Minnesota Toy Library

The Minnesota Toy Library is a toy lending library with toys appropriate for children ages 0 - 5 years old to borrow much like borrowing a book from the book library. There are three toy library locations - two in Minneapolis and one in St. Paul. Our mission is to reduce waste, foster child development and build community.

Being a part of a toy library allows families to limit their waste consumption, provide materials and toys that stimulate their child's development and build a community of people that care about their children, the Earth, and others.

The toy library was started in 2014 by 4 moms driven to provide appropriate and engaging toys for their children, while still be conscience of the environment.  Through some small grant funds and hard work, the toy library was born. The group used local libraries for space and found toys from friends and family to begin their collection. Word spread and the toy library had nearly 800 families through their doors and about 5,000 toys in their inventory. In 2021, we opened a branch in NE Mpls and in 2024 we opened a toy library in St. Paul with funds from a Minnesota Pollution and Control Agency grant. We are thrilled to be able to offer our services to more people in Minnesota. 

Visit us at mplstoylibrary.org to learn more about how to donate toys, how our membership works, and what current members are saying about our community organization.

If you are interested in donating your time to our organization, please visit our volunteer page where we have slots available for you to volunteer at our lending events.  This is a HUGE help for us!

Thank you for your support.