Chattanooga Public Library Launches New Toy Library, Making Learning Fun and Accessible for Kids
Graphic Courtesy of Chattanooga Public Library
In The Know with Gino…
The Chattanooga Public Library is excited to announce the launch of its newest collection: The Toy Library, a vibrant addition to the library’s Beyond Books initiative. This innovative program allows families to check out educational toys that promote early childhood development across multiple skill areas, all with a simple library card.
The Toy Library features a carefully curated selection of high-quality, multilingual, inclusive, and environmentally friendly toys designed to support cognitive, gross motor, fine motor, emotional, and linguistic skills. The collection aims to make learning through play accessible and fun for children of all backgrounds, reinforcing the importance of hands-on activities in early education.
Thanks to generous support from the UNFoundation, the Chattanooga Public Library now offers dozens of toys that can be borrowed just like books. This initiative addresses a common challenge for many families—affordable access to educational toys that foster development at home.
What’s Available?
One of the standout items in the collection is the Toniebox, an innovative audio player that brings stories, music, and educational content to life for children of all ages. Easy to operate and perfect for little hands, the Toniebox features a variety of Tonies, including beloved Disney characters, bedtime stories, mindfulness activities, and interactive learning experiences. Kids can enjoy screen-free entertainment anywhere—at home, in the car, or on the go.
Families can check out up to three Tonies, including the Toniebox, for a two-week period. If they already own a Toniebox, they can borrow Tonies without it.
In addition to Tonies, the Toy Library offers a diverse range of educational toys such as Montessori materials, Magna-Tiles, Little Tykes Story Dream Machines, and GeoSafari Microscope—each available for checkout one at a time for up to two weeks.
How to Access the Toy Library
All Chattanooga Public Library cardholders across the city’s five locations can access this exciting new collection. Simply visit your local branch, select toys from the Toy Library, and check them out just like a book—making play and learning more accessible than ever.
Supporting the Community’s Future
The UNFoundation’s support underscores the library’s commitment to creating positive, lasting impacts within the community. By providing access to educational playthings, the Toy Library helps bridge gaps in resources and empowers families to nurture their children’s growth at home.
For more information about the Chattanooga Public Library’s Toy Library and other innovative programs, visit CHATTLIBRARY.ORG
Playing today, learning tomorrow—thanks to the Chattanooga Public Library and its community partners!
