Toy library reopens again

THE Ocean Grove Toy Library is up and running again, and hopes it will stay that way after opening briefly but shutting down soon afterwards due to tighter coronavirus restrictions.

The library’s committee spent weeks during the early stages of the pandemic setting up a click-and-collect service at the toy library, which operates out of the Boorai Centre, and opened on August 1.

However, the reintroduction of Stage 3 restrictions across regional Victoria forced the toy library to close again about a week later.

Committee member Marie-Claire Trotter said although the short-lived nature of the toy library’s initial return was disappointing, having click-and-collect established meant the toy library could reopen as soon as restrictions were lifted.

The Ocean Grove Toy Library was given the all-clear to resume the click-and-collect service on October 10, and held another session on October 24.

Last month, the state government announced libraries and toy libraries could open as of October 19 to a maximum 20 people at a time.

As a result, this Saturday (November 7), the toy library will hold its first session without click-and-collect.

“We’ve decided to keep the appointment structure, to limit numbers, but members can browse the toys as before COVID,” Ms Trotter said.

Interest in boardgames and puzzles has soared since the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent long periods of lockdown at home, and Ms Trotter said this was reflected in borrowings from the library.

“Puzzles have been very popular since we reopened, and so have our activity toys – these are the trikes, scooters and cars, along with construction benches and barbecue sets.

“I think everyone has a lot of energy to burn after being home for so long.

“We’re so glad to be moving back to weekly sessions from Saturday.”

Toys for preschoolers available through a toy library membership range from dolls and their accessories, to cars and garages, as well as costumes, trikes, blocks, puzzles, games, and instruments.

Discounted grandparent memberships are also available.

For more information or to sign up, head to oceangrovetoylibrary.org.au or facebook.com/oceangrovetoylibrary.