Here is a list of toy and equipment libraries in York.

Some are open to all and others serve certain groups. Most have some form of membership.

Support a local toy library and make a difference.

Active Play Equipment Library

This service provides active play equipment and training to joining members. Aimed at childcare providers.

Equipment is hired out on a six week rota.

c/o Mill House, North Street, York YO1 6JD
tel: (01904) 554629
email: simon.haddock@york.gov.uk

City of York Portage Service

Portage is a home visiting service for pre-school children with special needs. Portage toys and resources are available to borrow for families receiving the service.

tel: (01904) 421454
email: portage.services@york.gov.uk

Childrens' Centre Toy Library

Small library offering toys suitable for 0-5 years and those with development difficulties. Available to all who attend the centre and others by arrangement.

Open: Monday to Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm
York District Hospital, Wigginton Road, York YO31 8HE
tel: (01904) 726623

Melody Monkeys Marvellous Music Box

This exciting portable box of music activities will give children under 5 the chance to develop a wide range of skills, including listening, co-ordination, social skills, language and number skills.

The boxes can be borrowed free from libraries but adults must complete a two hour training session costing £5.00 first. Details of training are available from Andy Shield.
Open: Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

EYDCP, Mill House, North Street, York, YO1 6JD, tel: (01904) 554391 or email: andy.shield@york.gov.uk

Special Education Needs Resources Library

Resources are available via Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) network or by contacting Debbie Adair. There are a wide range of toys and resources suitable for supporting children with special educational needs.

There is no charge for loaning resources for children with special needs.

Open: by arrangement

Debbie Adair, tel: (01904) 554380 or email: debbie.adair@york.gov.uk

Toy bus - Sure Start Children’s Centres

The Toy Bus is a friendly and fun mobile toy library service that visits communities in York. 

Children, carers and families can come onto the purpose built bus and choose items to borrow from the wide and exciting range of good quality toys, books and play equipment (Age range from 0 to 11 years).  It may also be used by childminders, playgroups, nurseries and other groups that involve children.  The bus offers a friendly place where advice and information can be found on play and toys.

To borrow toys there is a yearly membership fee costing:

• £3.00 for a family
• £7.50 for childminders
• £12.00 for nurseries and other groups

Open/locations visited: The toy bus visits locations in Clifton, Foxwood, Hob Moor and Tang Hall.  There are plans to extend the service to Carr, Haxby Road, New Earswick, St Lawrence’s and Westfield. Contact Sally for further information including the current timetable

Contact:  Sally Waudby: tel: (01904) 552323, mobile: 07796337991, email: sally.waudby@york.gov.uk

York Playspace

York Playspace offers hire of play equipment including inflatable obstacle courses and tunnels; playschemes for children aged 5-13 years and a Resource Centre including art and craft items for sale. The Resource Centre is only available to group members. To become a member contact us. Children's groups can become member of Playspace for as little as £15 per year.

Open: Tuesdays 9.00am - 2.30pm, Monday to Friday by arrangement

20 Falsgrave Crescent, Burton Stone Lane, York, YO30 7AZ
tel: (01904) 627285 or email: info@yorkplayspace.org.uk