Question 1

Can I join for less than a year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have short term membership available if you would like to trial or are only in the area for a short time. Contact our coordinator for more details.

Question 2

Can I visit before I join?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please do! You can come and visit any time during our opening hours. You can view our collection online. Parents who join before their first child is six months of age can get six month’s free membership (get an 18-month membership for the cost of an annual membership).

Question 3

How does a toy library work?

Accepted Answer

Toy libraries work in much the same manner as a regular library, except that the items for loan are toys, games and puzzles, instead of books.   Children and parents visit the library during operating hours, select the items they wish to borrow and check they are in working order and all parts are there. The loan period is three weeks, after which time items must be renewed or returned. Upon return, they are checked to ensure they are clean and in good working order, and then new items can be borrowed.   We do have some differences from a regular library: A subscription fee is required to join. We are a community-based organisation with no government funding. Fees cover the cost of purchasing toys, employing a part-time coordinator, insurance and other operational expenses. Members help out in the library on a roster basis and assist with fundraising activities such as sausage sizzles. We’re open for borrowing three times a week.

Question 4

Who uses toy libraries?

Accepted Answer

Our toy library caters mostly for younger children (0–7 years), although we do have games and puzzles for older children.   You browse our toy collection online. You can search by age, category, attribute or location.

Question 5

How do I know what toys to choose?

Accepted Answer

Check out our toys page for more details on our toy collection.    You can also see our full collection where you search by age, category, skill development, status or just browse more than 2000 toys we have on offer.

Question 6

Do the toys use batteries?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some of our toys do use batteries. Most of them can be played with without batteries, they just won’t have the sounds and lights.   If a toy does use batteries, the label will detail what size and how many batteries are required. Before you return the toy you can remove the batteries to use with the next toy you borrow.

Question 7

Can I donate toys?

Accepted Answer

Yes we always welcome donations of good quality toys. Even if the toy is no longer complete, we may have pieces to make it complete, or we may be able to use the pieces for spare parts. The only items we don’t accept are soft toys and books. Read more about the types of donations we accept.

Question 8

Are the toys clean?

Accepted Answer

*Update as of September 2020* In the current climate we are asking everyone to be extra vigliant with cleaning their toys before returning to the toy library. Please do not come to a toy library if you are experiencing any cold/flu-type symptoms. If a member of your family is sick, please clean and disinfect all toys before they are returned. If anyone in your house has been unwell, please let the toy library know when you return the toys so they can be isolated.   Yes. We couldn’t operate a Toy Library if the toys weren’t clean because no one wants to borrow a dirty toy. We ask all members to return toys in the condition that they would like to borrow them. We recommend that parents of babies disinfect all items before giving them to their children.   Here are the guidelines we ask everyone to follow:

Question 9

I have lost a piece of a toy, what do I do?"

Accepted Answer

That’s okay, this happens from time to time. You can renew the toy for another two weeks to find the piece. Sometimes the piece may already be noted as missing - be sure to check the bag label. If you still can’t find it, you pay a fine per piece which is fully refundable if you later find and return the missing piece. This price will vary depending on what the piece is. You can find out more information on our membership information page.

Question 10

Do I have to do duty?

Accepted Answer

We encourage members to do duty because it’s how we keep the toy library running. It’s also a great way to see all the toys we offer and meet other members. However, we know that family life is busy so we have also created a non-volunteer membership which doesn't require duty, and if you do get busy during the year all other members have paid the duty levy bond of $90 (concession available) which will be kept in place of doing duty.   If you complete all the duty hours required, we will deduct the duty levy when you renew your membership, or refund the levy amount when you cancel your membership. If you do not complete the required 6 hours of duty in the year, you will forfeit the duty levy and either be required to pay the full amount when you renew your membership, or not eligible for the levy refund if you decide to cancel your membership.

Question 11

How long is a duty session?

Accepted Answer

This varies; stay and play duty at a borrowing session is for two hours. Special event duties which take place at various times throughout the year can range from one to six hours. Committee, in consultation with the coordinator, will determine what hours apply to different duty types.   Our coordinator tries to group enough home tasks together to be worth at least 2 hours of duty. To discuss how you can complete your duty please speak with our coordinator.

