South Bristol Toy Library

5th MARCH, 2026

South Bristol Toy Library is a community-run project supported by Windmill Hill City Farm, offering families an affordable and sustainable way to access a wide range of toys.

Running for more than 10 years, the toy library has welcomed over 400 members and continues to support local families by providing children with the opportunity to borrow, explore, and share toys without the cost or clutter of buying new ones.

The library operates just like a traditional book library, but for toys. Members can borrow items for a small hire fee and return them when they’re finished, helping reduce waste and encourage sharing within the community.

A Community Run by Volunteers

The toy library is run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers. One of them, Stacy, has been involved since her youngest son was a baby.

“I have been volunteering with the library since I was on maternity leave with my youngest son. He turned 10 last year, so we have both been involved a while now. I love the sense of community that the library has. We have an amazing volunteer team who run the library really efficiently.”

Families are welcome not only to borrow toys but also to stay and play during opening hours.

“Members and children are welcome to play during our opening hours and test out toys. It is a very friendly, welcoming and inclusive environment.”

The toy library is based at St Michael's and All Angels Church on Vivian Street in Windmill Hill, known to many parents as the home of Scramblers on the Hill sessions. On Saturdays, the space becomes the toy library. Sessions run fortnightly from 10 am to midday, all year round. Families can simply turn up to find out more or join on the day.

Sustainable Play for Growing Children

Children grow quickly, and their interests change just as fast. Borrowing toys means families can avoid filling their homes with items that may only be used for a short time.

“I really support our ethos of reducing waste and minimising the plastic and overconsumption that toys create. Children grow so quickly, and cluttering up your home with loads of toys makes no sense when you can borrow them and return them when children are no longer interested.”

Members have access to high-quality toys from well-known brands, including Grimm's Spiel und Holz Design, Hape, PlanToys, Magformers, and Magna-Tiles. The library also stocks larger items such as climbing frames and soft play equipment that are ideal for parties or special occasions. Sharing toys also helps children develop social skills and learn about generosity.

Membership and Toy Hire

Joining the toy library is simple and affordable:

Annual membership: £15
Reduced membership: £7.50 for anyone receiving benefits

Toy hire fees range from 20p to £2 for a two-week loan. If toys cannot be returned within two weeks, members pay the additional hire cost, there are no late fines.

Larger items such as indoor climbing frames and soft play sets can be hired for parties. These typically cost £10–£20, with a £50 refundable deposit. Most toys cannot be reserved in advance, so availability depends on the stock on hand when you visit.

When to Visit

Toy library sessions take place fortnightly on Saturdays from 10am to 12pm. The next session is on the 14th of March, with sessions continuing every two weeks throughout the year.

Come Along and Get Involved

The toy library welcomes new members and volunteers, and families are always encouraged to drop in to see how it works.

Suggestions for new toys, especially those supporting children with Special Educational Needs or reflecting different cultures are always welcome.

Why not come along and say hello?

BROWSE THE TOY LIBRARY CATALOGUE

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