After visiting the site and taking a membership, parents can browse through the toy catalogue and create their own personal wish list. Each member can select three to four toys. Within two days of placing an order online, an employee of the library delivers the toy. The toys are mostly rented out for a month but reissues are also done.

Neeta Verma, founder of the three-month-old parent-friendly project, explains how she struck upon the idea. "We found that our own tot does not like many toys. After a month or two, it is of no use. After talking to our friends and relatives, we realised that many parents faced the same problem."

Many parents have found the library a convenient and affordable alternative. The relief is evident in Deepak Rao, a software professional's words: "The online library has made my life much easier. The attention span of a child is very short and you cannot keep buying toys. It has also inculcated a sense of discipline because they know it has to be returned and so they are more careful with the toys." The library offers three types of membership plans to suit the budget of parents. A silver membership can cost Rs199 and allows a member to borrow one toy a month. The owner of a gold membership, at Rs 299, can borrow two toys while platinum membership owners can have three toys for Rs399.

In case of damage or loss of a parts of a toy, the library tries to replace the same and charges for the replacement. If the parts are not replaceable, the cost of the toy (depending on its condition) would be borne by the member. The library makes sure the toys are cleaned, sanitised and shrink-wrapped after each use. As a safety measure, only branded toys are offered at the library.

Those who are unsure about subscribing right away can opt for a trial pack of one month. If it appeals to the member, the membership can then be extended. The library also has gift vouchers and the option of a short term membership—an ideal way to keep your grandson engaged on his next visit home.
r_arunima@dnaindia.net