Push for Harwich Toy Library Gaining Steam

HARWICH – Residents of Lower Cape have been hard at work with the aim of establishing a new Toy Library for the children of the community.

The facility, to be located in Harwich, seeks to provide a playful literary environment for families with young children where they will have access to toys, books, and other learning materials.

The effort is spearheaded by Chatham resident Deborah Willsea, who has some experience in this arena. Willsea co-founded a similar institution in Rochester New York which has been going strong for more than three decades.

“As a parent with limited income when you’re raising a family and having variety for children and options, then why not have something that can be supporting families and accessible to families as well to educators,” said Willsea.

As part of the planning process, representatives with Cape Cod Toy Library Inc. have already met with teachers, healthcare providers, parents, community members, and public officials.

The Problem with the project remains to be financing. Various locations have been considered and rent, renovations, insurance, and other up-front costs remain a significant concern.

Once in place the Toy Library would be a resource for children and parents Cape-wide providing educational programs, resource materials, and professional child care training.

Supporters report that while research continues to show play is essential for children’s healthy development, play is often missing in children’s lives today.

“It’s basically a play literacy learning center for the whole community,” said Willsea, “And when we say for the whole community we really mean children with their families from age zero to 100 because senior citizens also benefit from being in an environment where their children and families.”

For more information or to learn how to contribute visit CapeCodToyLibrary.org.

By DAVID BEATTY, CapeCod.com NewsCenter

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