Toy libraries in French-speaking Switzerland: our new directory to borrow games near you
Big news on Kidora: we are launching the directory of toy libraries in French-speaking Switzerland. It lists 115 toy libraries across 7 cantons, with their address, opening hours and lending conditions. Everything you need to borrow games and toys near you instead of buying them, and keep the whole family’s games evenings fresh without filling the cupboards.
Michael Ambass
4 min read
How does a toy library work?
A toy library works like a lending library, but for games: you take out a membership, borrow one or more games or toys, play as a family for a few weeks, then bring the boxes back and choose new ones. Board games, puzzles, early-learning toys, outdoor games, dressing-up costumes or giant games for birthdays: the shelves generally cover every age, from toddlers to teenagers (and often adult players too).
Most toy libraries in French-speaking Switzerland are associations run by volunteers, with modest family memberships (often in the region of 20 to 60 francs per year depending on the venue) and loans of three to four weeks. Prices and loan periods vary from one toy library to another: each entry in our directory states the known conditions and points to the official website for the details.
115 toy libraries listed across French-speaking Switzerland
Our directory currently covers 115 toy libraries across 7 cantons: Vaud, Geneva, Valais, Fribourg, Jura, Neuchâtel and the Bernese Jura. From the big cities to the villages, you will find the Lausanne toy libraries (Pinocchio, Ali Baba or the one in Chailly) as well as the Gruyère toy library in Bulle with its more than 2,600 games, the Terre Sainte toy library in Coppet, or MEMO in Fribourg, which brings a library and a toy library together under one roof.
Some are inter-municipal and serve a whole region, such as Ludomino in Vouvry for the Valais Chablais or the Franches-Montagnes toy library and its branches across the Jura. Others share their premises with a library or media library, handy for combining games and books in a single outing.
What you will find on each entry
Every toy library has its own page, with the information that really matters when you are planning a visit with children:
- a presentation of the venue: size of the games collection, atmosphere, special services (activities, birthday bundles, giant games…);
- the exact address and municipality;
- the opening hours, where known: many toy libraries only open a few slots per week, so it is worth checking before you set off;
- the lending conditions and prices, where published;
- the contact details: phone number and official website.
When a piece of information is missing or may change (closures during school holidays, for example), the entry points to the toy library’s official website, which remains the authoritative source.
How to find the toy library nearest you
Head to the toy libraries directory. You can search by name, town or postcode, filter by canton or municipality, or use the interactive map to spot at a glance the toy libraries around your home or around your holiday destination.
Why borrow instead of buying?
If you have never pushed open the door of a toy library, here is what wins over the families who join:
- The budget: for the price of a single big board game, an annual membership gives you access to hundreds of boxes.
- Try before you buy: you test a game at home and only buy it if it becomes a real favourite.
- Less clutter: games rotate with the seasons and the ages, without piling up in the cupboards.
- Games suited to every age: toy librarians know their collection and are happy to recommend a game for a child of 3, 7 or 12.
- A sustainable choice: the same game delights dozens of families instead of just one.
Many toy libraries also organise games evenings, workshops and events: lovely opportunities to discover new titles and meet other families from the area.
Our tips for a first visit
- Check the opening hours before you set off: most toy libraries open two or three slots per week, often Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning.
- Watch out for school holidays: many toy libraries close during those periods.
- Bring your children along: choosing your own box is part of the fun, and some venues let you play on site.
- Ask for advice: explain your children’s ages and what they enjoy; toy librarians love sharing their hidden gems.
- Ask about the different formulas: some toy libraries offer per-game hire without a membership, handy for trying it out.
What’s next?
The directory will keep growing. If you know a toy library that is not listed yet, or spot something to correct, write to us and we will update the entry.
In the meantime, find the toy library nearest you. And to receive our best ideas for family outings and activities in French-speaking Switzerland every week, join the families subscribed to our newsletter.
