Toys and assistive tech for libraries

Toys, software and assistive technology are to be provided by Westmeath libraries on foot of a motion tabled by Cllr Hazel Smyth for the monthly meeting of Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District.

Cllr Smyth welcomed the move saying, it is a great opportunity to provide children with toys that will develop their skills, particularly children that might not have access to them otherwise.

She asked that the toys be sourced locally, pre-loved where possible, and eco-friendly. She suggested that the council provide an online catalogue of what is available with an option to order them online.

Cllr Denis Leonard welcomed the initiative, saying it will bring back into use toys and software that might otherwise be dumped.

The move was also welcomed by Cllr John Shaw and by the chairperson, Cllr Aoife Davitt.

In a statement this week, Cllr Smyth added: "As well as being a source of fun for children, the selected toys will provide educational and developmental support to children and are to be chosen to develop motor, social and sensory skills.

"These resources can be enjoyed by all children in the community and should support children with particular disabilities, such as autism.

“Ninety per cent of toys are made of plastic and contribute to a great deal of the waste in our landfills – particularly given the fact that they usually only used for a certain amount of years and then discarded.

"A toy library is a great way of creating a circular economy and helps to ensure that all children can have access to toys that support their development.

"It cuts down on the amount of plastic being brought into homes and it also helps with the financial cost of buying new toys for parents and childminders."

“I would love to see this expanded gradually to provide a library of things, from musical instruments to sewing machines, within Mullingar Town Library.”