Fun and eco-friendly Swap & Play is the focus of a new partnership which aims to bring toy swapping and libraries to communities across the country.
The Toy Library and Community Foundation Ireland have hosted a launch event at Kilnamanagh Family Resource Centre, Dublin for a new online platform www.thetoylibrary.ie providing children and families with the opportunity to swap pre-loved toys, engage in play, and learn about sustainability.
The Toy Library Swap & Play is designed to promote toy reuse, reduce waste, and encourage Circular Economy principles in communities. Attendees at such events bring up to five gently used toys to swap or simply take home pre-loved toys without bringing any.
Highlights of the Swap and Play include:
Toy Swap & Play Zone – Explore a variety of pre-loved toys available to take home.
Eco-Crafting Corner – A creative station where children can make upcycled crafts.
Teddy Bear Hub – A special mindfulness and self-care experience for teddies, where children can help their soft toys ‘relax’ and learn about well-being through fun and gentle activities.
Sustainability Education – Learn about the environmental impact of toys and ways to reduce waste.
Jerry O’Connor, Communications Director of Community Foundation Ireland, said:
“Play is important not just for the colour, excitement and joy it brings into young lives, but also the learning, development and creativity it provides.
The Community Foundation, our philanthropists and supporters all believe access to play is an equality issue. It must be open and accessible to everyone.
The Toy Library does exactly that and in a sustainable way, ending the plastic waste often associated with play. Every day of the year it brings magic to children. We are proud to call them a partner.”
The partnership between The Toy Library and Community Foundation Ireland underscores a shared vision for fostering both child development and environmental responsibility within the community.
Giorgia Anile, founder of The Toy Library, stated: “Play is a serious business. Our mission, as a Social Enterprise, is to drive radical change in the way we engage with toys, starting from children and their families.
Toys are the most plastic intensive industry in the world, and most have a really short shelf life. There are better ways to provide our kids the variety of toys they need, while also caring for our planet.
We are delighted to be working with Community Foundation Ireland who are showing such a serious commitment to climate action and sustainability for their youngest citizens.”
The Toy Library is a Social Enterprise dedicated to making toy reuse a normal part of family life. By encouraging sustainable consumption and fostering a sharing culture, The Toy Library helps reduce plastic waste and promote circular economy practices in communities. The Toy library offers a free and privacy friendly digital platform to connect families who want to share toys (www.thetoylibrary.ie) and hosts “Swap & Play” events to promote social cohesion in local communities across Ireland.
Sharing Toys, Caring for the Environment
The Toy Library is on a mission to make playtime more sustainable and accessible for all children. The organisation believes that every toy deserves a second chance to bring joy and laughter into a child’s life. By sharing toys within communities, The Toy Library not only reduces waste but also fosters a culture of sharing and generosity.
Sustainable and Accessible Play for All
The Toy Library envisions a world where every child has access to a diverse array of toys while also safeguarding our planet. The organisation strives to create a future where children can explore, learn, and grow through play, all while protecting the environment for generations to come.
Did you know that 9 in 10 toys are made of plastic? The reality is, much of this plastic ends up in landfills, polluting the environment and harming wildlife. The Toy Library believes that by teaching children to take good care of their toys, give them away when they’re no longer needed, and experience the joy of sharing, they can make a positive impact on the planet.
The Toy Library offers a unique giving platform that enables people to swap pre-loved toys, both in-person at events and online, making it easy for individuals and families across Ireland to participate. Whether at local Swap & Play events or through the online platform, The Toy Library helps extend the lifespan of toys, reduce waste, and promote a culture of sustainability and generosity.
As a Social Enterprise, The Toy Library is committed to supporting initiatives that benefit both children and the environment, fostering community connections while encouraging sustainable practices across the country.
© 2025 Community Foundation Ireland
Company Registration No: 338427 Charity No: CHY 13967 Registered Charity Number (RCN): 20044886
