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
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.
READ: Go Christmas Karting on 10 Dec with the Family
READ: Join a Holiday Camp with Playtime at the World's Largest Inflatable Playground
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
READ: Where to Donate Your Preloved Toys in Singapore
