Community to have their say on re-establishing toy library

UNITED Way Glenelg is exploring the possibility of re-establishing a Toy Library in Portland and is inviting community members to have their say through a new survey.

Toy libraries provide families with access to quality toys, games, puzzles and learning resources through a borrowing system, helping children learn through play while reducing household costs and encouraging sustainable sharing of resources.

United Way Glenelg executive officer Nicole Carr said the organisation has been investigating options to bring the much-loved community service back to Portland after several years without a local toy library.

“There has been strong anecdotal support for a Toy Library, but before moving forward we want to understand the level of community demand and identify the best model for long-term success,” Ms Carr said.

United Way Glenelg has already secured funding commitments to assist with the purchase of toys, equipment and start-up costs.

However, identifying a suitable venue remains one of the project’s biggest challenges.

“We have explored a number of potential locations and have received many suggestions from the community,” Ms Carr said. “While some venues appear suitable at first glance, factors such as storage requirements, accessibility, opening hours and child safety regulations can significantly limit available options.

“A Toy Library requires secure storage, adequate space for families to browse toys, and a venue that can support safe interactions between volunteers and young children. Finding a location that meets all of these requirements is not always straightforward.”

The survey seeks feedback from parents, grandparents, carers, educators, community members and potential volunteers. It also invites suggestions for suitable venues and people interested in helping establish and operate the service.

“The response from community groups has been encouraging, and we are optimistic that with community support we can find a sustainable way to bring a Toy Library back to Portland,” Ms Carr said.

Community members can complete the survey online at: https://forms.gle/Ry2rbGDQw3pzkdXP8

The proposed Toy Library would complement United Way Glenelg’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, which has delivered more than 60,000 books to local children since 2013.

Together, books and play-based learning resources can help support children’s development, school readiness and a lifelong love of learning.