Hackney’s libraries put out call for unwanted toys ahead of January gift appeal

Christmas time at Hackney Central Library. Photograph: Julia Gregory

A new toy story could be written in Hackney’s libraries, where unwanted playthings and games are set to be given a new lease of life.

Visitors browsing for their next read – perhaps Angela Carter classic The Magic Toyshop or Margery Williams’s The Velveteen Rabbit? – are being invited to donate toys in good condition that they no longer use.

The toys can be dropped off at public libraries across the borough as part of Hackney’s gift appeal from 3-24 January.

Hackney Council will pass the donations on to charities and education centres so the toys can be played with again.

It is hoped the appeal will also keep toys out of landfill and encourage people to think about the circular economy.

Residents can also donate or take coats from racks at libraries as part of a clothes swap campaign designed to help people weather the cost-of-living crisis.

The borough’s libraries are also part of the Warm Spaces network – places where people can cosy up without having to worry about the heating bill.

They are free to visit and open to everyone until 8pm. They also offer free wifi as well as study space, computers and a host of books, CDs and DVDs.

Residents can join a library for free if they would like to borrow items.

Mayor Philip Glanville is also suggesting that anyone with spare time or money this winter donate to Hackney Giving, which distributes funds to local charities and community groups.

People can also find out about volunteering opportunities from Volunteer Centre Hackney.