a little bit about
Minnesota Toy Library
We believe that every child deserves the chance to explore, learn, and grow through play. Our toy-sharing program is designed to make it easy for families to access a diverse collection of toys, fostering creativity and connection while being kind to both our community and the planet.
our mission
REDUCE WASTE, FOSTER DEVELOPMENT & BUILD COMMUNITY
Our mission is to create a welcoming space where everyone can share and explore a wide variety of toys. By making toys accessible to all, we help families save resources, spark imagination, and build a stronger, more connected community.
2014: The Beginning
Four moms, inspired by the joy of sharing, come together to create a toy-sharing program. A grant from the Center for the New American Dream helps bring this heartfelt idea to life.
2014 - 2016: Growing Together
The Minnesota Toy Library begins as a mobile program, bringing toys to libraries around Minneapolis. As the collection grows, the community’s support makes it clear that this idea is just getting started.
Spring 2016: A Temporary Home
With the toys filling up, Rebecca opens her garage for families to gather and choose toys. It’s a summer filled with laughter, motorbikes, and, most importantly, a deepening connection to the community.
August 2016: A Place to Call Home
The Toy Library finds its first real home in the youth room at Richfield Lutheran Church, giving families a welcoming space to visit and continue growing together.
2021: Expanding Our Reach
As the Toy Library’s love and impact grow, Teresa and Abby open the Northeast Minneapolis branch, hosting fun pop-up events to bring more families into the fold.
2023: A Thriving New Space
We are excited to join the community at Northeast United Methodist Church, where we expand into three rooms, bringing even more toys and smiles to families in our community.
2024: A New City
We are excited to join the community in Dayton’s Bluff, St. Paul with our third toy library location. With a grant from the Minnesota Pollution and Control Agency we were able to begin toy lending in St. Paul, bringing even more toys and smiles to families in more communities.
our story
How it all Began
CHECK OUT THESE STATS
making an impact
11k +
toys donated
500+
community members
10+
partnerships
join us in
Growing our Community
At the Minnesota Toy Library, we believe in the power of play to nurture young minds, bring families closer, and help our planet by reducing waste. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating gently used toys, making a monetary contribution, or gifting an eGift Card to friends and family, every bit of support helps keep our shelves stocked and our membership accessible for everyone.