Question 12

How do I complete my 6 hours of duty?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to complete duty.    You can: 1. Sign up for rostered duty by logging onto SETLS and selecting dates that suit you in the calendar. 2. Sign up for a fundraising event 3. Refer a friend and receive 1 hour duty credit 4. Attend our Annual General Meeting 5. Use your skills like sewing, repairing toys, washing, computer skills, child development knowledge, minor electrical repairs 6. Join the committee - read more here

Question 13

When do I have to complete my duty?

Accepted Answer

You have your whole membership year to complete your six hours of duty. We advise members to complete their duty as soon as possible, so it’s not left until the last month. Login to sign up for duty.

Question 14

Am I the only one that can complete duty?

Accepted Answer

No, anyone can complete your duty. They just need to quote your membership surname. We’ve had grandparents, older children, aunts and uncles, and neighbours helping out with duty in the past.

Question 15

Can I bring my children with me when I am on duty?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. Our coordinator will try to give you tasks that enable you to supervise your children at the same time. If we are busy you will probably need to work on the front desk checking toys out. This can be hard with toddlers around. Saturday is our busiest time so it’s best if you can leave children at home for this session.

Question 16

Can I get toys out for my children to play with while I am on duty?

Accepted Answer

Yes, although we suggest you choose toys with fewer pieces as you will need to supervise their play and pack up afterwards. We also have set up some play tables and a playpen for children to use.

Question 17

How long can I borrow toys for?

Accepted Answer

All membership levels borrow toys for three weeks with an option to renew for another two weeks (except for toys in our ‘Popular’ category which cannot be renewed). You can do this by logging in to your SETLS account.

Question 18

Do you have limits on how many big toys can be borrowed at the same time?

Accepted Answer

No, all toys are classified the same with no limits. Some toys are labelled with recommended borrowing ages. The only limits will be whether the toys will fit in the car or on the pram. A rare few toys from our collection will have a status outlining it is more appropriate for certain age groups. I.e for 6 yrs+

Question 19

What if I can't return toys by the due date?

Accepted Answer

You can renew your toys once for another one-week period by logging in to your account and renewing them yourself.   If you need longer than this please contact our coordinator to discuss options.

Question 20

What do I need to know about the jumping castle?

Accepted Answer

It is not suited to wet weather or strong winds. It comfortably fits 5 children. It will fit into the boot of a car.   Members & wider community can hire our party-size jumping castle for a fee and refundable bond. See our party hire page for more info.   Dimensions: 2.4m x 3.9m x 2.2m High. A 1 meter wide clearance is needed around the whole jumping castle including above.   Accessories: Everything you need to run the jumping castle is included: a tarp, air blower, plug covers, pegs, extension lead and RCD all stored in a handy container. See the full list of pieces in the toy detail page. The container along with the jumping castle bag will fit in the boot of a car.   Set Up: The set up is simple and quick. Following the instructions the jumping castle will be ready to go in less than 10 minutes.   All hirers must read and sign our terms and conditions before hiring. Payment is by card or direct debit only and must be paid in advance.

Question 21

Will I need a trailer to pick up my party pack?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. As long as the car is empty, you should be able to fit everything in. It is advisable to allow time for two car trips, just in case!   The jumping castle is just two items that will fit in the boot of a car.

Question 22

I have a party coming up, but I don't think I'll use a whole pack?"

Accepted Answer

We have a variety of packs to suit different requirements. Check out our party hire page for more details.

Question 23

Can I hire just tables and chairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can, in either a pack of 6 chairs / 1 table or 12 chairs / 2 tables. See our party hire page for more details.

Question 24

What happens if some of the party pack is damaged while I have it on loan?

Accepted Answer

Don’t stress – report it to the coordinator when you return the pack. The coordinator will look over the damage and inform the committee. The committee will decide on the appropriate repair and cost involved. The coordinator will then contact you to discuss the committee’s decision. Your bond is held until the committee makes a decision.

Sign up for our latest news