All fun and games for the Geelong West Toy Library Marks 40th anniversary

GENERATIONS of families have borrowed toys from the Geelong West Toy Library over its 40-year history — a milestone the group will celebrate with a ‘stay and play’ event on Saturday, October 18.

Bridgette Salamy, Geelong West Toy Library’s President, said the 40th anniversary will be a joyful occasion for families and volunteers alike.

“Our 40th celebration will have potion-making, face painting, a ball pit, giant games, toys, balloons, and a raffle.”

Bridgette has been involved with the Toy Library since 2022 and manages much of its daily operations.

From purchasing toys to managing volunteers, Bridgette works hard to keep the library running smoothly.

While her role keeps her busy, it’s one she cherishes. “I love everything about it. My girls have basically grown up at the toy library. When new toys arrive, it’s like Christmas every day for my girls.”

Earlier this year, she attended the Toy Libraries Australia conference in Perth.

“I learned so much and connected with other toy libraries,” she said.

The Geelong West Toy Library has served the local community since the 1980s and remains at its long-time home in Virginia Hall.

“My husband’s family was involved in the toy library back in the early ’90s,” Bridgette said.

“Some of the toys on our shelves are the same ones my husband played with as a kid.”

Although its core mission remains the same, the library has adapted to changing times.

“We’ve managed to survive through COVID, which was a very tough time for toy libraries,” Bridgette said.

“We currently have 170 members, each borrowing 4 to 8 toys at a time – saving families hundreds of dollars.”

The library is also working on inclusivity, with staff recently completing sunflower hidden disability training.

“We hope to open quiet borrowing sessions in the New Year,” Bridgette said.

There will be many play stations to enjoy during the anniversary celebration at Virginia Hall, including the roller coaster!

“Toy libraries in our region are doing incredible work, especially in disability advocacy, and inspire us to aim higher.”

Looking ahead, Bridgette hopes more families across Geelong and the surrounding areas can benefit from toy libraries.

“I’d love to see toy libraries expanding to areas such as Whittington, Lara and North Geelong,” she said.

To families considering borrowing from the toy library, she wanted them to know “you’re not going to get in trouble if you break or lose a piece – that’s part of borrowing toys.”

Families can also experience the library at the upcoming stay and play celebration, where children and families get to play with the toys in the library.