Press Release, James Blackstone Memorial Library

Thanks to grants from Branford Community Foundation and Branford Rotary and a partnership with Traveling Toys, the Blackstone Library will unveil a new “toy library” as part of their circulating collection. This new toy library includes toys and games that can be checked out for free with a valid library card. The toy library provides access to high-quality toys and materials for play, promoting child development and play-based learning.

On Monday, Oct. 28, following its morning storytime, the library will celebrate this new collection of toys for children and teens. The toy library contains kits of toys for different age levels – from Lincoln Logs and K’NEX to dinosaurs and dolls, there are kits that appeal to a wide variety of interests and abilities. The toy library will also feature games that will appeal to teens – card games, board games, and video games, all with the goal of supporting social interaction and development.

“Traveling Toys approached the Blackstone earlier this year about working on this collection, and we loved the idea,” says Katy McNicol, Library Director. “Play is such an important part of human development, and we are thrilled to be able to offer these kits, free with your library card, that families can take home. Together, they can explore and play, without worrying about cost or storage. With help from the Friends, we’ve been expanding our Library of Things, and this new Toy Library ensures that there are Things to borrow for every age group.”

In 2019, Diana Caty and Mary Didiuk, PhD, co-founded Traveling Toys, Inc., a 501(c) (3) non-profit, for the purpose of establishing toy lending libraries within Connecticut public libraries. The goal is to provide all children and teens access to high-quality, age-appropriate toys and games. Traveling Toys, Inc. has created eleven toy lending libraries in Connecticut, and five more will open this fall. In each of these libraries, the resources can be borrowed for three weeks or played with on-site. In 2023, the number of toys and games in circulation was 22,000. Traveling Toys, Inc. is committed to providing valuable services to public libraries and the families they serve. Learn more about Traveling Toys at travelingtoys.info

Diana Caty believes that “Our success is based on our partnerships with public libraries. They are trusted institutions that provide universal access to resources for community members. Adding toys and games to the library’s collection is a natural expansion of the offerings already provided to children, teens & families,”

“We’re excited to see how these toys will spark creativity and bring families together. Whether it’s building with LEGO Duplos or playing with dinosaurs, there’s something for everyone. It’s not just about the fun – it’s about giving families a way to connect, learn, and grow through play without the financial burden of buying new toys,” added Mary Didiuk.

Join the celebration on Monday, Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the Blackstone Library, 758 Main Street.