The rise of Netflix and high-tech games have been blamed for forcing the closure of a Tayside toy library after more than 30 years.
The Perth service allowed children to borrow toys for a small fee for a period of up to three weeks.
However the charity’s volunteers have seen a marked decrease in the number of users in recent years, leading to the decision to close it for good this weekend.
The final stock of toys and DVDs is being sold off at the venue on the city’s Hillend Road on Saturday morning.
Chairman Philip Brown said the committee would be sad to see the items go but a changing culture had made them redundant.
He said: “It’s been going this way for a few years – the world’s changed. Children never play with real toys anymore and families aren’t coming in to borrow from us.
“Our committee met this week and reviewed the falling membership and finances. Reluctantly we have decided to end the lease on our premises and sell off the toys.”
He said the service had once been a godsend for parents, allowing them to borrow toys for a fraction of their retail price and return them when their children got bored.
Low-cost production means it is now as cheap for families to buy items then throw them away.
He added: “When we started you only got toys on your birthday and Christmas, now you can go to the supermarket and get something for £5 – there’s no need for us anymore.
“We have loads of DVDs too but since Netflix came along people don’t come down to borrow them when they can just watch something at home.
“When you are opening on a Saturday and only getting one family in it’s time to rethink. It’s a shame after 32 years.”
Local councillor Willie Wilson expressed his regret that the group had been unable to continue operating.
He said: “It’s very sad that the Perth Toy Library has found it necessary to close down their service.
“I have supported their efforts in finding alternative accommodation and know that the council staff have explored a number of options in this regard.
“Unfortunately it’s the toy library’s committee’s decision and I respect the reasons for that decision to call it a day.”
The team will sell their stock of toys between 9.45am and noon on Saturday.
