Founder’s Story
A Lifelong Commitment to Play
For as long as she can remember, Deb Willsea has been passionate about creating places where children and families can learn, explore, and grow through play. What began as a local effort in her hometown has become a lifelong mission to make play-based learning accessible to everyone.
From Rochester to Cape Cod
In Rochester, New York, Deb started the Rochester Toy Library with the Junior League of Rochester, which quickly grew into a model for other communities around the world. Families borrowed thousands of toys, educators discovered new tools for teaching, and children found a safe, joyful place to play. That library eventually became part of the Rochester Public Library/Monroe County Library System, ensuring it would continue serving families for years to come.
Along the way, Deb worked with museums, schools, and community organizations to create hands-on learning programs in science, literacy, and the arts. No matter the setting, her focus was always the same: helping children discover, imagine, and connect through play as well as supporting parents and educators work with children.
Bringing It Home to Cape Cod
When Deb moved to Cape Cod, her passion was reignited when parents and educators encouraged her to help bring similar resources to the Cape . In 2017, she founded the Cape Cod Toy Library, Inc. as a community resource where children and families could play, borrow toys, and spend time together. Since then, the Library has grown to include indoor and outdoor play spaces, a toy lending collection, and the beloved Outdoor Play Oasis in Hyannis.
In 2025, thanks to a generous donor, the Cape Cod Toy Library found its permanent home in West Barnstable. This new space will open in November as a welcoming hub for families to connect, play, and grow together for years to come.