Welcome to Cape Cod Toy Library
a Community Resource for Learning Through Play
The Cape Cod Toy Library, Inc. was established for ALL Cape children and their caregivers as a community resource to enrich children’s play learning and development.
Our mission is to foster healthy child development and learning through play experiences by providing enriching, accessible, culturally inclusive, educational environments, resources, and guidance for all children and families.
We are currently located at the First Lutheran Church, 1663 Main Street (6A), West Barnstable. A new site is needed for 2025 to continue access to the Toy Library resources, free Community Play Space, and professional expertise for families.
If you haven't visited, please do come by to see our Community Play Space in action on Saturday's 10-1 before the holidays or make an appointment to see the set up to envision another site. info@capecodtoylibrary.org 508-648-3227
Our TOY LIBRARY
Our Toy Library provides a curated collection of 2,000 toys, games and puzzles and 350 resource library books donated by hundreds of Cape families. The collection includes play materials for all areas of child development including social-emotional, sensory, creative, physical development as well as children’s cognitive brain development. These non-electronic play materials include STEM toys and equipment. All play experiences foster children’s vocabulary development and language literacy as well as foundational math and science experiences.
Hundreds of non-electronic, upcycled and recycled toys are available for imaginative dramatic play, creative construction play, music play, puzzle play, science and math exploratory play, game play, and physical active play.
To borrow toys throughout the year to support your child’s development - register and purchase a Play Passport Subscription OR register and apply for financial assistance to obtain a Sponsored Play Passport Subscription.
We are proud participants in the Card to Culture program, a collaboration between Mass Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector, by broadening accessibility to cultural programming.
Massachusetts EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders can receive a 3-month Play Passport Subscription to borrow toys from the Toy Library at a "pay-what-you-can” rate (0-$30 per month). After the 3 months, cardholders can receive a 12-month subscription at a "pay-what-you-can" rate.
Applications for Financial Assistance for Play Passport Subscriptions can be downloaded or completed in-person at the Toy Library during our open hours. Most of our events and programs are free of charge. See the complete list of participating organizations offering EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts.
Additionally, our community play space, programs, and events are generally free of charge.
Our COMMUNITY PLAY SPACE
Our Playroom features a play kitchen and market, dress-up wardrobe, puppet theater, doll house, rocket and car garage as well as building construction toys, puzzles and games and children’s picture books to enjoy during your visit.
Our Resource Library of books on child development and play, parenting, neurodivergent children, multi-cultural education, as well as read-aloud reference books and science/math resource books.
Our Annex Play Space expands our indoor play space by setting up play materials in the adjacent hallway and classroom for families to enjoy. A different theme is featured each week to foster children’s learning through play and family engagement experiences. Sensory and creative art materials are included as well as themed play materials. For more information, follow us on Facebook or check on our Events page.
Visitors can come explore and play FREE of charge. A suggested donation of $5.00 per family is appreciated. Our donation box is available for cash/check contributions. Online contributions can also be made anytime.
We are an inclusive community organization - all children and families are welcomed!
Our Family Play Days expand our Community Play Space. “Family Play Days” are offered when staffing, space availability and sponsorships make it possible. “Family Play Days” provide expanded community play space for family engagement play-learning experiences. On “Family Play Days” we set up the 1,300 square foot Fellowship Hall in the First Lutheran Church where the Toy Library is currently located with additional play materials as well as creative arts in the Annex classroom. The Toy Library is also open during “Family Play Days”.
Follow us on Facebook or watch our Events page for more information on how to participate!
Visitors can come explore and play FREE of charge. A suggested donation of $5.00 per family is appreciated. Our donation box is available for cash/check contributions. Online contributions can also be made anytime.
We are an inclusive community organization - all children and families are welcomed!
Our Outdoor Play Oasis AT HYANNIS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Thanks to Lower Cape TV Arts Light for creating this documentary.
The “Outdoor Play Oasis” is an outreach initiative of Cape Cod Toy Library, Inc. in collaboration with Hyannis Public Library to provide an enriching community play space accessible to Cape residents and visitors throughout the year.
Located in the backyard of Hyannis Public Library, 401 Main Street, Hyannis, MA.
It’s designed for families with children up to the age of 12 to enjoy FREE of charge any day of the year, from Dawn to Dusk. Enriching family programs, including bi-lingual programs, when funding and weather permit.
For more information on programs/events, follow us on Facebook or our Events page.
OUr PHOTO GALLERY
Cape Cod Toy Library
Promotes the value of play
Fosters healthy child development
Enhances the quality of constructive play experiences
Inspires curiosity and language development and literacy
Enriches the lives of children and their families and caregivers
Helps strengthen family relationships
Empowers parents to be partners in learning
Supports child care providers, educators, mental health practitioners
Promotes quality of life and health of the community
"Play is practice for life – it provides foundational experiences that prepare children for the broad spectrum of situations and challenges they'll encounter in the years to come."
- Deb Willsea, Founder, Cape Cod Toy Library
Support the Cape Cod Toy Library
Volunteer | Donate | Sponsor
Cape Cod Toy Library is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and depends on the support of community members to reach our goals of education and enrichment through play. You can support the Toy Lending Library and Outdoor Play Oasis by volunteering your time and expertise, by donating toys or needed equipment, and by contributing financially - sponsoring a Play Passport Subscription for a family in need or sponsoring a program or event.
SAFETY INFORMATION on COVID-19
For the health and safety of the community, we continue to do our part to follow CDC, State and local guidelines.
All toys and toy bins are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with certified safe, non-toxic, disinfectant solutions between each use and each loan.
Air Purifiers are on in the Toy Library and Play Spaces.
Masks are available for children and adults for use during any visit.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns. info@capecodtoylibrary.org 508-648-3227
Toy Library Location: 1663 Main Street (6A) West Barnstable, MA 02668
Mailing Address: Cape Cod Toy Library, PO Box 555, E. Harwich, MA 02645
For more information contact: