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Hamworthy Library pins hopes on toy story buzz

By Liam Baldock

The Poole toddler whose one armed monkey was returned to him after he lost it on an Austrian mountain is the toy story inspiring Hamworthy Library’s new reading scheme.

Assisted by Buzz Lightyear and Paddington the bear, the ‘My Toy Story’ display has opened up to encourage children to showcase their favourite toy as part of the library’s bid to increase child engagement.

The idea was inspired by the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood who use their cabinet to display toys that have an interesting story or hold special value to the owner.

Patricia Courage, Hamworthy Libraries Literacy Officer, has teamed up with the children’s committee to produce the first of many hands-on projects.

“It’s all about the children’s team and the engagement with the library that encourages conversations, reading about things and the toy element helps that,” Patricia said.

Spearheading the display is Angus the monkey, an adventurous toy that was lost in the Austrian Tyrol but was returned safely by mountain walkers to its delighted three-year old owner.

The campaign has been launched in the build up to Christmas when children are excited to see what toys they will receive.

“We wanted a special display running up to Christmas that will engage the general public coming into the library” Patricia added.

The Literacy Officer went on to say: “We hope this kicks off more interactive displays in the future. When this one stops, our next one is ‘Miniature World’.”

Running from November through to December, there’s still time to see if you have a toy story that rivals Angus and his mountaineering rescue.