A library with a difference has opened next to Swansea Beach.
Rather than loaning books or films, the new Beach Library is there for families to borrow buckets, spades and other toys that make a visit to the seaside so memorable for children.
Swansea Council has teamed up with the Secret Bar and Kitchen for the initiative.
The toys are stored in a container by the venue and families are welcome to borrow what they wish free of charge, use them on the beach and then return them before they head for home.
Council cabinet member for Community Support, Hayley Gwilliam, said: “There are few better ways to play together as a family than visiting the coast and the Beach Library will hopefully encourage even more families to get out and about.
“In Swansea we are committed to providing low and no cost activities for all families and there are literally hundreds of things to do this summer, as well as free buses every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
“Going to the beach can be an economical day out, especially important for families on a budget, but when the weather is good what can beat time spent playing on the sand?
“The Beach Library means that those that don’t have, or forget, their buckets and spades or bats and balls, can still enjoy their day.
“We are very grateful to the Secret for agreeing to host the library and for their generous donation of toys to get us started and all we’d ask of those using them is that they look after whatever they borrow and return them once they have finished playing with them.
“If there are families who have toys that are intact, not damaged, but they no longer use, then they are welcome to add them to the library and their donation would be appreciated.”
The Toy Library container, which was decorated by some of the 3,000 children who attended the free Play Day Celebration at the National Waterfront Museum early this month, will be open every day of the year.
Ryan Hole of the Secret Bar & Kitchen said: “At the Secret, supporting our local community is one of our key principles. We’re really grateful for the support we receive from the Swansea people, especially during the summer holidays where lots use the beach.
“We’re proud to be working on this in collaboration with Swansea Council and it’s a pleasure to be able to provide the toys to allow families to use the beautiful Swansea Bay.”
