Toy Library turns a new digital chapter

BALLARAT Toy Library is accessible to its members again, operating safely with an online click-and-collect service.

Sally Tuck said little people can’t yet explore and test toys, and browsing isn’t allowed, but families can pick up items they’ve booked on the Click, Collect and Quarantine website from inside the library at BGT’s Barkly Square.

“People can come and pick up their toys, swap them over, come and say hi… Ask what they can do to amuse a three-year-old that’s been going crazy for the last ten weeks,” she laughed.

“It’s a contactless process, it’s much more friendly, and new people can come and have a look, even if they can’t pick up toys and shop.”

An “overwhelming” number of the library’s 700-strong community have already made a visit since it reopened.

“Our members have been at home with people under five, unable to go and visit others, or they’re grandmas and grandpas who haven’t seen their little ones in ages,” Ms Tuck said.

“They understood why we were closed, but they’re so relieved to be able to come and use toys in the way that they can be used effectively, for fun, to distract, to inform, to educate and to inspire.”

For four decades, the Ballarat Toy Library has dealt with many nasty bugs. Now in the COVID era, they’re continuing to ensure every toy is safe for when a child picks it up to play.

“They’re our kids. Its not like it’s somebody else’s kids we’re working for. We’re doing it so that we would be happy.

“BGT have provided a special space for the toys to be quarantined that is not the normal room. People can feel comfortable and confident that when they return their toys, no one is touching them for another seven days,” Ms Tuck said.

“We’ve been working with the council’s health officers, and they’ve indicated the types of extra cleaning we can do.”

Many older members, like grandparents, have still been keen to volunteer their time to the resource centre where possible, even if they haven’t been able to see the children in their lives.

“There are members coming in who might be feeling quite stressed at the moment. But there are beautiful souls coming out of the woodwork, our older members, who’ve got a lovely heart and a real sensitivity, now working with them,” she said.

“One lady used to come every three months, now she wants to come every second week. She wants to get to know the systems, toys, be useful and help other people. These people are absolute treasures.”

Visit facebook.com/ballarattoylibrary for up-to-date opening hours, and further information about becoming a member or volunteer with the not-for-profit.

Once a member is registered, they will be given unique access to the Click, Collect and Quarantine website.