Welcome to Cape Cod Toy Library
The Cape Cod Toy Library was created 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.
TOY LENDING LIBRARY
Our core program is a Toy Lending Library – with a curated collection of 1,500 toys, games and puzzles and 350 resource library books donated by hundreds of Cape families. Our Toy Lending Library 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 principles.
We have hundreds of non-electronic, upcycled and recycled toys for imaginative dramatic play, creative construction play, for music play, for puzzle play, for science and math exploratory play, for game play and for 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 can be downloaded or completed in-person at the Toy Library during our open hours. 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 free of charge.
OUR RESouRCE LIBRARY & PLAYROOM
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 Playroom features a puppet theater, dress-up wardrobe, 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.
Visitors can come explore and play FREE of charge.
Donations of any amount are appreciated. Our donation box is available for cash/check contributions of any amount for visiting families. Online contributions can also be made anytime.
We are an inclusive community organization - all children and families are welcomed!
OUR ANNEX PLAY SPACE
Additionally, we expand our indoor play space by setting up play materials in the adjacent hallway and large classroom for families to enjoy. The set up changes each week to focus on a new theme for family play experiences. For more information, follow us on Facebook or watch our Events page.
Visitors can come explore and play free of charge.
We are an inclusive community organization - all children and families are welcomed!
Family PLay Days!
Cape Cod Toy Library offers “Family Play Days” when staffing, space availability and sponsorships make it possible. “Family Play Days” provide expanded 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 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.
Donations of any amount are appreciated. Our donation box is available for cash/check contributions of any amount for visiting families. Online contributions can also be made anytime.
We are an inclusive community organization - all children and families are welcomed!
Outdoor Play OASIS at HYannis PUBLIC LIBRary
The “Outdoor Play Oasis” is an outreach initiative of Cape Cod Toy Library to provide an enriching community play space accessible to Cape residents and visitors throughout the year in collaboration with Hyannis Public Library.
The “Outdoor Play Oasis” is located in the backyard of Hyannis Public Library, 401 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
Enriching family programs, including bi-lingual programs, are hosted by Cape Cod Toy Library and/or Hyannis Public Library when funding and weather permit. For more information on programs/events, follow us on Facebook or watch our Events page.
Families with children up to the age of 12 can play there FREE of charge, any day of the year from Dawn to Dusk.
We are an inclusive community organization - all children and families are welcomed!
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: