Toy Borrowing
There are a number of borrowing sessions each week, except for summer school holidays:
First Tuesday of every month- 7:00-8:00 pm
Friday mornings - 10:30-11:45 am
Saturday mornings - 10:30-11:45 am
Each member is able to borrow up to 5 toys at a time. The borrowing period is 3 weeks.
You have a full week from the toys’ due date to return them. For toys returned after the one-week grace period, the late fine is $1 per toy per week. Please clean the toys before returning them if they need it.
When borrowing a toy, please make sure the contents of the box/bag matches the toy label. If you lose a toy piece, you may re-borrow the toy for another 3 weeks to look for the missing piece, or you may pay a $2 fine per each missing piece, which will be refunded when the pieces are returned.
If a toy is broken, please let us know straight away, so we can remove it from borrowing for maintenance. If the toy cannot be repaired, we may ask you to pay a small fee to cover the cost of its replacement. This is very rare, and the amount would take into account the age, popularity and previous condition of the toy.
Renew Your Membership
If your membership is due for renewal, you can pay in cash or with a credit card at any toy library session. Or, simply choose your membership type below to make a secure payment through PayPal.
Roster Shifts
The toy library is a member-run volunteer organisation and all members complete at least one roster shift session per school term (four per year).
Roster shifts are a great way to meet some fellow parents in the area and check out the toys on offer. Plus, you’ll have the first pick of toys to borrow! Children are very welcome to come with you – there are plenty of toys to amuse them.
The roster for the each term is available online, with members able to book their preferred roster shift dates. Members who have not selected a shift are allocated one of the remaining slots by the Roster Manager.
Each session is run by two or three people. The Roster Shift Co-ordinator (RSC) has had additional training and takes care of any issues that may arise such as missing pieces, inquiries, etc. The RSC records borrowings and returns in the computer system. Members help set up the room, check and put away toys being returned and help tidy the room at the end of the session.
Members are able to nominate their preferred shift each term through the online roster. If you don't select a roster shift, one will be allocated for you by the Roster Manager based on the preferred days you indicated on your membership form.
When you are on shift, please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the session to help with setup and plan on remaining for 10 minutes after the session to help pack up.
If you can’t make it to your scheduled roster shift, please notify the RSC as soon as possible and do your best to find a replacement. This can be a family member or friend, or you could swap with another member (names and phone numbers are on the membership roster sent to members before the beginning of term).
If you miss your roster shift, you will need to make it up. Roster shifts are a condition of membership. Members who consistently miss roster shifts are deemed to be violating the conditions of membership and may have their membership cancelled. They may also lose their bond.
Download this handy guide to signing up for roster shifts online
Other Important Stuff
Annual Stocktake
Every year, Toy Library volunteers check each and every toy and their bags or boxes to make sure they are in good condition. During stocktake, we replace missing pieces, replace damaged bags and boxes, and re-label toys. It’s a huge job, and help from members is much appreciated.
Membership Term
All memberships last for 12 months from the join date. Members also pay a bond in addition to the membership fee. The bond is refunded upon resignation, provided all conditions of membership are met. To resign from the toy library, you must provide one months’ written notice. Members who do not renew their membership within a month of it expiring are suspended.
Roster Shift Co-ordinators
Roster Shift Co-orinators (RSCs) run each session and attend at least two sessions per term. As a thank you, they enjoy a membership discount and an increased borrowing limit. If you wish to become an RSC, please let us know, we'd love to have you.
Join the Committee
The toy library is run by a volunteer committee of members just like you. It's a great team of people who are idea-rich and time-poor. If you want to lend a hand, we'd love to have you as a member. Perks include very discounted membership, increased borrowing limit and fabulous company.
Party Toys and Packs
We have party toys and packs that can be hired by members for children’s parties. RSC's receive $30 worth of party pack hire credit per year as an added "thankyou" for the extra time volunteered.