Toy library
A toy library or Lusothek (from Latin : ludus = actually: "game"; "school" - lusus , past participle of: ludere = "play" and θήκη = "place", "container", "storage place") is the institution or the location of an orderly usable collection of games .
History and function
The first toy libraries were created in Switzerland, while in Germany and Austria games could mostly be borrowed from public libraries. In the meantime, however, the term is also used in these countries. The foundation of the Styrian toy library "Ludovico" in Graz in 1986 contributed to this in particular .
Usually it is a municipal or communal, sometimes also a church institution with a space. Board games can be viewed, tried out and borrowed there. Often there is also a fixed date for playing together. The offer is now also accepted by adults, although the clientele consists mostly of young people and children. The social aspect for parents who meet their toddlers there for afternoon games is also worth mentioning. The offer consists mainly of so-called good games and toys (wooden) previously by a panel (. Eg Spielgut or certified toys ) were evaluated.
Toy libraries also organize larger games festivals - e.g. B. on World Game Day, operate information stands at municipal events and give free advice on buying games. In some cases, private companies such as game stores are also turning to holding game evenings and organizing game rounds in suitable rooms.
See also
- Ludothekar (unusual: "Lusothekar" )
- Amusement arcade ( 'Spiel [i] othek' )
- Library of things
