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Volunteer Movement Association
← Equal Opportunity in Education

Toy Library

We give children the habit of sharing and a sense of responsibility at an early age, while helping the sharing economy grow.

The Toy Library is built on a model that covers families and children of every socio-economic level. By creating equal opportunity it supports children's education within social life.

Because a toy is the first thing a child ever owns, the Toy Library is a project directly tied to — and supportive of — a child's individual development.

Shelves at the Toy Library

Membership and borrowing

Membership

Free

No donation required

Borrowing

3 items

2 toys + 1 book

Period

7–30 days

Return and take new ones

A year

156

Toys and books with weekly visits

  1. 1A membership form is filled in by the child's mother or father — a separate form for each child.
  2. 2Membership is free and the card is handed over at the library. Anyone who wants to support the project can become a donor at any time.
  3. 3The card is shown to staff on every visit, and stamped each time something is borrowed.
  4. 4Member children borrow 2 toys and 1 book (or 1 toy and 2 books) for 7 to 30 days, then return them and take new ones.

Why a Toy Library?

  • Children develop a sense of responsibility early on and learn to share
  • Children experience library culture at a younger age
  • It helps the family budget
  • It helps the sharing economy grow across society
  • Thanks to donations, unneeded toys and books are saved from the bin
  • Surplus toys and books reach children in rural and disadvantaged areas
  • It draws children away from consumption and prevents buying beyond need
  • It informs families about play culture and choosing toys

Where are we?

📌 Bursa Toy Library
Opened on 29 January 2018 with premises provided by Nilüfer Municipality.

Get in touch with us about opening new toy libraries in other cities and districts of Türkiye.

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Toy and book requests for schools

We send surplus donated toys and books to schools in disadvantaged areas that need them. Teachers working at those schools can send us their requests by filling in the form.

Request form for schools →

Would you like to volunteer?

There are three ways to contribute.

Volunteer at the library

  • Welcoming the families and children who come in
  • Taking new membership applications
  • Recording what is borrowed and returned
  • Keeping the library in order
  • Packing surplus toys to be sent to schools
Time
One day a week, 3 hours between 11.00–14.00 or 14.00–17.00
Age
15+

Run an event or a seminar

  • Running an event or workshop for children on a subject you know well
  • Giving a seminar or training for parents in your field of expertise
Time
Events for children are one-off or seasonal; those for parents are usually one-off
Age
18+

Start a toy collection campaign

  • Starting a book and toy collection at your school, workplace, housing complex or among friends
  • Getting support from us for things like posters, leaflets or social media designs
Time
Flexible
Age
—

A reminder: the opening and holiday days of our toy libraries can differ from location to location.

Volunteer Application FormSupport the project with a donationinfo@gonulluhareketi.org

Equal Opportunity in Education Programme

Grow Through Play →Accessible Library →