Toy hire service in Reading set to move to new location

Reading Borough Council has operated a toy library since 2003 allowing parents and guardians to rent out a selection of toys and games on a temporary basis. 

It used to be operated at Southcote Library until 2018, when the collection of that library was moved to Southcote Community Hub. 

Since then, the toy service has been run out of the Central Library. However, as the library is due to be replaced with a new facility at the council offices in Bridge Street. 

Councillors recently debated moving to Palmer Park Leisure Centre and stadium in East Reading. 

The new entrance at Palmer Park Leisure Centre in Reading. Credit: Reading Borough Council The new location for the toy library has been made with the agreement of GLL, a leisure services provider that runs the Palmer Park leisure centre and stadium on behalf of the council. 

The move saw widespread support at a housing, neighbourhoods and leisure committee meeting. 

READ MORE: When new library will open and what could happen to toy hire service

Introducing the change, Adele Barnett-Ward (Labour, Thames) lead councillor for leisure & culture said: "It's a service which is very much welcomed by the people who use it, but we would like to see it more used."

She added that a move to Palmer Park would provide more parking, make it easier to hire bulkier items, and allowed for the potential for longer opening hours as well. 

Cllr Josh Williams (Green, Park) said: "I want to welcome the toy library to Park ward and Palmer Park. 

"It's already a location that has families because it's a park and there's great play areas. The leisure centre has soft play, it has a swim school and after school cycling, it's already a hub for families so it seems like a great location for a toy library, so that's fantastic. 

"There is parking there for the bulkier items, there are days where parking is extraordinarily difficult, and I know the council is working with GLL on those.

READ MORE: Why library in Reading town centre is being moved to council offices explained

"It's not perfect, but it is a free car park for the first couple of hours, so that should be really useful, and also of course, the Number 17, it has a perfect bus running past." 

Rachel Eden (Labour, Whitley), the chair of the committee quipped: "It's wonderful to see the Labour council delivering for Park ward isn't it?" 

Cllr Ama Asare (Labour, Thames) said: "It helps families get access to well-made quality toys which are appropriate and essential for childrens' development, which is something I always like to hear.

READ MORE: Look inside abandoned library set to be demolished for new housing

"It will also provide a wider range of quality toys for children that are not too expensive for parents or even carers to buy.

"Overall, it encourages families to spend more time playing with their children which I think is the whole ethos of having a toy library." 

The move of the toy library to Palmer Park Leisure Centre and stadium was unanimously approved on Wednesday, November 13.