{"id":1587,"date":"2024-11-03T11:52:52","date_gmt":"2024-11-03T11:52:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/itla.org\/?page_id=1587"},"modified":"2025-01-06T21:27:33","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T21:27:33","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1587\" class=\"elementor elementor-1587\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-46ef15a e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"46ef15a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-10737d1 elementor-arrows-position-inside elementor-pagination-position-outside elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-carousel\" data-id=\"10737d1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;slides_to_show&quot;:&quot;6&quot;,&quot;navigation&quot;:&quot;both&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_interaction&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;autoplay_speed&quot;:5000,&quot;infinite&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;speed&quot;:500}\" data-widget_type=\"image-carousel.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel-wrapper swiper\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"Image Carousel\" dir=\"ltr\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel swiper-wrapper\" aria-live=\"off\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"1 of 9\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Monica-Stach-2023-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"PRESIDENT\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Monica Stach - President<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"2 of 9\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Laura-Van-Laethem-2023-e1678961307971-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Laura Van Laethem - Vice-President\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Laura Van Laethem - Vice-President<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"3 of 9\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Debbie-Williams-2023-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Debbie Williams - Treasurer\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Debbie Williams - Treasurer<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"4 of 9\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Edgardo-Flores-2023-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Edgardo Flores - Secretary &amp; American Link Person\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Edgardo Flores - Secretary &amp; American Link Person<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"5 of 9\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Dream-Lin-2023-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Dream Lin - Asian Link Person &amp;  Social media\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Dream Lin - Asian Link Person &amp;  Social media<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"6 of 9\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Lilian-Oloo-2023-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Lilian Oloo - World Play Day Coordinator &amp; Africa Link Person\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Lilian Oloo - World Play Day Coordinator &amp; Africa Link Person<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"7 of 9\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Louise-Bell-2023-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Louise Bell - Member Liaison\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Louise Bell - Member Liaison<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"8 of 9\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Ana-Lourenco-2023-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Ana Lourenco - World Play Day Coordinator\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Ana Lourenco - World Play Day Coordinator<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"9 of 9\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Israel-Vergara-Alvarez-2023-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Isra\u00ebl Vergara Alvarez - Newsletter Editor\" \/><figcaption class=\"elementor-image-carousel-caption\">Isra\u00ebl Vergara Alvarez - Newsletter Editor<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-prev\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-chevron-left\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M646 125C629 125 613 133 604 142L308 442C296 454 292 471 292 487 292 504 296 521 308 533L604 854C617 867 629 875 646 875 663 875 679 871 692 858 704 846 713 829 713 812 713 796 708 779 692 767L438 487 692 225C700 217 708 204 708 187 708 171 704 154 692 142 675 129 663 125 646 125Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-next\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-chevron-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M696 533C708 521 713 504 713 487 713 471 708 454 696 446L400 146C388 133 375 125 354 125 338 125 325 129 313 142 300 154 292 171 292 187 292 204 296 221 308 233L563 492 304 771C292 783 288 800 288 817 288 833 296 850 308 863 321 871 338 875 354 875 371 875 388 867 400 854L696 533Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a92a6a e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7a92a6a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c220f6e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c220f6e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><strong>About the International Toy Library Association (ITLA)<\/strong><\/h5><p>The International Toy Library Association (ITLA) was established in 1990 in Torino, Italy, during the 5th International Conference of Toy Libraries. ITLA was created to provide a permanent international network for toy libraries, fostering collaboration and advancing the global promotion of play.<\/p><h5><strong>What Are Toy Libraries?<\/strong><\/h5><p>Toy libraries are community resources that provide:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Access to Play<\/strong>: Offering toys, games, and play materials.<\/li><li><strong>Dedicated Spaces<\/strong>: Creating environments where play is prioritized.<\/li><li><strong>Trained Staff<\/strong>: Supporting play through professional guidance.<\/li><\/ul><p>Toy libraries are inclusive, serving people of all ages and backgrounds regardless of language, nationality, race, gender, ability, or religion.<\/p><h5><strong>Our Origins<\/strong><\/h5><p>The decision to form ITLA was made on May 28, 1987, at the 4th International Conference of Toy Libraries in Toronto, Canada. Officially registered under Belgian law, ITLA operates as a non-profit international organization. Its membership includes:<\/p><ul><li>National toy library associations.<\/li><li>Individual toy libraries worldwide.<\/li><li>Organizations and individuals who support ITLA\u2019s mission and aims.