In the implementation of Activity No. 3, Activity No. 5, and Activity No. 7 under project No. BGLD-2.003-0007-C01 "Comprehensive Model for Early Childhood Education and Care in Lom Municipality," under the Program "Local Development, Poverty Reduction, and Improved Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups," Priority Axis "Improved Social Inclusion of Children and Youth," Procedure "Education and Early Childhood Care," a Toy Library was established, equipped, and opened in both stationary hubs.
The core idea behind the "Toy Library" is to view play as a universal form of communication and as a resource to support child development. Toy libraries exist around the world and vary in size, operating methods, staffing, and funding. The first such library in the world appeared in the United States in 1935, while the first one in Europe was created in Denmark in 1959. The "Toy Library" provides toys to as many children as possible to encourage play at home—different types of board games, outdoor games, toys for children of various ages, dolls, educational and developmental materials.
Similar to books, toys are placed on shelves or in boxes, which children can freely access. Toys are selected primarily for safety and with the goal of encouraging child development—a good toy should leave enough room for imagination and help a child make friends with other children, as well as communicate with adults. They can choose toys on their own and play with them in the library or take them home. This encourages parents to play with their children, and playing together helps strengthen family bonds.
In each hub, a special room has been provided, equipped with toys according to the methodology.
The hub teams are trained by experts and can provide services to parents of children aged 0 to 6 and for the children themselves in Lom Municipality. The Toy Library serves as a center for borrowing toys or acts as a play area or community activity center for children and adults, and it enjoys great interest from both children and parents.
