A library offering toys, educational resources and slings has expanded its catalogue and services with the support of a councillor locality budget.
Harrogate & Knaresborough Toy Library, which was first set up over 30 years ago and launched its sling hire and fitting service in 2024, was allocated £500 from Knaresborough Councillor Hannah Gostlow to help promote its borrowing service and play sessions.
The registered charity is predominantly volunteer led and is run from its Knaresborough base, with over 130 active members, made up of families, childminders, early-years settings and community groups, from all over the Harrogate and Knaresborough district.
Borrowing from the library is straightforward, with members selecting items for collection or return via an online platform.
Toys are split into categories such as outdoor, puzzles and gross motor skills for easy browsing, with lots of well-known brands like Lego, WOW, Melissa & Doug, Orchard Toys, ELC and many more on offer.
Items can be swapped in person on set mornings during the week, or any other time by using a locked drop box which is popular with working parents and those with children at school.
North Yorkshire Council’s councillor locality budgets provide a budget of £5,000 per year, allowing local councillors to respond to local needs by recommending funding to support specific activities.
Councillor Hannah Gostlow, who recommended the charity for the funding said:
“The Toy Library is such a friendly, welcoming place, and it’s lovely to know these new toys are ready and waiting for local children and families.
"I’m really pleased to have been able to support their brilliant work”.
With the recent injection of council funding, the group have added almost 40 brand new items including sensory toys, educational resources and items which encourage creativity and role play.
Inspired by the 2026 National Year of Reading, the team have also curated new Story Sacks which provide toys and activities centred around well-known stories - with the aim of connecting more children with books and storytelling.
Chair of Harrogate & Knaresborough Toy Library Liz Ellory-Hoare said:
“As a small charity, we’re constantly trying to find ways to fund the ongoing provision of our library, whilst keeping membership fees low and accessible.
"Being chosen for this budget has been a fantastic boost, allowing us to further improve what we offer with the purchase of many brand-new resources”.
More information about Harrogate & Knaresborough Toy Library, including becoming a member, donating or volunteering, can be found online at www.hktl.org. The library catalogue, which has over 1000 items to borrow, can be viewed on Lend Engine.
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