Welcome

To the Borrowing Branch. A toy lending library rooted in the community, creativity, and clutter-free play.

What are we

At The Borrowing Branch, families can borrow gently - loved toys for a few weeks at a time- just like checking out books from the library. We offer curated toys for different ages, interests, and abilities -without the mess, stress, or storage overload.

Why We Exist

Because kids grow faster than your storage space—and faster than your budget can keep up.

We believe play should be joyful, accessible, and sustainable. By borrowing instead of buying, families can support their child’s development without constantly spending on toys they’ll quickly outgrow. Our toy library reduces waste, saves money, and creates a community of shared resources and support.

How It Works

When we’re fully up and growing, here’s how borrowing will work:

  1. Explore our curated catalog of rotating toys
  2. Borrow your favorites (daily, weekly, or monthly options)
  3. Play, grow, and return
  4. Borrow again!

We’ll offer flexible memberships, themed bundles, and community events—all designed to bring joy without the clutter.

A message from Crystal, Our Founder


Hi! I’m Crystal—mom, play advocate, and the heart behind The Borrowing Branch.

The idea for this toy library came to me during one of those everyday parenting moments. Our little family had just finished toddler time at the library, and we stopped by Excalibur so Willow could run, climb, and bounce. While she played, I noticed a child racking up tickets on the games. Her sitter sat nearby, watching the little sister play, and I commented, “She must be saving up for a big prize!”

The sitter smiled and said, “Her parents give her $30 or $40 every couple of weeks. The games keep her busy and she buys a toy—but she’s bored with it in a few days. They have a whole room full of toys they don’t even touch.”

That hit me.

When my husband returned from the restroom, I said, “They should make toy libraries. Like a book library—but for toys.”

He nodded. “That would actually be cool.”

I texted my mom and sister-in-law right then, and both immediately replied, “OMG that would be amazing.”

And about 20 minutes—and one ChatGPT session—later, I turned to my husband and said:

“I’m doing this.”

I'm creating The Borrowing Branch to give families a new way to play—one that’s more sustainable, less stressful, and rooted in community.

Thank you for being here. I’m so excited to grow this with you. 💚

I texted my mom and sister-in-law right then, and both immediately replied, “OMG that would be amazing.”

And about 20 minutes—and one ChatGPT session—later, I turned to my husband and said:

“I’m doing this.”

I'm creating The Borrowing Branch to give families a new way to play—one that’s more sustainable, less stressful, and rooted in community.

Thank you for being here. I’m so excited to grow this with you. 💚