Uncover everything you need to know about toy libraries in Brisbane and discover the benefits of play. Trust us when we say that toy libraries can make life a whole lot more affordable (and fun) raising kids in Brisbane.
Table of Contents
Play is how children learn and making it fun is nature’s way of ensuring children get lots and lots of practice. Even tiny babies play, practising moving their hands or sucking their toes which helps them learn to control their bodies. The games children play are directly linked to the needs of the growing body and mind. Children’s play has been closely studied by child psychologists who have catalogued the development pattern of skills and abilities from birth.
If play is a child’s work, they must also have the tools for their trade. Toys are tools that help a child to enjoy play.
Toy Libraries in Brisbane
Brisbane’s toy libraries are a delightful treasure trove for families, offering various toys, games, and educational materials to suit children of all ages and developmental stages. They offer a budget-friendly and eco-conscious alternative to constantly buying new toys, encouraging families to share resources, minimise waste, and foster community. By engaging with a toy library, you can support your children’s play and learning experiences while enjoying the benefits of a sustainable, cost-effective solution.
Find a toy library near me
Carindale Toy Library
Carindale PCYC 27 Narracott Street, Carindale. Borrowing days per month, varies. 10am to 12pm. Contact the toy library for recent dates and times. You can visit their website and get an idea of their toys for click and collect. Contact 0481567358.
Play Matters Toy Library & Therapy Centre
112 Vendale Ave, Moorooka, Queensland, 4105 View Website. Run by volunteers, the Saturdays they are open vary according to availability. 9:00am – 2:00pm. Play Matters Toy Library & Therapy Centre have an annual membership subscription model.
Brisbane South Toy Library
Moreton Bay Regional Council Toy Library
The library toy collection offers a range of quality, sustainable toys that support brain, muscle and language development in children aged 3 months to 6 years. The collection offers plenty of opportunity for imagination, discovery, enquiry and hours of fun and engagement. This service seems to apply to every Moreton Bay Regional Council library.
Sunshine Coast Toy Libraries
Similar to The Moreton Bay Region, Sunshine Coast Libraries have their own toy library within their usual library network. Borrowing is included as part of your library membership.
Toy libraries in Brisbane for kids with additional needs
CPL’s Resource and Toy Library Yeronga
CPL’s Resource and Toy Library, located at Yeronga, was previously known as the Inclusion Works! CPL’s Resource and Toy Library is a budget-friendly, adaptable, and supportive subscription service for families, therapists, and educators. It offers access to an extensive collection of resources, guidance, and advice on creating inclusive environments for all children aged 0 to 8 years, focusing on their developmental stages. The Resource and Toy Library is open by appointment only.
The online library is accessible to all but to borrow and reserve items you will need your subscriber username and password. This online library is accessible at all times. Find out more here https://www.cpl.org.au/resources/library
What is a Toy Library?
There are over 280 toy libraries across Australia (but as you read, very few in Brisbane!)
At a toy library, you can borrow from a range of quality, well-made toys designed to support your child’s skill development and imagination. Toy libraries aim to support families and encourage togetherness with quality time spent playing with children.
Toy libraries vary from library to library. They may be located in the local scout hall or within a local library, have 20 member families or 1200; employ a staff member or rely solely on their members volunteering.
What type of toys may I find at the toy library?
Each Toy Library offers a range of curated toys to suit its members. There will be toys suitable for young babies to teenagers and some even hold toys, puzzles and games suitable for adults. You will find a range of toys that promote children’s development and imagination. Expect toys, including puzzles, board games, character sets, transport toys, ride ons, small cubby houses, play kitchens, climbing frames, and so much more.
Toy libraries all have these things in common
- There are toys and educational items you can borrow
- Toy Libraries are inexpensive (sometimes an annual subscription is charged) and sometimes there isn’t.
- Toy Libraries mostly cater to younger children, though some have items suitable for older children.
- They have a range of items covering all stages of growth and development.
- They offer an additional opportunity to meet other caregivers, share concerns, interact with others, and make new friends.
- Their catalogues support parents and carers in choosing the toys and learning about the ages and stages of child development.
- They are usually open on set days and hours.
- Like a library, there are set borrowing periods, and toys need to be returned before that date.
- You can’t loan your borrowed toys out to friends; they must always remain with you.
- Similar to a book library, you are responsible for any damages and/or replacement and will need to return the toys to the toy library in the same condition you received them in (allowing for reasonable wear and tear).
- The vast majority of Brisbane toy libraries have varying opening times, mainly due to how many volunteers they have available.
The benefits of joining a toy library
- You can choose from hundreds of quality toys that expose your child to a greater range of play experiences that contribute to your child’s development.
- In addition to supporting your child’s development, Toy Libraries save you money by borrowing toys each week rather than buying them.
- This also reduces the clutter around your house as many toy libraries stock larger items such as ride ons, scooters, play kitchens, basketball hoops and slides.
- Many toy libraries also offer a range of toys for party hire at great prices.
- By borrowing rather than buying, you also reduce how much toy waste is sent to landfill.
- You can also meet other local parents and contribute to your local community by volunteering.
Who can join a Toy Library?
Toy libraries welcome everyone to become members of a fun and growing community. We encourage all families to check out the not-for-profit organisation Toy Libraries Australia website and click Find a Toy Library to find their local toy library.
Starting a Toy Library
It might seem like an overwhelming idea but perhaps you live in a regional community and want to find a way to make toys more accessible in your area. If you do, toylibraries.org has a whole document on how to go about it. This includes the legal structure, policies, inventories and even how to access funding for the library. Please read more about how to start a toy library near you.
Parent testimonials
As a single mum with 4 kids, toy libraries have helped to make it easier to give my kids toys they enjoy without the extra expense. It doesn’t matter when they grow out of the toys either. Martha M Capalaba
We encourage all families to check out the information on Toy Libraries Australia website and click Find a Toy Library to find their local toy library.
Join the conversation