<\/li><\/ul><h5><strong>Governance<\/strong><\/h5><p>The ITLA Board of Directors is elected every three years during the General Assembly held at International Toy Library Conferences. Board members must be ITLA members and are chosen to reflect the geographic diversity of the Association&#8217;s global membership.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a58af2 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5a58af2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-53859c3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"53859c3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><h4 style=\"font-size: 1.41176rem;font-style: normal\">ITLA BOARD 2023-2026<\/h4><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d554703 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d554703\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-764363b e-n-tabs-mobile elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-tabs\" data-id=\"764363b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;horizontal_scroll&quot;:&quot;disable&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-tabs.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-tabs\" data-widget-number=\"124007995\" aria-label=\"Tabs. Open items with Enter or Space, close with Escape and navigate using the Arrow keys.\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-tabs-heading\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079951\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079951\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"true\" data-tab-index=\"1\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079951\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 1;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tPRESIDENT\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079952\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079952\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"2\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079952\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 2;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tVICE PRESIDENT\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079953\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079953\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"3\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079953\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 3;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tTREASURER\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079954\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079954\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"4\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079954\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 4;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tSECRETARY &amp; AMERICAN LINK PERSON\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079955\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079955\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"5\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079955\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 5;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tASIAN LINK PERSON &amp; SOCIAL MEDIA\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079956\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079956\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"6\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079956\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 6;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tWORLD PLAY DAY COORDINATOR &amp; AFRICA LINK PERSON\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079957\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079957\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"7\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079957\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 7;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tMEMBER LIAISON\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079958\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079958\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"8\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079958\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 8;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tOCEANIA LINK\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079959\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079959\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"9\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079959\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 9;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tNEWSLETTER EDITOR\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-tabs-content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079951\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079951\" data-tab-index=\"1\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 1;\" class=\"e-active elementor-element elementor-element-a578989 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a578989\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-626158a e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"626158a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2d9f3f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c2d9f3f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"995\" height=\"664\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Monica-Stach-2023.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1593\" alt=\"PRESIDENT\" srcset=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Monica-Stach-2023.jpg 995w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Monica-Stach-2023-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Monica-Stach-2023-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Monica-Stach-2023-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e145f2f e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e145f2f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf307af elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bf307af\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"margin-bottom: 10px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">D<\/span>r<b> Monica Stach<br>Continent: Africa<br>President: 2023 \u2013 2026<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 10px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I am honoured to serve as ITLA\u2019s president for a second term. I have been involved in ITLA\u2019s board since 2014 and have seen toy libraries grow across the world. The diversity of toy library models focused on addressing local needs is what ensures the sustainability of toy libraries<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 10px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight );\">I set up Cotlands first toy library in 2008, and since then our team developed an accredited skills training course for toy librarians and have set up more than 30 toy libraries in collaboration with corporate partners.