When we think of libraries, sights of neatly stacked books for various age-groups encompassing a variety of genre, in an airy room tucked away in our friendly neighbourhood fills our mind. A great concept that allows for sharing and reading endless books without having to spend a fortune, yet satiating the desire to devour the girth of knowledge and experiencing the joys of reading. Now, by extending this thought, think of the possibilities when you replace books with toys. Interesting, isn't it?
A toy library is not a foreign concept. It is perhaps a lesser known concept that has not been fully exploited. I first came across this concept when I went to Mumbai last year. My sister is a member of a toy library and it was through her that I got introduced to this interesting idea. It works in the same fashion as a book library would. A deposit fee and a rental fee is all you need to get a membership and lo! a plethora of good quality activity toys that caters to a wide age group of kids is available to explore. Pick a toy that fancies your kid's interest, let the child play with it till he or she fully exploits the interest, concept and fun behind it and once the child seems to lose interest, return the toy in exchange for yet another new one. No heart-burns over an expensive but short-lived toy and no worries of storing similar kinds of toys too. The benefits could be many; this being a small step towards a more green and eco-friendly environment too.
Come to think of it, kids today are spoilt for choice with the eye-catching and extremely good variety of branded and even non-branded toys that are available in the market. While toys form a great educational tool in the formative years, what is the shelf life of any given toy? 6 months-1 year, sometimes even less or more. It highly depends on the nature of the toy and the kid's aptitude and disposition towards toys, isn't it? Doting parents may not think twice before showering in the best of best on the apple of their eyes but when you look at it objectively, there is an angle of too-much-too-soon. Children do not understand the value of money unless it is taught by example. With the number of kids fast reducing to one per family, the concept of sharing is also quite difficult to inculcate.
However, when a toy comes with a pre-limit on the time that can be spent with it, the benefits to be derived from it can be maximised; a simple demand-supply theory, here too. The child can be taught the importance of handling a toy correctly and carefully in addition to putting a cap on the attachment value to a particular toy. Of course, while this need not be a rule for every single toy that comes into the house, a toy library can largely widen a child's horizon by exposing him to as many toys as possible yet at the same time not run the risk of spoiling the child's behaviour. And, what better, when these libraries are available online too? Just select the toy and have it delivered to your doorstep!
While, there may be quite a few toy libraries in Bangalore, I'm not sure how popular they are because I have not heard of these being advertised or discussed around where I stay. Hence, when Anupma, founder of LearningLadders.in, contacted me with the details of her online venture, I thought I could contribute in just spreading awareness about this concept. Learningladders.in an online toy library, Bangalore, which offers an exclusive range of Branded, Educational toys on rent for
kids (0 - 8 years of age). Since, I'm not a member of this online library, I cannot describe my personal experience. However, the concept is not
something alien to me and I do subscribe to the idea behind it. The website and features seem promising, so I might just go ahead and give it a try.
What do you think of this concept? Would you like to be a member of an online toy library? Do share your views :-)
ETA: Most of us have concerns over the hygiene quotient and as one of you correctly pointed out, the toys are cleaned, sanitised and shrink wrapped before it is handed over for the next circulation.
A toy library is not a foreign concept. It is perhaps a lesser known concept that has not been fully exploited. I first came across this concept when I went to Mumbai last year. My sister is a member of a toy library and it was through her that I got introduced to this interesting idea. It works in the same fashion as a book library would. A deposit fee and a rental fee is all you need to get a membership and lo! a plethora of good quality activity toys that caters to a wide age group of kids is available to explore. Pick a toy that fancies your kid's interest, let the child play with it till he or she fully exploits the interest, concept and fun behind it and once the child seems to lose interest, return the toy in exchange for yet another new one. No heart-burns over an expensive but short-lived toy and no worries of storing similar kinds of toys too. The benefits could be many; this being a small step towards a more green and eco-friendly environment too.
Come to think of it, kids today are spoilt for choice with the eye-catching and extremely good variety of branded and even non-branded toys that are available in the market. While toys form a great educational tool in the formative years, what is the shelf life of any given toy? 6 months-1 year, sometimes even less or more. It highly depends on the nature of the toy and the kid's aptitude and disposition towards toys, isn't it? Doting parents may not think twice before showering in the best of best on the apple of their eyes but when you look at it objectively, there is an angle of too-much-too-soon. Children do not understand the value of money unless it is taught by example. With the number of kids fast reducing to one per family, the concept of sharing is also quite difficult to inculcate.
However, when a toy comes with a pre-limit on the time that can be spent with it, the benefits to be derived from it can be maximised; a simple demand-supply theory, here too. The child can be taught the importance of handling a toy correctly and carefully in addition to putting a cap on the attachment value to a particular toy. Of course, while this need not be a rule for every single toy that comes into the house, a toy library can largely widen a child's horizon by exposing him to as many toys as possible yet at the same time not run the risk of spoiling the child's behaviour. And, what better, when these libraries are available online too? Just select the toy and have it delivered to your doorstep!
What do you think of this concept? Would you like to be a member of an online toy library? Do share your views :-)
ETA: Most of us have concerns over the hygiene quotient and as one of you correctly pointed out, the toys are cleaned, sanitised and shrink wrapped before it is handed over for the next circulation.
