Colchester Toy Library

06/07/2026

Hello lovely people,
Our membership is currently dropping and we’re wondering why. Would you be so kind as to spare 20 seconds to fill in our survey so we know how we can do better?

24/06/2026

Due to the increasingly hot weather, our Toy Library will remain closed this week. Thank you for your understanding and patience. Stay cool and we’ll see you soon.

23/06/2026

Alert !!!!
Following advice from ECC regarding tomorrow’s expected heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach around 30°C by 11am, we will be closing the Toy Library for the Wednesday session. As we do not have air conditioning, the space would not be safe or comfortable for families or volunteers.

22/06/2026

Survey 2026 - Please help us to help you!
Your feedback helps us understand how well the Colchester Toy Library is meeting the needs of local families and how we can improve our sessions, toys, and services.
Whether you visit regularly or haven’t been for a while, your views are really valuable to us. The survey only takes one minute to complete, and all responses are confidential.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

20/05/2026

Our Toy Library will be supporting Family Fest, and we’re excited to be running a Tombola stall on the day.

The organisers are also introducing a dedicated SEN Quiet Hour from 10.30am to 11.30am for families who prefer a calmer, more relaxed environment. This session will have limited tickets to help keep the space comfortable and low‑sensory. During this hour, families can enjoy all the activities at a gentler pace and in a quieter setting.

Families who book an SEN Quiet Hour ticket are very welcome to stay for the whole event until 4pm.

14/04/2026

We were delighted to be invited to the opening of the new Community Centre in West Mersea, located inside the Co‑op Store on Barfield Road.

Julie and I attended the afternoon session, where we met Angela Carpenter, the Community Support Lead for the project. It was a lovely opportunity to meet new faces as well as reconnect with long‑standing friends of the Toy Library.

We were also able to showcase the Toy Library with our banner and display board. Because the Community Space opens directly onto the busy Co‑op store, we enjoyed a steady stream of interest from passing shoppers, a ready‑made audience for any charity.

The space is bright, welcoming, and a fantastic platform for raising awareness and engaging with the local community. If you’d like to learn more about the Community Space or are interested in using it, the information and QR code are included below.

East of England Co-op

Chris Earey | Chairperson | April 2025

08/04/2026

The Toy Library is supporting the Family Fest and we are running a
Children’s Tombola.
We are looking for the Tombola, donations of any unwanted New Toys.
All money taken on the Tombola will go to the running costs of the Toy Library.
Donations can be left at the Toy Library during our opening sessions
TUES/WED/FRIDAY 10.30am-12.30pm
Thank you!

15/03/2026

15/01/2026

It is with regret that we have decided to close the SEN sessions held on the first Tuesday afternoon of the month. This is due to poor attendance. If anyone is interested in these sessions re -starting, we would be happy to hear from you. Please contact us on [email protected]

14/01/2026

We hope all of you enjoyed your Christmas break and wish everyone a Very Happy New Year.

The Toy Library reopened on Tuesday 13th January after the Christmas and New Year break.

As from January, to ensure the safety of the children and to keep play fun and focused, we ask that mobile phones are not used during the play sessions.