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It’s a rare thing today to find a new toy that doesn’t involve batteries; rarer still is one that harks back to the pre-computer days of the public library. Both qualities, however, are true of the Little Librarian kit, a toy that lets children turn their own bookshelf into a real lending library. The Little Librarian kit, which started off as a mother and daughter’s toy project, gives children a way to derive hours of new fun from their very own book collection. Included in each kit are all the file folders, book pockets, book cards and library cards a child needs to create a little library, plus reading awards, bookmarks, overdue slips and a reading journal. Kids can practice the important skills of organizing, sharing, borrowing and returning using the kit — all they need do is add their own books to get started. Assembled in the US by individuals with disabilities through Opportunities Inc., Little Librarian was recently a finalist in the Disney FamilyFun contest. It’s available at select US retailers as well as on Amazon.com; pricing is USD 19.99. It may be true that most children have a digital footprint before they’re two, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still find all the fun they need offline. Retailers in other countries: one to regionalize for kids in your neck of the woods…? (Related: Monthly mail service turns kids into globe-trotters — Book publisher for kids — Interactive piggy bank teaches kids about money — Mini-franchises for kids.) Spotted by: Wisconsin State Journal