General News
9 March, 2023
Toy library awarded for supporting community
Proving playing is serious business, the Maryborough Toy Library was awarded for its efforts in making play-based learning accessible for all children. Boasting a collection of over 800 toys, the town’s beloved library was recognised at this...
Proving playing is serious business, the Maryborough Toy Library was awarded for its efforts in making play-based learning accessible for all children.
Boasting a collection of over 800 toys, the town’s beloved library was recognised at this year’s International Toy Library Conference hosted by Toy Libraries Australia.
A runner-up in the Micro Toy Library of the Year category, Maryborough Toy Library’s president Kate Cain said the award validated the hard work of the committee.
“A micro toy library is one with 50 or less members. We currently have around 40 members and one of the considerations for us becoming a runner-up was that we have managed to double our membership from COVID when we dropped down to the low 20s, which is great and we hope to continue that,” she said.
“The award makes me and hopefully all of our committee very proud.
“We’re a small committee of seven parents who are dedicated to helping provide toys for kids in the area so I think it’s nice to have that recognition.”
Providing sustainable play and development opportunities to all kids, irrespective of economical barriers, is one of the main offerings of the toy library — families can borrow a variety of games, puzzles and other equipment suitable for children.
“There’s quite a few factors behind having something like this library. Sustainability is an important factor — recent studies have shown that 50 percent of toys end up in the landfill within 12 months of purchase because kids outgrow them very quickly and so they’re discarded,” Ms Cain said.
“Whereas, here families can come and borrow toys on a fortnightly basis and then re-borrow them for the time that it interests their child.
“The library also encourages growth since play is one of the four vital requirements for a child’s development. It’s also a great connection spot for parents and we’re probably one of the cheapest toy libraries in Victoria — we like to make it accessible for everybody.”
With memberships starting at $20, Ms Cain is encouraging families to join the library and socialise together.
“We have two weekly sessions where we welcome people to stay — I think that is one of the unique aspects of our library compared to a lot of the other toy libraries in the city that only have space for parents to come and borrow the toys but we welcome people to come have a cuppa, change nappies, and talk to each other,” she said.
“We are really keen for more members to join up. It has benefits for their children, but it’s also great if the parents want to help us out.”
The Maryborough Toy Library is located at 12-22 Nolan Street — for more information or to get involved, visit the website maryboroughtoy library.setls.com.au