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Congratulations to 33 toy libraries operating across 42 communities who will share $312,500 through Toy Libraries Australia's Pathways to Inclusion and Belonging Grants. Read which communities will benefit and discover how this investment is helping build more welcoming, accessible and inclusive toy libraries for children and families across Australia.

Explore how toy libraries help reduce pressure on families, support child-led development and create opportunities for connection.

What does a modern toy library look like? In the first episode of The Toy Library Effect Podcast, Louise Bell and Renae Barker share how toy libraries support children's development, strengthen communities and give families affordable access to quality toys, connection and play.

Direct funding to 30 local toy libraries helped create more welcoming, flexible and inclusive services for children with disability and developmental difference. Although the grant program has ended, the changes it supported are continuing in communities across Australia. Every child should have the chance to play, learn and feel that they belong. For many families, their local toy library is an important part of making that possible. With funding from the Australian Governme

Sensory play helps children explore, learn and make sense of the world through touch, sound, movement and more. Discover simple ideas and borrowed toys that make sensory play easy to enjoy at home.

Playing together isn't always easy, but it doesn't have to be perfect to be positive. Discover practical ways to support sibling play, reduce conflict and find toys and games that help children connect, cooperate and have fun together.

Every reach, grasp, climb and tumble helps children build important motor skills. Discover how play and borrowed toys can support fine and gross motor development while building confidence and independence.

Every child plays differently, and that's something to celebrate. Discover how flexible play, small adjustments and the right toys can help children build confidence, learn new skills and experience the joy of play.

Communication starts long before children say their first words. Discover simple, play-based ways to nurture early communication, build connection and support your child's development every day.

Could fewer toys actually lead to better play? Discover how toy rotation, open-ended toys and borrowing from a toy library can help children stay engaged, play for longer and explore with confidence.

Discover how following your child's interests and embracing different ways to play can support connection, confidence and enjoyment. Learn practical ways to choose toys and use your local toy library to explore play that works for your family.

Want to understand your community better? Discover why Toy Libraries Australia's Join Us in July campaign is inviting councillors, MPs, election candidates, business owners and community leaders to volunteer for a toy library shift. Learn how spending just two hours in a toy library can reveal the powerful role these hidden community assets play in supporting children, families and stronger local communities across Australia.

Toy Libraries Australia has made a formal submission to the NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People 2027–2030. Here's what we said, and why it matters.

Toy libraries are helping Victorian families through rising living costs, social isolation and growing pressure on household budgets. Across Victoria, 151 toy libraries support around 56,000 people each year. Independent research shows that every $1 invested in toy libraries creates $4.22 in social value. As the 2026 Victorian election approaches, TLA is calling for continued investment in toy libraries as valuable community infrastructure.

This year, the Toy Well Awards were expanded to celebrate not only more outstanding individual volunteers, but also the collective contribution volunteers make in shaping their toy library into a valued community asset. Toy Well toy libraries simply couldn’t operate without the dedication of hub leaders and, most importantly, the wonderful volunteers who keep their libraries running each week. And what a better time to celebrate their impact than during National Volunteer Wee

Those of us involved in running toy libraries already know their value. We see it when a family leaves with arms full of toys and big smiles. We hear it when a child excitedly tells us about a favourite toy they’re returning. We feel it in the pride of parents who know they’re supporting their children to learn and thrive. And we hear it when community members connect, share knowledge, and support each other — moments that make our hearts feel full. But while lived experience

Toy libraries have always been about more than toys. They’re community spaces where families connect, children learn through play, and everyone is welcome. But how inclusive are they for families of children with disability or developmental delay? That’s the question explored in recent national research led by Toy Libraries Australia and funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. The study surveyed parents, carers, and professionals across the country

2025 is rolling to a close so we thought it was time to share an update on the activities, progress and latest achievements of the Toy Libraries Australia Disability Access, Inclusion, and Support (DAIS) Program. Program highlight: National training weekend in Perth In August, we were able to sponsor two people from each of the nine DAIS sites to attend Toy Library Australia’s national training weekend in Perth, Western Australia. We also invited the members of our National D

Summary: A new pilot across three Melbourne toy libraries is expanding access to switch-adapted and inclusive toys for families. The service allows families to borrow specialist toys, explore what works for their child and enjoy accessible play at home. The pilot supports play for children with diverse needs while offering a budget friendly way to try adaptive toys. Exciting update: Toys Without Barriers expands delivery across Melbourne (click here to jump to update) Quick l

40 toy libraries have been successful in our 2025 Small Grants Round. To receive the $1,000 grant, toy libraries were asked to present a project that would improve their service for children with disability, developmental delay, or developmental concern. Can $1,000 Make a Difference? It’s true that $1,000 doesn’t stretch far for most organisations these days—especially when disability or developmental support is involved, which often comes with higher costs. But in the contex