&nbsp; I have seen and experienced the power of play and firmly believe that toy libraries make a very important contribution to ignite children\u2019s potential and to strengthen relationships between parents and their children, as well as adults working with children. &nbsp;I am also an ex-chairperson of our local toy library association, TLASA, which aims to promote toy libraries in South Africa.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079952\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079952\" data-tab-index=\"2\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 2;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-88880ee e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"88880ee\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-428716a e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"428716a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5cc53fb elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5cc53fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"525\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Laura-Van-Laethem-2023-e1678961307971.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-1599\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Laura-Van-Laethem-2023-e1678961307971.jpg 525w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Laura-Van-Laethem-2023-e1678961307971-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05d318f e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"05d318f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b3c46d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8b3c46d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Laura Van Laethem<\/strong><br \/><strong>Continent: Europe<\/strong><br \/><strong>Vice-president: 2023 \u2013 2026<\/strong><\/p><p>Born in Brussels \u2013 Belgium I\u2019ve always been surrounded by toys and board games. I cultivate my inner child and try to keep a playful mind in my everyday life. After my speech therapy studies, I worked in the toy libraries sector of the COCOF, the French speaking Commission in Brussels. Beginning as a toy librarian, I also became projects manager and board games adviser. Moreover, I\u2019m presently a member of the LUDEO team, the Center of Play\u2019s Resources of the COCOF. LUDEO promote board games of quality for everyone with no age limit or specificities. We form and sustain all persons wishing to introduce games in their work (teachers, therapists, children and teenager\u2019s instructors, etc.). Our goal is to promote games as an educational engine and to use them to discover skills. Nevertheless, having fun is essential!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079953\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079953\" data-tab-index=\"3\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 3;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-0c3b621 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0c3b621\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2aa7075 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2aa7075\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db32670 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"db32670\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"249\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Debbie-Williams-2023.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1589\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d8eb7cf e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d8eb7cf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b28b22f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b28b22f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Debbie Williams<\/strong><br \/><strong>Continent: Oceania<\/strong><br \/><strong>Treasurer: 2023 \u2013 2026<\/strong><\/p><p>Debbie founded the Moonee Valley Toy Library (MVTL) in Melbourne, Australia when her first child was 1 year old. Little did she know that the toy libraries would take over her life and in 2 years MVTL grew to have 450 members.<\/p><p>Since 2014 she has been President of Toy Libraries Australia, leading the growth and professionalisation of the organisation. Toy Libraries Australia is welcoming all toy librarians to Melbourne for the 2023 ITLA conference.<\/p><p>Outside of toy libraries, Debbie is a strategy consultant specialising in strategy development, business growth, finance and mergers in the community services, health and financial services sectors. She has extensive board experience, including nine years on the board of Monash Health, Melbourne\u2019s largest health service.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079954\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079954\" data-tab-index=\"4\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 4;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-d8e9063 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d8e9063\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d2fb809 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d2fb809\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2632b6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b2632b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"574\" height=\"623\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Edgardo-Flores-2023.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-1597\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Edgardo-Flores-2023.jpg 574w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Edgardo-Flores-2023-276x300.jpg 276w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 574px) 100vw, 574px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a8e89d e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8a8e89d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d0e8c2f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d0e8c2f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Edgardo Flores<\/strong><br \/><strong>Continent: Americas<\/strong><br \/><strong>Secretary &amp; American Link Person 2023 \u2013 2026<\/strong><\/p><p>Living in El Salvador, I have been working in a nonprofit organisation since 2003. Knowing that children in my country are very vulnerable because of the violence, they need new opportunities to grow up developing their basics skills: social, physical, emotional and cognitive. Now I work for them, in Children First Foundation. In my free time helping other organisations to formulate social projects.<\/p><p>I\u2019m working as executive director at Fundaci\u00f3n La Ninez Primero (Children First Foundation) for 20 years and as a committee member of Fundaci\u00f3n Gloria de Kriete for 18 years.