About
Cape Cod
Toy Library
Nurturing curiosity, learning,
and growth through play.
Where Play Brings Families Together
The story of a small idea that grew into a community movement for children and families.
Cape Cod Toy Library was founded in 2017 to give Cape children and families a place to learn, explore, and grow through play. Our mission is simple: to foster healthy child development and learning through play by creating enriching, inclusive, and educational environments for all children and families.
It all began with Deb Willsea, a lifelong advocate for play who started one of the first toy libraries in Rochester, NY. When she moved to the Cape, she brought that same vision here — building a community resource where parents, caregivers, and children discover the power of play together.
[Read Deb’s Story »]
Since then, we’ve grown from a small idea to a regional hub for play-based learning — launching our Community Play Space (2019), the Toy Lending Library (2022), and the Outdoor Play Oasis (2022) behind Hyannis Public Library. The Oasis will reopen in summer 2027 following library renovations.
And now, an exciting new chapter begins. In November 2025, we’ll open our permanent home at 1919 Main Street in West Barnstable — a Reggio-inspired space where families can enjoy year-round indoor play environments, borrow from the full Toy Lending Library collection, and access new resources for parents and educators.
Why Play Matters
We believe play is essential to every child’s growth - it builds joy, resilience, and lifelong curiosity.
How We Bring Play to Life
From toy lending to hands-on programs, every space we create helps children lean through play.
We create Family PlayScapes — indoor and outdoor environments - exemplified by our Community Play Space and Outdoor Play Oasis, and we operate a Toy Lending Library that lets families borrow toys and books to enjoy at home.
Our programs include:
Play-based family programs, events, and workshops
Professional development for educators and childcare providers
Guidance from trained child development staff
Our resources:
2,000+ toys, puzzles, and games
300+ books on child development, play, and parenting
Play materials for infants through age 8 — and for multigenerational play
For Every Family on Cape Cod
Welcoming children, caregivers, and educators across the Cape - because play belongs to everyone.
We’re here for all Cape families — parents, grandparents, foster and adoptive families, childcare providers, early intervention specialists, and educators.
Whether you live here year-round, part-time, or are visiting on vacation, our doors are open.
We also focus on reaching families with the greatest needs, including non-English-speaking households, single parents, families of children with special needs, and those facing isolation or limited transportation — especially across the Mid, Lower, and Outer Cape, where early childhood resources are scarce.
Inspired by the Best in Early Learning
Guided by Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf philosophies that value curiosity, creativity, and connection.
Our play spaces and programs are rooted in developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) and inspired by child-centered philosophies such as:
Reggio Emilia: where the environment is considered the “third teacher,” encouraging curiosity and discovery.
Montessori and Waldorf: emphasizing hands-on exploration, creativity, and lifelong learning.
We model for parents and caregivers how to support children’s play, respond to their needs, and choose materials that encourage problem-solving, language, social-emotional growth, and physical development.
A New Chapter in West Barnstable
Opening November 2025 - a permanent home designed for year-round discovery, connection, and joy.
In 2025, Cape Cod Toy Library, Inc. moved into its permanent home at 1919 Main Street (Route 6A) in West Barnstable, made possible by a generous donor. This central, Reggio-inspired hub will open to families in November 2025, offering:
Expanded indoor play learning environments
Multi-purpose rooms for family programs, small groups, and therapeutic use
A comprehensive Toy Lending Library
A Resource Library for parents, caregivers, and educators
Growing Stronger Together
Supporting families, educators, and the wider Cape community through shared play, learning, and sustainability.
The Toy Library enriches not only families but also the wider Cape community. By supporting young families and helping them stay on Cape Cod, encouraging sustainability through toy sharing and reuse, and promoting health and well-being through active play, we strengthen the fabric of community life. We also expand access to education for children, parents, and educators while creating safe, welcoming spaces that bring people together.