Toy library

A toy library or Lusothek (from Latin: ludus = actually " play ", "school" - lusus, past participle of: ludere = " play " and θήκη = " place ", " container ", " repository " ) is the institution or the place of a parent usable collection of games.

History and Function

The result are the first toy libraries in Switzerland, while in Germany and Austria games were mostly borrowed from public libraries. Meanwhile, the term is, however, also common in these countries. Contributed to this, especially the creation of the Toy library of Styria " Ludovico " in 1986 in Graz.

Usually it involves a municipal or local government, partly ecclesiastical institution with a space. There, board games can be viewed, to be tried and borrowed. Often there is also a fixed date to play together. Meanwhile, the offer is accepted by adults, although the clientele mostly consists of young people and children. The social aspect for parents who meet there for afternoon games with their infants is also worth mentioning. The offer consists largely of so-called good games and toys (wood) that were previously rated by a panel (eg Spielgut or proved toys).

Toy libraries also organize larger Festivities - eg for Weltspieletag - operate information booths at community events and give free advice on buying games. Private companies such as game stores go to part about to organize in suitable rooms and game nights to organize rounds.