Top 10 Questions About Joining Rutabaga Toy Library
You may have landed on this page because you are wondering what exactly a toy library is or how you can participate. Rutabaga Toy Library is a special place for families in Philadelphia to gather, play, and connect. Our toy lending library helps families reduce their carbon footprint while not reducing any of the fun in their homes. At Rutabaga, we believe that sharing instead of buying new, is not only good for the environment, it also helps us build strong communities. And strong communities build strong families.
How does a toy library membership work?
Sign up for membership & create your account.
Select your first toys to borrow. You can do this online or in-store. You may select up to 4 toys at a time.
Enjoy your toys for up to 4 weeks!
Return & Repeat
How do I know the toys are clean?
At Rutabaga we take disinfecting toys very seriously.
We ask that our members take care to remove all dirt and gunk prior to returning toys. Once returned, all items in our library are sanitized prior to returning to the shelves for future borrowing. Our staff uses CDC-recommended products. If a toy is unable to be sanitized effectively, that item is quarantined for 2+ days prior to being reshelved.
What is the quality of your toys?
We strive to maintain a high quality of well-maintained toys in our library.
Some examples of toys you will find in our library include:
Books for all ages, musical play instruments, push toys, slides, blocks, puzzles, play vehicles, ride-on toys, play shopping carts, slides, dollhouses, balance bikes, balance boards, balls, scooters, play tents, board & card games, art supplies, and more!
Why isn't a toy library free?
We understand that some folks equate the term "library"to mean free but unlike the public libraries, Rutabaga is not government or grant funded.
There's a lot of overhead involved in cleaning and maintaining toys that are safe for families. Our goal is to keep membership fees as low as possible while paying our staff fair, living wages.
In order to close the eco-accessibility gap, we've created a scholarship program for low-income families and we're exploring funding opportunities.
Contribute to or Apply for our scholarship fund. Are you able to help with grant funding? contact us!
Will the toys we want be available?
We get this question from prospective members a lot. But in reality, it’s rarely an issue for our members.
With the ability to reserve toys in advance from a library of over 1700 toys, there's always plenty to chose from. If members have their eye on a particular toy that is out for borrow, they can put a reservation on it to borrow for when it returns.
What happens if we break or lose a toy?
If a piece has been misplaced, we give you time to find it. It usually shows up once you stop looking!
If the toy part is damaged or lost but the toy is still usable, a small charge of *$1 will be assigned.
If a toy or piece is damaged and no longer usable, the member will be asked to replace the toy with a preferably pre-owned toy that is in the same category and price range. If this is not possible, the member will be assigned a loss fee equal to the cost of replacing the toy.
We want your child to really PLAY with the toys, that’s what they’re for!
Can I receive credit for donating toys?
We ♡ donations! Part of our mission is to avoid buying new, so most of our items are donations and pre-loved toys. See our Donation Guidelines here.
We don’t have a credit program, but if you have high-quality toys that you’re ready to part with but would like to recoup some funds for, we’d be happy to consider purchasing your item(s) from you.
Email us at hello@RutabagaPhilly.com
I don’t spend $45/month on toys...is it worth it?
We understand that many families do not spend $45/mo on toys, or in the very least they don't think about it on a monthly basis.
We'll share the top benefits we hear from our members about being a toy library member:
I can buy less! There are many toys that are fun to have "sometimes." Whether they are items that help your child through a developmental leap such as push toys or balance bikes, or items they quickly outgrow, like a slide, or mini basket ball hoop. As a toy library member you get the benefit of having access to all of these play items without needing to buy or find them.
I can store less! Many of our urban homes are small and feel cluttered by toys. Over time you may find you only need to own a handful of very loved items, and can borrow the rest.
It saves me mental space & time! We know that there are a number of amazing buy/sell/give communities online. We love and use those too! We also know that in many of these online communities, it takes a lot of mental space and time to secure your desired items, and to give/sell and track pickups and no-shows. We're sure we're not the only ones with a pile of
items to give away "when we have time." Our toy library offers similar benefits with much less work.
I can connect with neighbors & fellow parents! At Rutabaga, we love to help families connect and we do that not only by opening our space for play & Hangouts, but by building a community based on sharing. We believe that sharing instead of buying new, is not only good for the environment, it also helps us build strong communities. And, strong communities build strong families!
Can someone (like grandparents) purchase a membership as a gift for our child?
Absolutely!
A Toy Library Membership is a great gift, and our gift cards are completely flexible. Your loved one can purchase a gift card at any monetary level and you can apply it toward membership.
They can also choose to send it now or at a future date.
Do I have to commitment long-term?
You do not! We offer month to month plans!
You can also purchase 6-mo plans for a 10% discount & annual plans for a 15% discount.