Surf Coast Toy Library needs help to keep playtime going

THE Surf Coast Toy Library will reopen its doors in a little over a fortnight, and is seeking volunteers and new committee members to help deliver its much-loved service to local families.

The toy library endured a difficult 2020, forced to close for an extended period as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, before reopening with strict protocols in place to protect the health and safety of members and volunteers.

The pandemic also resulted in the cancellation of planned 25th anniversary celebrations for the service, which first opened its doors in 1995 and now operates out of the Torquay Children’s Services Hub in Grossmans Road.

Offering a wide range of indoor and outdoor toys, puzzles, games and sporting equipment for children from six months to primary school age, the library is a not-for-profit organisation relying entirely on the effort of volunteers.

President Liis Green said the committee was determined to bounce back strongly in 2021 from February 6 onwards but more help was needed to ensure the toy library continued to thrive.

“We would love to see anyone with an interest in contributing to the community get involved with us by joining our committee or volunteering to help with borrowing and returns,” she said.

“It’s not a huge time commitment, it’s a great social outlet, and it’s very rewarding to know you’re doing something that brings happiness to local children.

“People of all ages are welcome – you don’t have to be a parent of a young child to give the toy library some of your time.”

Membership is inexpensive, with members asked to volunteer in the library twice a year.

Members can borrow up to four items at a time from a wide-ranging collection of more than 1,000 toys, including:

• Climbing equipment
• Slides
• Wooden toys
• Playroom equipment such as tables and benches
• Sensory toys
• Fine and gross motor skill toys
• Baby and toddler toys
• Musical instruments
• Building toys
• Bikes and scooters
• Dolls and prams
• Costumes
• Puzzles
• Bath toys
• Children’s tents
• Sports equipment, and
• Mini roller coasters.

For more information about becoming a member or volunteering with the toy library, email [email protected], head to surfcoasttoylibrary.com.au or follow their social media pages on Instagram (@surfcoasttoylibrary) and Facebook (facebook.com/surfcoasttoylibrary)

The Surf Coast Toy Library is part of the Torquay Children’s Services Hub, 27 Grossmans Road, Torquay.