The INTERNATIONAL TOY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION (ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONALE DES LUDOTHEQUES) was created in 1990 in Torino during the 5th international conference of toy libraries. It has been found necessary to get a permanent link structure. The decision to form ITLA was taken on May 28th 1987 at the 4th International Conference of Toy Libraries in Toronto.

ITLA is registered under the Belgian law as a non-profit international organisation open to any association or individual who supports the goals. The Association is presently governed by a team of 11 Board of Directors.