Being a member of Merri-bek Toy Library has so many benefits. Read on to find out more and how to join as a new member or how to renew your membership for another year.
Quality toys are expensive and children quickly become bored with a toy once its play value has been exhausted.
Toy libraries are a place to regularly borrow toys, puzzles and games in their local community.
We could go on for days about how great toy libraries are. One of the main benefits that jumps out for us is that you’ll be certain to save money. And at the same time, you’ll be adding to the development and education of your kids.
But we’ve listed here all of the following incredible benefits that keeps toy library members coming back week after week.
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– Toy libraries are located in your local neighbourhood.
– Members have access to thousands of toys.
– The library is open on weekdays and weekends (morning sessions to suit younger kids).
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– The annual toy library membership fee is inexpensive, similar to the cost of a few mid-range toys.
– Try toys before you buy.
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– Borrow toys that are matched to your child’s individual needs, stage of development and interests.
– Let your child have exposure to a wider variety of play experiences.–
– Borrow toys that are designed to facilitate particular skill development in children e.g. threading beads to assist fine motor skills.
– Have a resource to assist and guide you in appropriate toy selection.
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– Help the environment by borrowing rather than buying.
– Borrowing toys means less toys end up in landfill.
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– Avoid storage issues of multiple/bulky toys.
– Hire party toys at a minimal cost instead of purchasing them.
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– Meet other young families in the toy library community.
– Make friends and interact with others at a similar stage of life.
– Become an active part of your local community by volunteering at the toy library.
JOIN ONLINE
Sign up online and be ready to borrow when you next attend one of our branches. Click the link below to begin.
JOIN IN PERSON
Visiting one of our branches in person is the best way to experience the toy library. You can see the toy collection and our co-ordinator can guide you through how the service works.
Sign up on the spot and you can borrow straight away. Please bring your concessions card if you wish to apply for concession pricing.
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All toy library sessions are run by a Coordinator along with member volunteers. We need volunteers at every session to keep things running smoothly and make sure it’s an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Each member family completes two borrowing sessions per year as a volunteer. Your volunteer hours are critical to keeping the library running and keeping our membership fees affordable. We have spots available for 2-3 volunteers at every session.
We also have opportunities throughout the year for other ways to contribute your time - ask at a borrowing session or keep an eye on our newsletters. -
The borrowing period for toys is two weeks.
Toys can be renewed online for an extra week, or email us for further extensions
If you bring the toys back late, you may incur a late fine.
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Membership is based on the number of toys you can borrow at a time.
6 toys per fortnight
Annual fee: $110
Concession: $553 toys per fornight
Annual fee: $85
Concession: $45
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Head to our online store to fill out your details and renew your Merri-bek Toy Library membership.
After you join, we’ll confirm your membership via email and provide you further details on how the toy library works.
You’ll also receive your login details where you can:
– view the toy collection at both branches
– search and filter for age, availability, type, etc.
– check your own loans and due dates
– renew your toy borrowings
– sign up for volunteer borrowing sessions
