Goya Dmytryshchak
Hobsons Bay Toy Library has expanded its collection to more 1400 items during lockdown, with membership effectively free during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Committee member and mother of two, Daria Chang said due to fees being paused, new members could sign up to start using the service currently being provided at no cost.
The Newport and Laverton branches remain open for ’click and collect’ borrowing.
“We’ve decided to remain open so that those who want to use the service can still do so in a safe way,“ Ms Chang said.
“You’ve got up to four weeks to borrow the toys, play with them, and then when the kids get bored with them – because they always do – you can go get some new toys.
“It’s age appropriate as well, so our toys range from [suitable for] three months to six years old.“
Membership levels allow for people to borrow packs of three, six or nine toys.
Ms Chang said the library collection had expanded to include more outdoor toys to keep children entertained during lockdown.
“Especially, if you can’t go to the park – you can’t go and play on the playground,“ she said.
“What I’ve personally loved about it is that I can borrow toys for the backyard so that my children can do some activities.
“I’ve borrowed a basketball hoop and a ring tosser and things like that so that we’ll go out in the backyard and do some of those activities.
“It’s not just indoor toys – it’s also outdoor toys to get them outside and get them active.“
Details: hobsonsbaytoylibrary.org.au/click-collect