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079955\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079955\" data-tab-index=\"5\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 5;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-a53cc2c e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a53cc2c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7623ca8 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7623ca8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a2f7886 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a2f7886\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"281\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Dream-Lin-2023-281x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-1590\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Dream-Lin-2023-281x300.jpg 281w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Dream-Lin-2023-600x642.jpg 600w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Dream-Lin-2023-768x821.jpg 768w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Dream-Lin-2023.jpg 867w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 281px) 100vw, 281px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e98c59 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6e98c59\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4645624 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4645624\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Dream Lin<\/strong><br \/><strong>Continent: Asia<\/strong><br \/><strong>Conference organiser 2023 -2026<\/strong><br \/><strong>Asian Link Person &amp; \u00a0Social media<\/strong><\/p><p>Just Play Founder and Play Association of R.O.C Founder in Taiwan. I\u2019m a researcher of management and operation system for play and toy libraries.<\/p><p>I hope my research can help the development of toy libraries to promote children\u2019s rights to play and provide more play resources for children all over the world.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079956\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079956\" data-tab-index=\"6\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 6;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-eae0cf9 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"eae0cf9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0480727 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0480727\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b0cbf8b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b0cbf8b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"802\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Lilian-Oloo-2023-768x802.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-1591\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Lilian-Oloo-2023-768x802.jpg 768w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Lilian-Oloo-2023-600x626.jpg 600w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Lilian-Oloo-2023-287x300.jpg 287w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Lilian-Oloo-2023.jpg 868w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3111eae e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3111eae\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5793164 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5793164\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Lilian Oloo<\/strong><br \/><strong>Continent: Africa<\/strong><br \/><strong>World Play Day Coordinator &amp; Africa Link Person: 2023 \u2013 2026<\/strong><\/p><p>Founder, Toy Library Association of Kenya, National Committee President, World Organisation for Early Childhood Education (OMEP Kenya) and Consultant and Content Developer in Early Childhood.<\/p><p>With a strong Early Childhood Development and Education background, Lilian is a firm believer that every child has potential awaiting ignition. A trained trainer in Play-based Learning and Toy Library Set-up and Administration from Cotlands South Africa. Lilian supervised the establishment of the first toy library in Kenya, OMEP Kenya Toy Library. She is an alumnus of SDG Academy in Education for Sustainable Development in early years.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079957\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079957\" data-tab-index=\"7\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 7;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-c28c1ed e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c28c1ed\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d2a1604 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d2a1604\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-00f1648 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"00f1648\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"315\" height=\"330\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Louise-Bell-2023.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1592\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Louise-Bell-2023.jpg 315w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Louise-Bell-2023-286x300.jpg 286w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 315px) 100vw, 315px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61a52a6 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"61a52a6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0ec8a92 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0ec8a92\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Louise Bell<\/strong><br \/><strong>Continent: Oceania<\/strong><br \/><strong>Member Liaison 2023 \u2013 2026<\/strong><\/p><p>I am currently in the role of National Development Officer for toy libraries Australia. As well as being part of our national association I am part of my local toy library, Humpty Dumpty Toy Library in Beechboro. I have loved being part of toy libraries, we first joined when my children were younger. Now they are bigger and still loving play but are now able to help out and love helping other children and families when in the toy library. The toy library community are full of the most incredible, passionate people who I love working with. I am also an Occupational Therapist and have loved working with children and their families. So far my journey have been full of great fun playful moments, and I very much look forward to playing too with the International Toy Library Board.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079958\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079958\" data-tab-index=\"8\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 8;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-fa234f9 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"fa234f9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e937fe e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0e937fe\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a15b29 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7a15b29\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"201\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Ana-Lourenco-2023.