Fiona Rose Greenland, Community Action Network Free Toy Lending Library
February 14, 2009

Bryant Community Center's Derrick Miller & Hero of the Week Fiona Rose Greenland on "The Lucy Ann Lance Show"

As a senior at the University of Michigan, she garnered national attention when she was named a Rhodes Scholar.  Fiona Rose Greenland went on to graduate from Oxford University in England, marry a Brit, and raise two children there.  But Ann Arbor was never far from her heart, and soon the Greenland family settled back home where Fiona grew up.

While in England as a stay-at-home mom, Fiona encountered a toy library, staffed by volunteers, that allowed children to come in, play with toys there, and sign out up to three toys to take home.  She realized the numerous social benefits such a design offered.  Children from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds could socialize, play with unfamiliar toys and learn about sharing and caring for communally-owned puzzles, games, and toys.

It was a perfect idea for Ann Arbor as well.  Fiona approached Community Action Network, the umbrella organization for the City of Ann Arbor’s four community centers, and soon Fiona’s Toy Library opened at Bryant Community Center.  Open every Thursday from 1:00 PM-3:30 PM, children from 0 to 6 years old can check-out toys for free.  All families are welcome, and there is no time limit as to when you return the toys.  Break a toy?  Not to worry; they know it happens, and there is no charge for broken or lost toys.

Contact Derrick Miller, director of Bryant Community Center, at 734.994.2722 if you can offer assistance with this unique program.  Bryant Community Center is located at 3 Eden Court in Ann Arbor.  Fiona’s Toy Library is a remarkable program, especially during tough economic times.  Besides, anyone who brings joy to a child is a hero in our eyes.  And that’s why Fiona Rose Greenland is a hero to us.