What our Members Say
Here are some of the comments we have received from members over the years.
- Thank you so much for this fantastic facility. It is such a great environment for children to meet others and play, as well as for mothers to share and chat over a coffee. The toy loans themselves are invaluable to me as a parenting resource – fantastic.
- I came into the toy library and borrowed one of the new story sacks. What a fabulous idea, we all had hours of fun that afternoon and the children want it out to share every day. We look forward to sharing some more of your story sacks. Thank you all very much for your time and dedication.
- We always have great fun at the Toy Library. Great atmosphere. Great selection of toys and staff very friendly and helpful. Recommend to all.
- My boys have both really enjoyed coming to the toy library and playing and borrowing toys… It has been really helpful to be able to supplement the toys they have at home with a variety of other toys that can be changed on a 3-4 week basis.
- This Toy Library is excellent. There is plenty for children to do. It is wonderful provision for Mums and Toddlers and a great opportunity to meet each other. Well worth while.
- The toy library is great. We couldn’t manage without it now.
- We think that the service, selection of toys is brilliant – a really worthwhile project. Long may it continue.
- I have found the toy library an invaluable source of enjoyment for my children.
- The toy library is great. The children love picking toys and it gives them lots of variety.
- The toy library provides an excellent service – a chance for children to explore different toys, be creative and play with others. Good value for money with their craft materials.
- This is such a lovely facility. Thank you.
We have also asked our volunteers what they feel about working at the toy library. Here are their comments:
"I was looking for something to fill some free time that I had after finishing full-time work. I wanted to feel that I was giving something to the community of Shepshed.
I had a trial period helping at the Toy Library. The work of the Library was explained and I could choose what I wanted to help with after I had been given an overview of the different tasks that were available. These included supporting the children in their play, making cups of tea and coffee for parents and squash for the children, helping with the administration.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 6 months that I have been helping out. It has given me a purpose for two mornings a week but at the same time given me flexibility if I need to take some time away for childcare and holidays. You are never pressurised to be there but they are pleased for any help given. It has helped to keep me active and I have learnt some new skills.
I have met some really nice people; they are a friendly team and very welcoming who work very hard to provide this facility."
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"I have this year been involved in working with Shepshed Toy Library as a volunteer and although my involvement has been limited it has been a very good experience.
Shepshed Toy Library is an organisation I am proud to be associated with and I am grateful to the staff for their support to me and my business as a volunteer. The Toy Library is a valuable asset to the community providing safe learning and play for children of all ages, and support and guidance
for families.
This year I took part in the Ladies Pamper Night, setting up a stall at the event, and every effort was made to ensure I had the space and resources that I needed. Additionally credit to my website was given on the toy library blog after the event.
I found the evening to be very enjoyable and look forward to being involved in future projects and working again with the toy library staff and other volunteers."
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"Volunteering at the toy library has opened up lots of new experiences such as meeting lots of new mums who have been through, or are going through, situations I thought I was alone in.
My son has learnt lots of social skills through play, giving him vital skills for his future"
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"My introduction to Shepshed Toy Library began one day while I was visiting my grandson, who lives in the town.
A group of mothers and their children met at the Toy Library and while chatting, selected the task that they would like to help with on that day.
Although it was a cold and over cast day out side, the Toy Library was bright and cheerful, the atmosphere being both warm and inviting. People I did not know smiled at me and made me feel so welcome.
The children were happy and soon selected the games they would like to play with.
Mothers and volunteers moved to the various sections of the Toy Library and began the play sessions with the children. Other parents or volunteers were getting refreshments ready.
Learning through play operates in the library. Story Sacks are a favourite past time. A story enjoyed can be read and enjoyed, over and over again.
Volunteers started checking in returned toys or games then booking out the following weeks items.Or dealing with other administrative tasks.
My own voluntary work for the Toy Library, takes the form of assisting in fund raising. Valuable in this economic climate. I make toys or knitted or crocheted clothing for popular dolls. These items have proved popular at the open events, or pamper evenings arranged by the Toy Library staff.
I feel I am contributing something of value for the Toy Library. My efforts are giving pleasure to parents and their children. While raising funds for such a wonderful organisation as Shepshed Toy Library. There is a feeling of being valued by the Toy Library, noticeable by myself and other volunteers."
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"I would just like to say how thrilled I am that I found the toy library at Shepshed. I live in Leicester and the library is 3/4 hour away but it's well worth the round trip and i am always amazed at the variety and the every increasing amount of toys that can be fitted into the mobile.
Before the summer break I hired more toys than normal thinking that my son could have the whole of the summer to enjoy the variety of things that I had hired. Wrong again!!! for all of you that have children you will know what I'm talking about. He has gradually worked his way through everything picking one favourite item that given the opportunity he would play with night and day. This item is the vtec bus which comes in the book bag.... the wheels on the bus. The batteries have lasted and lasted and lasted!!!! It seems to do everything very loud but he en joy's it so much I haven't got the heart to turn it off. thinking that maybe I would purchase one of my own i looked up the price on the Internet only to find it was £20 which I'm afraid is far to expensive. As a result I'm doubly thrilled and thankful that i have the opportunity to use the toy library and hire things that my son would probably never get to play with. Thanks also to the staff who I have always found very helpful especially when I've sent through cryptic e-mails asking for a particular toy with only a description and not a name. I've never been disappointed they have always got the right toy."
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As a member of the Toy Library I have become familiar with the wide range of toys available for loan and have enjoyed reminiscing about toys I remember from my youth.
My two favourite items for loan are the ball pit, which is just pure fun, and the story sacks. The story sacks have great scope for play. Children can read the books alone or with friends or family, and can then use the props inside the sack to act out the play, adding to the story from their own imagination and bringing the characters to life.
As for the ball pit, I only wish it were bigger…or I were smaller!
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As a member of the Toy Library I have become familiar with the wide range of toys available for loan and have enjoyed reminiscing about toys I remember from my youth.
My two favourite items for loan are the ball pit, which is just pure fun, and the story sacks. The story sacks have great scope for play. Children can read the books alone or with friends or family, and can then use the props inside the sack to act out the play, adding to the story from their own imagination and bringing the characters to life.
As for the ball pit, I only wish it were bigger…or I were smaller!
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Supporting Schools:
As well as lending toys to families, the Toy Library also supports local schools by lending toys to support their learning themes.
One regular user is Hathern C of E Primary School, who sent us the following letter:
"Dear Toy Library,
I am writing to say how impressed I have been with the resources and toys we have borrowed from you to support the learning in our foundation stage classroom. The children have so enjoyed the varied and exciting things you have lent us.
The staff we have dealt with have always been helpful and informative and have put together boxes and bags of suitable items for the topics we have done. The toys have always been of very good quality and in good condition.
We would certainly recommend your service to other primary schools."
Mrs Mary Sibson
Foundation Stage/Year 1 class teacher
