Chapter 2: Toy Libraries
Toy Libraries: Borrow. Explore. Imagine.
Did you know many local council libraries have a toy library; a veritable wonderland for you and your child to explore and borrow from, with a huge collection of toys to roll, bounce, twist, push, pull and spin!
Toy libraries offer families a range of quality toys to provide varied play experiences for children, giving kids the chance to develop their skills, imagination and creativity… and have a ton of fun in the process.
Many are staffed by experienced toy librarians who can assist parents, grandparents and carers in selecting appropriate toys for their child’s interests and needs.
Toy libraries vary from library to library, and some may incur an annual subscription fee.
For more information on toy library locations contact your local council library:
Why join a Toy Library?
Borrow instead of buy
Children learn through play, and our little people are constantly playing games linked to their growing bodies and minds.
Playing allows children to use their creativity, develop their imagination, dexterity and learn to interact with the world around them.
If child’s play is how the littlest amongst us work to understand the world around them, then toys are the tools of their trade.
Join a toy library to:
- Borrow from hundreds of quality toys
- Save money in purchasing costs by buying less
- Offer a greater range of play experiences to your child
- Reduce clutter in your home by borrowing larger toys rather than storing them, and rotating toys as required
- Meet other parents, grandparents and carers with similar aged children
- Learn about ages and stages of development for your child
- Receive assistance from toy librarians on choosing appropriate toys for your child
Games. Sports. Parties.
Try out Monopoly, Guess Who or Chess. Cycle through a variety of family card games, sports games or puzzles with your crew.
If your family loves games, but you’re looking for more variety, many of your local council toy libraries have a selection of tabletop games and sports equipment to borrow.
It’s also a great way to try before you buy – if your family doesn’t get on board with your choice, you can simply return your selection and choose another!
Many toy library collections include:
- Puzzles
- Sports equipment
- Large toys
- Short term party hire toys
For more information on what’s available at your local toy library, contact your council library:
Costumes: Dream. Hope. Imagine.
Your child can become any character they want to be with dress-ups available in many toy libraries.
Whether it’s a Chef or a Beautician, a Construction Worker or a Crocodile, did you know many council libraries have a range of costumes available to borrow? Your little people can create worlds and characters in their own imagination and be anyone they want to be with the help of your council library.
Teach your kiddos about other cultures and traditional dress from around the world, or just watch them see what it’s like to be Buzz Lightyear for a day (or three!).
To discover what costumes may be available visit your local council library:
One Card…Loads of Libraries
From Burnside to Burra. From Norwood to Naracoorte.
Did you know you can borrow from Burnside, and return in Burra? Try out a DVD from Norwood and return it in Naracoorte?
Access to over 4 million items, across all council libraries, with a single library card!
The SA Library One Card Network means you can use any public library across our state with a single card for your family.
Joining the network of over 130 connected public libraries across SA gives you access to:
- Reserve items in an online catalogue
- Free delivery of items to your library of choice
- Borrow and return at your preferred location
Easy access to libraries, from wherever you are, means you have a choice between millions of items, books, magazines, music and DVD’s for your family, with just one library card.
For more information about how to join the One Card Network:
Follow your local council library
Did you know your local council libraries are being creative, diversifying and finding new ways to connect?
Every council library is brimming with activities for kids and families and you can follow along online and be the first to know what’s on!
Check out these social media highlights from some of our council libraries, making fun literary and showcasing what’s new and available both in the library and online.
Follow your council library by downloading the Libraries SA app and join in by tagging your #sacouncil #library #partofyoureveryday in your posts.
For more information about council libraries:
Images: Meaghan Coles Photography