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1596\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e7a5f9c e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e7a5f9c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cabee7f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cabee7f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Ana Lourenco<\/strong><br \/><strong>Continent: Europe<\/strong><br \/><strong>World Play Day Coordinator:\u00a02023 \u2013 2026<br \/><\/strong><\/p><p>Ana Louren\u00e7o, graduated in Applied Psychology and specialist in Clinical and Health Psychology by the Portuguese Psychologists Association. She has been working in the Play Activity Department of Child Support Institute (IAC) since 2008. She started by collaborating in several projects in the area of Health Education, with adults and children, but ended up discovering the enthusiasm of working in the area of Play as she had the happiness of finding \u201cplay enthusiasts\u201d, such as Nat\u00e1lia Pais, who showed her the importance of play activity in so many areas of our lives. She is involved in activities of supervision and technical support to Toy libraries and also carries out trainings with professionals from toy libraries. She was responsible for the study \u201cToy Libraries in Portugal\u201d, concluded this year and presented internationally, and is part of the team who disseminates and works on World Play Day promotion in Portugal. For several years, she has been representing IAC in the European Toy Libraries Group.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-1240079959\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-1240079959\" data-tab-index=\"9\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 9;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-fd0fbd9 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"fd0fbd9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-377ae9c e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"377ae9c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c813044 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c813044\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1009\" src=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Israel-Vergara-Alvarez-2023-768x1009.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-1598\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Israel-Vergara-Alvarez-2023-768x1009.jpg 768w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Israel-Vergara-Alvarez-2023-600x788.jpg 600w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Israel-Vergara-Alvarez-2023-228x300.jpg 228w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Israel-Vergara-Alvarez-2023-780x1024.jpg 780w, https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Israel-Vergara-Alvarez-2023.jpg 785w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ad4d1ea e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ad4d1ea\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50a8326 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"50a8326\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Isra\u00ebl Vergara Alvarez<\/strong><br \/><strong>Continent: Europe<\/strong><br \/><strong>Newsletter editor: 2023 \u2013 2026<\/strong><\/p><p>I\u2019m a former doctor in Biology (University of Aix-Marseille in France) and graduated in Foreign Affairs (National Polytechnic of Mexico). I have worked in the toy library Terre Ludique since 2020 where I volunteered the year before. I learned about the potential benefits of games, toys and playing during my volunteer year and the ITLA conference in South Africa inspired me to turn to games as a powerful tool for individual and social development.<\/p><p>My work focuses on using toys and games to develop conditions for dialogue between people from different cultures and living together, to understand and practice citizenship and to empower people to live in international solidarity, especially working with those that are invisible in society such as low-income people, LGBTQIA+ community, immigrants and refugees. The highly motivated and engaged people in ITLA inspired me to contribute to this wonderful community of toy librarians.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50d5540 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"50d5540\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4476939 e-grid e-con-full wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4476939\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c7250f7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c7250f7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"uagb-heading-text\">Core Values<\/h2><p class=\"uagb-desc-text\"><strong>At ITLA, we adhere to a set of core values that guide our mission and operations, ensuring our commitment to play for all.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-51adc23 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"51adc23\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"uagb-heading-text\">Inclusivity<\/h3><p class=\"uagb-desc-text\"><strong>We believe in providing equal access to play resources for everyone, regardless of background, age, or ability.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-24d5e49 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"24d5e49\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"uagb-heading-text\">Community Engagement<\/h3><p class=\"uagb-desc-text\"><strong>Our focus is on building strong communities through play, facilitating connections between individuals, families, and organizations.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d7094a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5d7094a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"uagb-heading-text\">Innovation<\/h3><p class=\"uagb-desc-text\"><strong>We strive to be innovative in our approach, continually adapting to the needs of communities and enhancing the play experience.