Toys, Toys, Toys!

Our guest blogger today is Linda DeCramer of the Ripon Public Library

One of the most exciting additions of 2012 to our children’s offerings at Ripon Public Library, has been a toylending library. Through support from our local noon Kiwanis and the Webster Foundation, renovations were made to an area of our children’s department, a local teen built shelving as part of his Senior project, carpeting was installed and toys were purchased with guidance from a family development specialist.

Next the challenge of creating library-appropriate-packaging, bibliographic records, and cataloging the toys began.  This was initially a bit daunting as criteria and consistencies needed to be developed, from square one, for every step. After discussion and input from many, I eventually arrived at a workable, though time consuming, processing and cataloging system..

Currently we house approximately 60 toys, developmentally appropriate for ages 0-6+years. Some basic purchasing criteria are: no batteries required, sturdy enough to stand up to library patron use, noncommercial, educational, fosters imaginative play. Eventually, our hope is to more than double the collection, and add items of interest to ages 6-10years. Noon Kiwanis will provide annual funding to the collection with proceeds from an annual pancake breakfast.  

Image from the Oregon Wooden Toy Co.