How it works
Derbyshire Toy Libraries lends toys to local families. Here is how it goes, from the first browse to the return.
Four steps
Join
Pay the small yearly fee online or at the desk. It takes two minutes.
Choose
Browse the catalogue. Reserve for a session, or just come and pick.
Collect
At the session, a volunteer checks your toys out and counts the pieces with you.
Return
Bring them back by the date on your receipt, ready to borrow again.
Questions we hear a lot
How do I borrow a toy?
Find something in the catalogue, then either reserve it for a session or turn up and choose on the day. A volunteer checks it out with you at the desk.
Do I need to join first?
Yes, to borrow. You can look around and play at a session without joining. See what membership costs.
How long can I keep it?
Usually a week. The length is shown on each toy’s page. Your return date is the end of the session after that, so you always know when to come back.
What if it’s out on loan?
Open its page and choose “Tell me when it’s back”. You’ll join a queue, and we’ll email you when it’s your turn.
When do reservations close?
You can reserve up to 24 hours before the session starts. After that, you can still pop in and borrow from the shelves, or get in touch if you’re after something in particular.
What if I can’t make it?
Cancel from your account, or tap “Release” in the reminder email. If you don’t collect, we release the toy for someone else a couple of hours after the session ends. There’s no charge.
What if a piece goes missing?
Tell a volunteer when you return it. We check every piece at the desk, and it’s part of the game: pieces get lost. See Fees for the details.
Is the building accessible?
Each place has its own access notes on the Visit us page. Ask us if you need anything else.
Still stuck?
Ask a volunteer at any session, or find us on the Visit us page. Or get in touch: