Crappy-economy factoid No. 4,325: We’re so broke, we’re renting our toys.
For years, the Cuyahoga County Public Library system has operated a toy chest for folks hoping to test-drive that Dora tea set before investing in one. Over the last two years, the number of loaned toys rose by 50 percent — a sign that either a well-intended program is growing in popularity or Cuyahoga’s citizenry is growing in desperation. Maybe both.
And who is using the system? Everybody.
This article appears in Jan 19-25, 2011.
How about requiring at least a “book” be taken out when lending out the toys? Seems the basic concept of the library should be implemented in conjunction with the toy idea.
Also, a BIG question…are these toys cleaned by the library staff before lending out to other families? Need to think about health and safety too.
@kenrmer, yes, they are completely disinfected and checked for loose parts and other safety issues upon each return.
Run a TOY drive and get more toys, I bet alot of people do not even know you have TOYS at the Library!
And I agree, I hope they clean them very well when they are returned!
Dream Toys is a Kid’s Library, which provides a wide range of Toys, Games, Books and CD’s. These can be borrowed by you for your child’s enhancement.
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