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Monica Stach &#8211; President Laura Van Laethem &#8211; Vice-President Debbie Williams &#8211; Treasurer Edgardo Flores &#8211; Secretary &amp; American Link Person Dream Lin &#8211; Asian Link Person &amp; Social media Lilian Oloo &#8211; World Play Day Coordinator &amp; Africa Link Person Louise Bell &#8211; Member Liaison Ana Lourenco &#8211; World Play Day Coordinator Isra\u00ebl Vergara Alvarez &#8211; Newsletter Editor About the International Toy Library Association (ITLA) The International Toy Library Association (ITLA) was established in 1990 in Torino, Italy, during the 5th International Conference of Toy Libraries. ITLA was created to provide a permanent international network for toy libraries, fostering collaboration and advancing the global promotion of play. What Are Toy Libraries? Toy libraries are community resources that provide: Access to Play: Offering toys, games, and play materials. Dedicated Spaces: Creating environments where play is prioritized. Trained Staff: Supporting play through professional guidance. Toy libraries are inclusive, serving people of all ages and backgrounds regardless of language, nationality, race, gender, ability, or religion. Our Origins The decision to form ITLA was made on May 28, 1987, at the 4th International Conference of Toy Libraries in Toronto, Canada. Officially registered under Belgian law, ITLA operates as a non-profit international organization. Its membership includes: National toy library associations. Individual toy libraries worldwide. Organizations and individuals who support ITLA\u2019s mission and aims. Governance The ITLA Board of Directors is elected every three years during the General Assembly held at International Toy Library Conferences. Board members must be ITLA members and are chosen to reflect the geographic diversity of the Association&#8217;s global membership. ITLA BOARD 2023-2026 PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY &amp; AMERICAN LINK PERSON ASIAN LINK PERSON &amp; SOCIAL MEDIA WORLD PLAY DAY COORDINATOR &amp; AFRICA LINK PERSON MEMBER LIAISON OCEANIA LINK NEWSLETTER EDITOR Dr Monica StachContinent: AfricaPresident: 2023 \u2013 2026 I am honoured to serve as ITLA\u2019s president for a second term. I have been involved in ITLA\u2019s board since 2014 and have seen toy libraries grow across the world. The diversity of toy library models focused on addressing local needs is what ensures the sustainability of toy libraries. I set up Cotlands first toy library in 2008, and since then our team developed an accredited skills training course for toy librarians and have set up more than 30 toy libraries in collaboration with corporate partners.&nbsp; I have seen and experienced the power of play and firmly believe that toy libraries make a very important contribution to ignite children\u2019s potential and to strengthen relationships between parents and their children, as well as adults working with children. &nbsp;I am also an ex-chairperson of our local toy library association, TLASA, which aims to promote toy libraries in South Africa. Laura Van LaethemContinent: EuropeVice-president: 2023 \u2013 2026 Born in Brussels \u2013 Belgium I\u2019ve always been surrounded by toys and board games. I cultivate my inner child and try to keep a playful mind in my everyday life. After my speech therapy studies, I worked in the toy libraries sector of the COCOF, the French speaking Commission in Brussels. Beginning as a toy librarian, I also became projects manager and board games adviser. Moreover, I\u2019m presently a member of the LUDEO team, the Center of Play\u2019s Resources of the COCOF. LUDEO promote board games of quality for everyone with no age limit or specificities. We form and sustain all persons wishing to introduce games in their work (teachers, therapists, children and teenager\u2019s instructors, etc.). Our goal is to promote games as an educational engine and to use them to discover skills. Nevertheless, having fun is essential! Debbie WilliamsContinent: OceaniaTreasurer: 2023 \u2013 2026 Debbie founded the Moonee Valley Toy Library (MVTL) in Melbourne, Australia when her first child was 1 year old. Little did she know that the toy libraries would take over her life and in 2 years MVTL grew to have 450 members. Since 2014 she has been President of Toy Libraries Australia, leading the growth and professionalisation of the organisation. Toy Libraries Australia is welcoming all toy librarians to Melbourne for the 2023 ITLA conference. Outside of toy libraries, Debbie is a strategy consultant specialising in strategy development, business growth, finance and mergers in the community services, health and financial services sectors. She has extensive board experience, including nine years on the board of Monash Health, Melbourne\u2019s largest health service. Edgardo FloresContinent: AmericasSecretary &amp; American Link Person 2023 \u2013 2026 Living in El Salvador, I have been working in a nonprofit organisation since 2003. Knowing that children in my country are very vulnerable because of the violence, they need new opportunities to grow up developing their basics skills: social, physical, emotional and cognitive. Now I work for them, in Children First Foundation. In my free time helping other organisations to formulate social projects. I\u2019m working as executive director at Fundaci\u00f3n La Ninez Primero (Children First Foundation) for 20 years and as a committee member of Fundaci\u00f3n Gloria de Kriete for 18 years. Dream LinContinent: AsiaConference organiser 2023 -2026Asian Link Person &amp; \u00a0Social media Just Play Founder and Play Association of R.O.C Founder in Taiwan. I\u2019m a researcher of management and operation system for play and toy libraries. I hope my research can help the development of toy libraries to promote children\u2019s rights to play and provide more play resources for children all over the world. Lilian OlooContinent: AfricaWorld Play Day Coordinator &amp; Africa Link Person: 2023 \u2013 2026 Founder, Toy Library Association of Kenya, National Committee President, World Organisation for Early Childhood Education (OMEP Kenya) and Consultant and Content Developer in Early Childhood. With a strong Early Childhood Development and Education background, Lilian is a firm believer that every child has potential awaiting ignition. A trained trainer in Play-based Learning and Toy Library Set-up and Administration from Cotlands South Africa. Lilian supervised the establishment of the first toy library in Kenya, OMEP Kenya Toy Library. She is an alumnus of SDG Academy in Education for Sustainable Development in early years. Louise BellContinent: OceaniaMember Liaison 2023 \u2013 2026 I am currently in the role<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1587","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"woocommerce_thumbnail":false,"woocommerce_single":false,"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"mimatsoga","author_link":"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/author\/mimatsoga\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Monica Stach &#8211; President Laura Van Laethem &#8211; Vice-President Debbie Williams &#8211; Treasurer Edgardo Flores &#8211; Secretary &amp; American Link Person Dream Lin &#8211; Asian Link Person &amp; Social media Lilian Oloo &#8211; World Play Day Coordinator &amp; Africa Link Person Louise Bell &#8211; Member Liaison Ana Lourenco &#8211; World Play Day Coordinator Isra\u00ebl Vergara&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1587","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1587"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1587\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/itla-toylibraries.org\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1587"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}