PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH TOY LENDING LIBRARY

Fifty years ago, a group of local parents decided to open a space to lend out toys and allow children and their families to connect and play together.

Today, the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library is celebrating its 50th anniversary, making it one of the oldest continuously operating toy libraries in the United States. From 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, it will host a 50th birthday party open to the public, and admission will be free during public operating hours all month long.

“We are very excited that the PTLL is reaching this exciting milestone,” says membership coordinator Shea O’Sullivan.

“Our core philosophy today remains much the same as it was in 1974. We continue to recognize that play is how children learn; that loving caregiver-child relationships are essential to children’s development; that parenting is a learned skill; and that fostering connection and community benefits everyone.”

PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH TOY LENDING LIBRARY

The Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library opened on Nov. 6, 1974 in the Shadyside Information Center at 5744 Ellsworth Ave., in a space provided by the Community Mental Health Program of Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (now UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital). Most of its first toys were donations from the Washington, D.C., Toy Lending Library.

In 1975, it moved inside the First United Methodist Church at 5401 Centre Ave. (but is not affiliated with the church).

The nonprofit is entirely volunteer-run with no paid staff. Parents and community members volunteer their time to run the epic play center, which hosts members-only hours and public hours for kids to visit.

O’Sullivan says the best way for people to support the mission of the toy lending library is to simply come and play (admission for non-members is $5 per child or $10 per family during public play sessions) or consider a volunteer membership, which costs $50 a year (there’s also a pay-what-you-can option for families experiencing hardship) and requires you to volunteer for one two-hour shift a month. Perks of the membership include free entry to the playspace during public and membership-only hours, 50% off birthday party bookings and a free guest pass during your volunteer shift.

“It’s also a great way to build community in the space and have your children volunteer alongside you,” O’Sullivan says.