What is a Toy Library?
The Toy Library is exactly as it sounds - a place for you to borrow toys, dress-ups, puzzles, DVDS and games, just like you do with books at your local library. By keeping a fresh supply of toys moving around the community, we're saving toys from filling up our landfills and in addition, it also means you don't have the pressure to constantly buy new toys only to have your children get bored and move onto the next thing.
Donating toys to the Toy Library not only promotes reuse to children, it also reduces waste and environmental impact.
Who Runs the Library?
We are a non-profit organisation run by a voluntary committee with support from our members and their families. We are always in need of new committee members. Committee Members get a $10 discount on their membership fee. From each new committee member, we gain new ideas and a fresh look into what can be improved. We have a paid Librarian who oversees our library.
How does it work?
Come in on any of our open Toy Library sessions to start your membership, or do it online right now, then you can start borrowing toys as soon as payment is proven. Up to 3 toys per child allowed (plus unlimited puzzles and DVDs. When issuing your toys, we ask that you take them over to the sign-out and let the Librarian know the toy number (each toy is numbered in our system) so it can be issued under your name.
When you get your toys home, it always pays to check that all the pieces are there as stated, as we do charge for missing/broken pieces. Contact us with any issues or concerns. Please make sure our toys are cared for as if they were your own and return them complete and clean.
What if we lose a toy piece?
It happens! Please notify the Librarian of the missing piece when you return the toy. You will be charged a $2 fee per missing piece and this will be refunded when you return it. If a missing piece causes the toy to be incomplete, you are welcome to buy the toy (and we hope you find the piece at home) or pay to replace it. A value will be agreed between the committee and borrower for the toy.
What happens if my child breaks a toy?
Toys break even in normal play. Don’t be embarrassed if this happens to you. Please notify us of any damage or broken pieces. It is important to us that our toys remain safe for use by all members. If a toy is returned damaged/broken, you may be charged a fee of generally $2.00.
We understand our toys are well used and loved so if the toy has to be replaced then a replacement cost will be agreed between the committee and borrower or a suitable replacement can be provided.
What if I'm having a birthday party?
For a $10 fee you can hire up to 5 of our rideons and big toys plus 5 other toys. If you are not a member there will be an additional $50 Security Deposit
What if I can't return the toys when they are due?
You are able to renew your toys online ONCE for a further fortnight or text the Librarian to renew? There is a 1 week grace period but after that you will be charged for over due fees at $1 a toy per week capped at $5 a week.
Caring for our toys
Please let the library know immediately by email or phone if there are missing or broken pieces.
Please look after the toys that you borrow to ensure their longevity. If any toys are not up to the standard that you expect, please inform one of the librarians.
Put toys away if young visitors arrive, unless they are closely supervised. Try restricting use of inside toys to one place or one room to make it easier to find parts when toys are due back.
Repairs
Please make minor repairs to toys or packaging if you can. Toys should not be issued if they are broken. If a toy that you have borrowed has broken, please inform the librarian who will arrange to either get it fixed or be replaced.
Packaging
Most of our toys are stored in custom made Zipit bags, Plastic Bins or other storage . If possible, remove toys from their bags (plastic bags should not be given to the children) and store in a safe place at home. Please return toys in the correct bags and ensure both the inside and outside of the bag is clean.
Cleaning of toys
Please clean toys before returning them and make sure they are dry (especially water toys). If you return toys that are dirty a cleaning charge of $2 per toy should apply
Recommended cleaning items:
Ammonia-based spray cleaner (such as “Spray & Wipe”)
Antibacterial wipes
Sponge cloth
Toothpicks
Old toothbrush
Most toys can be washed with normal dishwashing liquid, using heavier-duty cleaners for more stubborn marks. Get into corners with an old toothbrush and toothpicks wrapped in cotton wool. Please dry well.
Cleaning Hard Plastic Toys:
Scrub in warm soapy water, rinse
Immerse in sanitiser solution
Allow to soak for recommended period
Rinse in clean water
Air-dry
or
Wash in dishwasher using hot water wash
Cleaning Wooden Toys:
Wipe down with a moist cloth
Wipe the toy with a sanitiser solution
Rinse and dry quickly
Never use furniture polish on wooden toys as it may contain chemicals harmful to health.
Good disinfectants to use are things that contain hypochlorite (which is the main active ingredient in bleach) or activated hydrogen peroxide (0.5%).
Supermarket bleach is usually 5% hypochlorite but can be 2.5% or 10% for “premium bleach”.
If 5% hypochlorite, then a 1% solution should be used (1 part bleach to 100 parts water).
If 2.5% hypochlorite, then a 2% mixture is best (1 part bleach to 50 parts water).
Please do not soak wooden toys, battery operated toys or any toys with labels etc.
Rattles and Baby Toys
Must not be immersed in water as it can get inside, rendering the toy useless. Wipe thoroughly with hot water, a sponge cloth with a small amount of cleaner as recommended above. We recommend for the safety of your child that you do this prior to giving the toy to your child and again before you return it.
Ride-on Vehicles and Outdoor Toys
These must be returned clean. Please protect outside toys from the weather, store indoors or under cover if not in use and keep them secure if you are away from the property.
Puzzles and Games
Wooden puzzles can be wiped over, or if necessary, washed gently. Cardboard should be wiped over with a slightly damp sponge cloth.