Finger Lakes Toy Library

Ithaca, NY, September 20th, 2021: A larger location! A bigger play area! An all-ages gaming and puzzle area! A larger collection of toys and games! Serving a more diverse group of children! A bigger, better toy library! 

The Finger Lakes Toy Library (FLTL) has had to vacate the location where they have been operating the Ithaca-area community toy lending library for the past four years (since June 2017), with short notice due to renovations in the building. 

“We grew fast in that space and for half of that time we have been considering and needing an expansion into a larger space,” says Debra Lewis, Founding Board President. “So, we are taking this unexpected opportunity to do just that, and we are excited by all of the potential that our new location holds.”

FLTL is relocating into The Shops at Ithaca Mall space number D-07, the space previously occupied by The Cornell Store (between Regal Cinemas and Target). The space has 1551 square feet. With three times as much space as their former location the toy library will have a larger playspace that includes both more room for younger children to play onsite, as well as an area with tables for older kids to play with our game, puzzle and activity kit collection. 

The larger space will also allow FLTL to expand their collection, which already includes over 1100 toys for borrowing, to include more selections for older kids, as well as toys and games for children with special needs. 

“The excitement is palpable! We can't wait to see everyone in person again!” says Kelly Sauve, FLTL Director of Operations. “This amazing new playspace will afford us the opportunity to deepen partnerships and relationships as families explore Sciencenter kits, work together on puzzles, and play games from our larger selection of family entertainment. Mark your calendars -- our goal is to open back up in early October!"

FLTL has launched a crowdfunding campaign with a goal of $10,000 to assist with this move/expansion. The GoFundMe campaign can be found here: https://gofund.me/3dbc2dcc

“Our new, larger space will increase FLTL’s financial needs. We operate solely using generous donations from individuals, businesses and organizations in our community; and we offer membership with an optional membership fee donation in order to include access to everyone regardless of the ability to pay,” says Sarah Wicker, FLTL Board Treasurer. “The community’s continued participation in our crowdfunding campaigns is what allows us to support and promote the importance of play for the development of our area’s children.”

FLTL also has a Sponsor-a-Month option for area businesses and a Sponsor-a-Shelf option for businesses and individuals. For more information, please contact us at debra.lewis@fingerlakestoylibrary.org.

About the Finger Lakes Toy Library:

The Finger Lakes Toy Library (FLTL) is an independently operated 501(c)(3) community toy lending library that opened in 2017. Thanks to the generosity of donors, FLTL offers membership using a pay-what-you-can-honestly-afford membership fee system, with no minimum, which makes borrowing toys possible for all area families regardless of ability to pay. 

The mission of Finger Lakes Toy Library is to improve quality of life by increasing access to toys, supporting play, and encouraging a culture of reuse and sharing. FLTL is now located in The Shops at Ithaca Mall, Space D-07, 40 Catherwood Road, Ithaca, NY, 14850. More information can be found at www.fingerlakestoylibrary.org

Contact: FLTL Founding Board President Debra Eileen Lewis, 607-279-2690, debra.lewis@fingerlakestoylibrary.org