A brief history of the toy library movement is offered. Programs for both handicapped and nonhandicapped children in 15 countries are described and the effectiveness of such programs is considered. Two types of toy library programs are defined--the Scandinavian model, or lekotek (designed exclusively for handicapped children and their families and staffed by professionally trained personnel who combine toy lending with assessment of children's needs and parental guidance) and the Anglo-Saxon version (which is more loosely organized and relies more on charities and volunteer services). Lekotek and toy library programs are described for: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Italy, Mauritius, Brazil, and Zimbabwe. The following are among the conclusions: lekoteks tend to have a high quality of diagnostic and remedial service, but often lack the enthusiasm and idealism of volunteers and the active involvement of parents; and the Anglo-Saxon toy libraries have the freedom and flexibility to serve all children and to address a greater variety of personal and group needs, however, volunteers often lack the skills needed to be of optimum assistance to their clients. (SW)