About us

Helping Derbyshire's children learn through play

Supporting children's development through the extension of play opportunities — a registered charity run by local people since May 2000.

Our story

We were established in May 2000 as Crich Millennium Toy Library — a local resource where families could attend weekly Stay and Play sessions and borrow toys to take home. The sessions gradually expanded into other areas, and in 2013 the charity became Derbyshire Toy Libraries.

Today we're part of the Derbyshire community — running weekly Stay & Play sessions and events across the county, a toy lending library of over 1,000 toys, monthly virtual toy auctions, party packages and baby play packs — all run by a dedicated team of local people and volunteers.

We exist to:

  • Support children's education and development through play
  • Provide a place for parents and carers to meet
  • Relieve financial hardship through affordable, subsidised play
  • Keep toys in use and out of landfill
  • Act as a hub within the local community
  • Provide opportunities for volunteering and learning new skills
A hall set up for a Stay & Play session with a ball pool, soft play, tunnels and ride-on toys
26 yrsworking in Derbyshire
1,000+toys available to borrow
400+active members
1,240toy hires last year
Winner — What's On 4 Kids Activities Awards 2021

Our team

Ann-Marie McMillanAnn-Marie McMillanFounder & Manager
Lyndsey WillisLyndsey WillisToy Lending & Auctions Lead
Sarah DaleSarah DaleStay & Play Coordinator

Our trustees

Derbyshire Toy Libraries is guided by a small, committed board of trustees who protect the charity's mission, oversee its governance, and support the team. They bring a mix of experience in community work, charity leadership, digital development, marketing, and local family support.

Rehana ReidRehana ReidChair
Jacquii BrownJacquii BrownTrustee
Martin BroadhurstMartin BroadhurstTrustee
Holly ItzerottHolly ItzerottTrustee

Our volunteers make it possible

Setting up, welcoming families, making teas and coffees, checking and cleaning toys, running events — thank you to every one of you.

KateKateAdmin Volunteer
OliviaOliviaBelper Volunteer
EvaEvaVolunteer
Clare & GeorginaClare & GeorginaBelper Volunteers
AmyAmyVolunteer
JackieJackieGrassmoor Volunteer
PamPamGrassmoor Volunteer
Sarah & JamieSarah & JamieEvents Volunteers
NicolaNicolaKilburn Volunteer
BenBenVolunteer
JessicaJessicaBelper Volunteer
ElizabethElizabethAdmin & Ops Volunteer
Our little boy was thrilled to have the soft play and ball pit at home for his birthday. The volunteers were lovely, and the whole process was so easy. We'll definitely be borrowing again!
A Toy Library memberMember survey, 2025

Thank you to our supporters

In 2025/26 we were grateful for the support of: Coop Community Fund, Crich Parish Council, James Smedley Ltd, Jonathan Maycock, Lea, Dethick & Holloway Parish Council, Martin Broadhurst Digital, Tesco Alfreton, and Evolution Solution Services.

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