FAMILIES are invited to take advantage of a new service which aims to bring a smile to the face of local children. Okehampton Children?s Centre, managed by Barnardo?s South West, is launching a ?toy library? this week. Just like a library full of books, it allows families to borrow what they want for a short period of time. This means children can enjoy new and exciting toys on a regular basis, with parents only paying a minimal charge. The events will be held every Thursday from 1.30pm to 3pm, starting at South Zeal Victory Hall on August 9, North Tawton Town Hall on August 16 and Sticklepath Village Hall on August 23, and will then rotate around the area. A toy library will also be held at the Okehampton Children?s Centre in North Street every Friday at the same time. Jenny Coleman, Barnardo?s children?s services manager, said: ?Toy libraries hav proved to be very popular where they have been introduced in other towns and villages around the UK. ?They provide a cheap and easy means of providing a wide range of toys for children of all ages, as well as a great opportunity for parents to meet new people and make new friends. ?It?s a fun way to bring the community closer together.? Around £4,000 worth of toys will be available. Annual membership costs just £2.50 for families and £5 for groups, with a charge of just 25p for each borrowed toy. The toys are returned when the library visits the village the following month. The Okehampton Children?s Centre is part of a wider partnership with Devon County Council.
