Coaldale Public Library gears up for grand reopening of toy library

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Sunny South News

Southern Alberta Newspapers

The Coaldale Public Library is unveiling an exciting new collection of toys, to be available on loan for library patrons starting this weekend.

A grand reopening event, open to the public, is being held on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The newest additions to the library’s toy collection were made possible by an $5,000 grant courtesy of the Coaldale Community Wellness Association, who awarded the library funding this spring for the library to invest in the expansion of its toy collection.  The grand-reopening event will unveil over 100 brand-new toys.

As well this year, the Library also received $1,000 from the Coaldale Public Library Friends society. Planning and purchasing for the expanded toy collection is now complete, and includes building toys, infant toys, literacy and numeracy toys, and adaptive toys for children with special needs, to name just a few.

The upcoming grand reopening event will be an opportunity to showcase the new toy collection with toy displays and a free play space for children. The event will also feature games and prizes and refreshments for attendees and all are welcome to attend this event.

The toy library initially opened its doors in 2005, following renovation and the new addition to the building in 2002, with storage and collection items first purchased thanks to funding provided by the Community Initiatives Program, the Kinette Club of Coaldale, and Kasner Farms.

A recent press release noted the importance of the toy library in the community, which provides diverse play opportunities for children.

“The toy library supports children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The opportunity to borrow toys gives families access to expensive items for free and allows them the chance to test out popular and award-winning toys before choosing whether or not to buy them.”

Toys can be borrowed for up to three weeks by anyone with a current Chinook Arch Regional Library System card.  For more information on the toy library or the toy library Grand Reopening, please contact

Dothlyn McFarlane, Head Librarian at 403-345-1341 or by email at dmcfarlane@coaldalelibrary.ca.