We’re thrilled to introduce the Minnesota Toy Library, a valued member since 2022! With a strong focus on reducing waste, promoting development, and building community, the Minnesota Toy Library is passionate about fostering sustainable play for young children. Get to know more about the organization from the founder and Executive Director, Rebecca Nutter.

Describe the mission and activities of your organization.

The Minnesota Toy Library is a toy lending library. We lend toys that are appropriate for children aged 0 - 5 years old where caregivers can check out up to 5 toys at a time and return when they are done! In 2014, I joined 3 other local Minnesota moms who had the idea to start a toy library and we began lending in Spring 2015. We started with 50 toys and rented rooms from public libraries to host our events. Now we have over 9,000 toys and 3 permanent locations.

South Minneapolis location – 8 W 60th St (door #11), Minneapolis, MN 55419
Northeast Minneapolis location – 2510 Cleveland St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
St. Paul location - Inside Progressive Baptist Church, 1505 Burns Ave, St. Paul, MN 55106

Visit our calendar online and subscribe to stay updated on our hours. Members have access to all of the branches.

How does Reuse Minnesota align with your organization's mission?

Joining Reuse Minnesota was an important step for our toy library. While many toy libraries emphasize the cost savings and play opportunities that come with lending toys (which are indeed important!), we are especially focused on the environmental impact. Lending toys reduces waste and lessens the strain on our environment. We have the opportunity to teach children about reuse at a very young age. By becoming a member of Reuse Minnesota, we can amplify this message to the public and learn from others in the reuse community.

You’ve recently had some exciting news! How is Minnesota Toy Library promoting environmental justice in the Twin Cities?

The Minnesota Toy Library was recently awarded a grant from the Minnesota Pollution and Control Agency. This grant focused on projects that were committed to the principle of environmental justice - which means that all people would benefit from equal levels of environmental protection. Our grant title, "Sustainable Play for All: Expanding Community Toy Lending to St. Paul," would provide toy lending in the east metro of the Twin Cities, helping those caring for young children reduce waste around playtime.

We opened our doors at the St. Paul location at the end of August 2024 and currently have 12 members. We are hoping to reach more diverse communities by reaching out to Hmong and Karen populations and to make it more accessible, we offer translation services through Language Line. We are continuing to talk with local public libraries, early childhood family education, and those working with young children to share the news. We hope to bring in 100 members in our first year.

How can people sign up for a membership?

Membership is a yearly cost and is on a sliding scale from $40 - $100. Members pay what is comfortable for them. We accept cash, card, check or Venmo at any location. Check out up to 5 toys at a time and return them in 2 - 4 weeks. Members are responsible for the care and cleaning of the toys. There are also scholarships available to cover the cost of membership.

How can community members support you?

We are in need of volunteers to help at our St. Paul location. Volunteer duties include reshelving toys and helping families check in and out toys with our computer software. Sign up here! It's also a great opportunity for high school students if they need volunteer hours!

You can reach the Minnesota Toy Library team at mplstoylibrary@gmail.com.