HISTORY

FOUNDER MARCIA MURRAY ENJOYS THE TOYBRARY WITH THE REAL LIFE WILL AND ESSIE

Will-n-Essie's Toybrary was the vision of Marcia Turner Murray, a former non-profit executive turned stay-at-home mother. Marcia had participated in toy libraries while living overseas in New Zealand and England and believed the concept would work well among her friends and neighbors in the close-knit Center City Philadelphia community.

In January 2007, Marcia opened the first Will-n-Essie's Toybrary in Philadelphia with funds donated by William P. Carey and Francis J. Carey of the W. P. Carey Foundation; a beautiful space courtesy of Rittenhouse Square's historic Church of the Holy Trinity; and toys purchased through generous arrangements with local retailers The Children's Boutique and Chris' Corner. Additional toys have since been donated by a number of generous toy manufacturers including K'NEX, Brio, Lincoln Logs, Schylling, Blue Orange Games and Lauri Toys. Seven months after opening, Will-n-Essie's Toybrary was named Philadelphia Magazine's "Best of Philly ®"  - Toy Source 2007.

A second Will-n-Essie's Toybrary will be opening in Wenatchee, Washington. Marcia, her Directors and volunteers hope to bring Will-n-Essie's Toybrary to other communities across the nation so that all our children can reap the benefits of pure, old fashioned, child-directed play - with the best toys available!