Toy library initiative a money-saver for parents
How many toys do parents buy for children in a year? How many of them are discarded after only a few days? While there are no real definitive answers to those questions, parents would probably reply without hesitation: The cost is huge.
But, help is at hand.
The Chunhui Residential Community in Hangzhou has launched a six-month trial toy library in a bid to help parents save money.
More than 200 different toys and 500 picture books — from world-famous brands to domestic producers — are now available to borrow from the library. A 500-yuan (US$74.80) registration fee and 200-yuan deposit allow parents, and their children, full access to the toy library.
Cuncao Gongyi, a non-profit organization made up of parents from neighboring residential communities, established the library. Gu Xunwen, founder of the organization, invested 30,000 yuan to purchase the toys and picture books.
“Our organization has hosted free parent-and-kid activities in the community for four years. However, we have gradually noticed kids’ growing demand for multifarious toys and a desire to play with others. That triggered the idea of toy library,” Gu told Shanghai Daily.
More than 200 types of toys and 500 picture books from worldwide famous brands to domestic producers are available.
The Chunhui Residential Community Committee provided her with a 90-square-meter venue last autumn. It is divided into two sections — one displaying toys and picture books while the other carved out for hosting activities.
“We offer this venue for free because of the charitable property. Their yearly fee of 500 yuan is much lower than the average market price. Most commercial counterparts in Hangzhou charge 80 yuan every hour,” said Wang Shengjue, Party secretary of Chunhui Residential Community.
The library community has grown to 260 children under the age of 8. But due to the limited space, only seven to eight kids are allowed to play at the same time, meaning parents are encouraged to book beforehand.
“I have taken my son here every day since last September. The library really helps me save a lot of money,” said Fu Weifeng, a mother of a 3-year-old boy. “Toddlers are obsessed with buying new toys and tire of them quickly. My son is no exception.
“There are dozens of boxes packed with toys at home. No more space is available for new ones. The library fixed the problem. When my son discovers a new toy in shopping malls, he asks me to borrow one from the library instead of begging to buy it.”
Toys, books and items can be borrowed for up to two weeks. Damaged or broken toys have to be replaced at the parents’ cost. But Gu said: “During trial operations, people showed high responsibility in cherishing the toys borrowed.”
The library also hosts activities in a bid to enrich the family environment.
During the past Chinese New Year, a lantern-making class attracted Fu and her son.
“The crafting class is similar to those offered by high-priced early-learning childcare centers. The library helps us save money again,” said Fu.
“The class also provides an ideal environment for kids to make friends. My son is the only child in our family. He needs friends.”
Volunteers at Cuncao Gongyi come from all walks of life. They organize various activities from book reading to hands-on classes according to festivals and the seasons.
Together with his mother, a kid plays with toys in Chunhui Community.
Parents just need to follow their social media account on QQ to get the latest information on happenings and events.
“Today, a large number of families have only one child. Without siblings, they often feel lonely and lacking company,” said Gu. “Our library is expected to provide children with a homey environment to learn sharing and social rules.”
The library welcomes all kids from Chunhui and other communities.
“I have met four autistic children so far. Mingling with ordinary kids is considered an effective way in helping children with autism. The library hopes to be an inclusive site for all children,” Gu told Shanghai Daily.
A girl named Ye Ziyu showed her charitable side when she donated one of her new toys to the library. The library tagged the toy with a story of the its origin in a bid to encourage more people to donate any unused items. “In the future, we plan to donate collected toys to children in poor areas,” Gu added.
