How it Works & FAQ

How does the toy library work?

This is a small, community-based project. We currently operate through contactless pick-up and drop off from a residence near the University of Memphis.

To borrow toys:

Create an account on our toy library catalog site, and choose a membership type. You can select our standard membership for $15/month, or choose the Pay What You Can option and adjust the pricing to meet your needs. Our revenue helps cover our operating costs and funds the purchase of new toys.
Once you have joined as a member, confirmed your email, and selected a membership type, you will be able to reserve toys and add them to your cart. Select up to 5 toys, then "check out" with your reservation. You will receive a confirmation email.
Once your items are ready, we will place them on the porch. You will receive another email notification, this time letting you know that your toys are ready for pick up. Reservations are located in or next to the clear plastic bin on the porch. Please find the bag with your name on the tag.
Keep the toys for up to one month, or return them earlier and trade them for new toys. To trade out for new toys, simply reserve new items online and drop off your previous toys at the time of pick up. You can also renew toys in the myturn catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE IS THE OXFORD TOY CLOSET LOCATED?

This is a small, community-based operation. We operate from a residence near the University of Memphis.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Toys are reserved in our online catalog. We package the toys in a bag with your name and place them on the porch. You pick up the toys, enjoy them, and return them for new ones when you are finished!

HOW CAN WE CONTACT YOU?

Email us at oxfordtoycloset@gmail.com

Send us DM through instagram or facebook @oxfordtoycloset

HOW ARE ITEMS CLEANED?

Toys are cleaned between each and every loan. After much research to find effective non-toxic disinfectants, we selected Force of Nature , a hospital-grade, EPA approved List N disinfectant, to sanitize. Non-porus plastic toys (such as bristle blocks, etc.) are washed and steam sanitized in the dishwasher. Cloth toys are laundered in the washing machine.

HOW MANY ITEMS CAN I CHECK OUT AT ONCE?

You may check out 5 items at once, but you also can reserve additional items for future dates.

HOW LONG CAN WE KEEP TOYS AND WHAT IF THEY ARE RETURNED LATE?

Toys may be borrowed for up to 30 days. You may also self-renew toys in the library system if no-one has booked them. After a 7 day grace period, late toys are subject to a .25 cent fee per item per day.

WHAT IF WE LOSE OR BREAK A TOY?

Before returning toys, please check for parts using the item cards in the bag. If you realize that a piece is missing, please send us an email at oxfordtoycloset@gmail.com. In some cases, we may already have or are able to obtain replacement parts.

If a puzzle or game with a specific number of pieces goes missing, you have the following options:

There is a one month grace period to locate the missing piece. The item will go into maintenance.
If not found, the toy library will see if a replacement part is available and let you know the price of that part.
If no replacement part is available, you can choose to replace the item yourself with a similar item in equal condition (ex. a gently used floor puzzle in place for a gently used floor puzzle) or pay the replacement fee listed in the catalog. The replacement prices listed take into account the condition of the toys and are lower than the purchase value.

DO YOU ACCEPT TOY DONATIONS?

Yes! To donate toys, please email us at oxfordtoycloset@gmail.com. We are particularly looking for:

Simple, visually appealing toys
Toys used for open ended or imaginative play
Toys or materials that teach a specific, isolated concept
Montessori or other hands-on educational materials
*We are not accepting any weapons (including nerf guns), toys with characters, or *most* electronic toys