Six new "ParkBox" installations, including books, toys, and sports equipment, are launching in Croydon parks.
The boxes will be officially opened by Mayor Jason Perry on Monday, July 28.
Croydon ParkBox is launching the initiative, funded by The Shackleton Foundation, in an attempt to tackle the childhood play crisis.
The free-to-use mini-libraries, made and maintained in Croydon, are a response to alarming statistics showing almost one million UK children do not have a single book at home.
Robert Dickinson, the founder of Croydon ParkBox, said: "ParkBox was born out of the simple idea that children shouldn't have to bring their own entertainment to the park.
"Shouldn't books and toys already be there?
"We're putting educational resources directly where families go to play, making parks into spaces where children can learn, explore, and connect with each other."
The locations of the new ParkBoxes are Purley Beeches, Coombe Wood Lodge, South Croydon Recreation Park, Haling Grove Park, Rotary Field, and Croham Wood.
Each box contains books, toys, and sports equipment suitable for different age groups.
Croydon councillor Danielle Denton providing early support for the initiative.
Councillor Denton said: "With the cost-of-living crisis limiting family access to educational resources, we need innovative solutions that bring learning and play directly to our communities."
The initiative aims to increase parent-child play, create community focal points, and provide accessible learning opportunities for families of all income levels.
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There are plans to install more boxes across the borough, subject to the recruitment of volunteers and fundraising.
Anyone interested in supporting the initiative can donate through the project's GoFundMe page, while those wanting to volunteer as ParkBox Rangers can find more information at parkbox.org.uk.
Robert Dickinson added: "Scrolling is stealing childhood – getting outside with families and friends is the only way to fix this."
