On Wednesday 2 August, Maldon Neighbourhood Centre launched the Maldon Toy Library. Local families attended the opening, with children enjoying some bubbles and trying out the toys, as parents joined up.
The new toy library will be open twice a week, with families able to borrow four toys at a time for a two-week period, with toys mostly catering to the 0 – 5-year-old age group. Although there are toy libraries in Castlemaine and Maryborough, Toy library Coordinator Brenda Misso said she felt there was a need for a toy library in Maldon as some families find it tricky to get to other toy libraries due to some people not having transport and opening hours not fitting in with other commitments. Brenda said all the toys available to borrow have come entirely from community donations, showing a lot of community support for the toy library.
John Bainbridge, Coordinator of the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, said the centre was happy to support the toy library. “There are many families with young children in the area, and the neighbourhood centre has been looking for ways to support these families beyond our existing Occasional Childcare Service and weekly playgroup.”
The benefits of toy libraries are many, including helping the environment and reducing landfill by sharing toys rather than buying them, helping families save money and space, allowing families access to a variety of toys across a range of ages, and providing an opportunity to meet other young families.
“Imagine a community collection of toys, lovingly cared for and shared among families. Toy libraries provide a range of toys for their members while reducing the number of new toys which families feel pressured to buy, therefore reducing waste and environmental impact,” says Amanda Hotchin from Toy Libraries Australia.
Maldon Toy Library membership is only $5 for a year. The toy library is open for borrowing on Monday 9am -9.30am or Wednesday 10-11.30am.
Anyone wanting to donate toys can drop them into the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre during opening hours (9am-3.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays).
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 11 August 2023.
