of these toy libraries in Singapore take toy donations too.
READ: Where to Donate Your Preloved Toys in Singapore
Toy Libraries in Singapore
North East CDC Community Toy Libraries
There are 18 community toy libraries managed by North East Community Development Council (NE CDC) in Singapore, set up to support play time for families and children.
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Kids can play with games and toys such as LEGO, musical instruments and board games. NE CDC’s community toy libraries programme is the only in Singapore that incorporates a play area at the void deck where children can develop their social skills and appreciate toys that can be shared.
These community toy libraries in Singapore also welcome parents to donate pre-loved toys that are in good condition. Currently, pre-loved toys are collected on a quarterly basis.
In 2016, the North East Community Toy Library @ Pasir Ris Elias Community Club opened.
Designed to an inclusive space, it allows children with special needs to play alongside mainstream children. This encourages children of all abilities to learn to care for each other and for friends who need help. The toys here are specially selected for special needs kids. For instance, there are toy motor cars with remote controls that have larger buttons, suitable for children with fine motor skills challenges.
All the community toy libraries are open to the public.
Do give the toy libraries below a call before visiting. Find out how you can also donate preloved toys at the toy libraries.
North East CDC Community Toy Libraries
| Location | Address | Contact | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eunos Community Club | 180 Bedok Reservoir Road, Singapore 479220 (Level 2) | 62434552 | Tues to Sat, 2 pm to 8 pm and Sun, 10 am to 6 pm |
| Hougang Zone 1 RC | Blk 2 Hougang Ave 3 # 01-292 Singapore 530002 | 62833605 | Mon to Fri, 7.15 am to 9.15 am and 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm |
| Hougang Zone 6 RC | Blk 836 Hougang Central # 01-539 Singapore 530836 | 63875510 | Mon to Fri, 3 pm to 9 pm |
| Kaki Bukit Green RC | Blk 517 Bedok North Ave 2 #01-155 Singapore 560517 | 64454223 | Mon to Fri, 11.30 am to 3.30 pm |
| Pasir Ris East Zone 7 RC | Blk 207 Pasir Ris Street 21 # 01-356 Singapore 510207 | 65848174 | Mon to Fri, 10 am to 3 pm |
| Pasir Ris Elias Community Club | Blk 93 Pasir Ris Drive 3, Singapore 519498 | 65831220 | Mon to Sun, 10 am to 9 pm |
| Hougang Sheng Hong Family Service Centre | Blk 237 Hougang Street 21 #01-406 Singapore 530237 | 62895022 | Wed, Fri, 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm |
| Punggol Coral Tree RC | Blk 301C Punggol Central #01-754 Singapore 823301 | 65552850 | Tue to Fri, 2 pm to 8 pm, Sat 9 am to 5 pm |
| Rivervale Court RC | Blk 110 Rivervale Walk #01-14 Singapore 540110 | 63125140 | Mon, Tue & Thu, 9 am to 1pm & Wed & Fri, 9 am to 6 pm |
| Rivervale Arc RC | Blk 180C Rivervale Crescent #01-367 Singapore 543180 | 64433619 | Tue, 1 pm to 5 pm |
| Punggol Meridian RC | Blk 114 Edgefield Plains #01-358 Singapore 820114 | 63154670 | Mon to Fri, 11 am to 4 pm |
| Punggol Sapphires RC | Blk 268D Punggol Field #01-173 Singapore 824268 | 64446853 | Tue to Fri, 3 pm to 9 pm, Sat, 9 pm to 6 pm |
| Compassvale Beacon RC | Blk 211C Compassvale Lane #01-218 Singapore 543211 | 65095104 | Mon and Thu, 3pm to 6 pm |
| Tampines Palmwalk RC | Blk 839 Tampines St 83 #01-92 Singapore 520839 | 67858292 | Mon to Fri, 4 pm to 8 pm |
| Tampines Changkat Zone 4 RC | Blk 285 Tampines Street 22 #01-225 Singapore 520285 | 67852309 | Mon, Wed and Fri, 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm |
| Tampines East Zone 1 RC | Blk 209 Tampines Street 21 # 01-1339 Singapore 520209 | 67811974 | Mon to Fri, 10 am to 7 pm |
| Tampines North Family Service Centre | Blk 469 Tampines Street 44 #01-154 Singapore 520469 | 83681055 | Mon to Fri, 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm |
| Tampines Terrace RC | Blk 890B Tampines Ave 1 #01-325 Singapore 522890 | 64435424 | Tue, 6 pm to 10 pm, Wed, 2 pm to 5 pm and Thu, 2 pm to 5pm |
AWWA Toy Library
Started in 1987, social service organisation AWWA’s toy library has a collection of about a thousand toys. It has 650 toy library members today, according to its website.
Toys are purchased and selected by AWWA therapists, then categorised based on child development principles.
Children must always be accompanied by adults at the AWWA toy library. This encourages bonding through play. Parents can select toys according to their child’s developmental needs, and let the kids learn through play.
Membership to the AWWA Toy Library is open to the public and costs an annual fee of $12. To sign up, visit AWWA’s website.
AWWA Toy Library
Monday to Friday (Closed on Public Holidays): 9.30 am to 5.00 pm
Saturday (The First and Third of every month): 9.00 am to 1.00 pm
Website: 11 Lorong Napiri, Singapore 547532
Tel: 65115310
M.Y Toy Library by Metropolitan YMCA
The M.Y Toy Library programme uses play, music, and movement to engage special needs children.
This mobile toy library in Singapore is run by Metropolitan YMCA (MYMCA). The organisation brings its collection of toys to special needs schools and organisations across the island. Visits by the MYMCA Toy Library are usually accompanied by songs and skits.
MYMCA volunteers come together weekly to sew props, costumes and toys, to prepare for the skits. The mobile team then uses these props as part of the skit.
It makes use of handcrafted toys with special details that aid children with learning disabilities. Interested to join as a participant or volunteer? Register here.
M.Y Toy Library
Dates: 3rd Thursday of every month
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
For: Special needs schools/organisations
