Community toy library sessions

Local families through membership fees, plus possible grants, local council or community funders and donations of toys.

Membership and session fees, topped up by grants or sponsorship. Many toy libraries cover their costs rather than make big profits, so keep the budget tight.

• Organising people, volunteers and stock
• Welcoming and good with families
• Writing simple funding applications

• Public liability insurance, and check the hall's own insurance and booking terms
• Toy safety and hygiene: check safety markings, age suitability and a cleaning routine between loans
• Check safeguarding and DBS check rules for anyone working with children and families, including volunteers
• Check data protection duties for member records
• Check which legal structure suits you (sole trader, CIC or charity) before applying for grants
• Relying on grants or volunteers can be uncertain, so plan for lean months

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how many toys you buy rather than receive as donations, plus shelving, insurance and hall hire. Local funding and donated toys may help reduce what you spend upfront.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,000, depending on membership numbers, fees and any grants or donations. These are estimates only, and relying on grants or volunteers can be uncertain, so plan for lean months.

Check public liability insurance and the hall's own insurance and booking terms, toy safety and cleaning routines, safeguarding and DBS rules for staff and volunteers, data protection for member records, and which legal structure suits you before applying for grants.