Derby Toy Libraries

Hire, play, and return-endless fun without the clutter.

About Derby Toy Libraries
Derby Toy Libraries makes play more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for local families. Instead of buying toys that are quickly outgrown, members can hire a wide range of quality toys, games, puzzles, and early-learning resources for a small fee, then swap them for something new whenever interests change. Our collection supports imaginative play, child development, and inclusive fun for different ages and abilities. We help reduce household waste and save money while keeping playtime fresh and exciting. Join our community and discover a smarter way to play in Derby.
Play More, Buy Less
Membership that keeps your toy box fresh-week after week.

Services

Toy & Game Hire

Choose from a curated collection of toys, puzzles, and games to hire and swap as often as you like.

Early Learning & Development Kits

Hire themed kits that support key skills like motor development, language, STEM, and imaginative play.

Birthday & Event Toy Bundles

Reserve ready-to-go bundles of crowd-pleasing toys and games for parties, playgroups, or community events.

Stay and Play Sessions

Learning and reading led through themed play.

How it Works
Mackworth Toy Library is open to any resident of Derby City and is funded by Mackworth Neighbourhood Board and the generosity of Derbyshire Toy Library.  Our hope is that the success of this pilot project will enable other toy libraries to open in your area.

Membership of the toy library costs £10 per year but the cost saving to parents of hiring toys rather than buying them should recoup that money many times over in the course of a year. Parents and children are welcome to come and browse the range of toys before deciding if they want to join.

Environmentally this is more sustainable too, with toys being played with by many more children over the course of their life, thereby keeping them away from a landfill site for many years.

Toys are hired for a minimum of one week at a time.  The cost to hire a toy for a week is between 50p and £14 dependent on its size and initial retail price.  Party packs are also available for £45.

Toys that are to be hired are thoughly cleaned in advance and it expected that the toys will be respected, cleaned and returned in the same unbroken state with no missing parts.

Registration will require proof of residency, contact details and membership fee.  Toys can be taken away on the same day. 

Terms and Conditions Apply (See Website Footer for details).

Partners

Derby Toy Libraries is a community led initiative with three partners: Derbyshire Toy Libraries, Derby City Council and Derby Libraries to invest in the learning and development of our children through play, toys and books to support local parents. (Derbyshire Toy Libraries and Derby Toy Libraries however are totally separate entities and unrelated other than advising on the project.)

Derbyshire Toy Libraries

With over 26 years of experience with toy libraries, Ann-Marie McMillan the founder is sharing her expertise to help bring toy libraries to Derby City. Derbyshire Toy Libraries and Derby Toy Libraries however are totally separate entities and unrelated.

Learn More  

Derby City Council

Supporting our residents in the community.

Derby Libraries

Bringing the pleasure of books and learning through reading to the people of Derby for over 150 years.

Membership
Our first toy library will operate from Mackworth library which is currently being refurbished and due to re-open early in 2027.  We anticipate a lot of interest from local parents and it will help us in the development of the project if we have an early indication of the potential scale of that interest.
Please use the contact form below to register your potential interest in membership. This will also enable us to keep you updated via email on developments as they happen.
Volunteers
Derby Toy Libraries are run by the kindness of volunteers who are passionate about supporting their communities.  

Our first library will open in Mackworth but we welcome volunteers from any area who share a similar passion to work with us.  As other venues open across the City the experience gained could enable you to help become a part of a new team nearer to home.

If you would like to apply to become a volunteers either in the library or running or helping to run a 'Stay & Play' session, please contact us using the form below.

All successful applicants will require a current DBS check.  If you don't have one we will apply and pay for one on your behalf.  

Contact


 atmadsocial@gmail.com

    • Mackworth Library, Prince Charles Avenue, Derby DE22 4BG
    •  TBA
    *
    *
    *