Get involved
Toy libraries are built on community, and strengthened through support from government, funders, and partner organisations.
Local toy libraries that are supported by their community grow, reach more families, and respond to local needs. When people and organisations work together, play becomes more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive for children and families where it’s needed most. Getting involved helps ensure toy libraries can continue their work now and into the future.
It’s a collective effort that creates lasting impact for communities across Australia.
How to donate money to toy libraries
Toy libraries help families access quality toys without the cost or clutter of buying them. Donations help toy libraries purchase new toys, replace well-loved favourites, and respond to the needs of their local communities.
Your support helps keep toy libraries welcoming, affordable, and well stocked with toys that support learning through play. Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference for children and families across Australia.
How it works
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Donate securely online through GiveNow
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Your donation supports toy libraries and their programs
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Donations over $2 are tax deductible
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You’ll receive a receipt by email
What your donation can support
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New educational toys for babies and young children
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Toys that support learning, creativity, and development
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Shared toy collections used by hundreds of families each year
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Programs that help make play more accessible and inclusive
Donate toys to the toy library
Toy library puzzles, games and toys are shared by many children so all donations need to be safe, durable, and easy to clean.
Before donating, it’s important to check with your local toy library. Each toy library has different needs and storage space, and not all toys can be accepted and not all toy libraries are able to accept donations.
Toys we usually accept
✔ Sturdy, high-quality toys in good condition
✔ Complete toys with all pieces included
✔ Puzzles and games, with all parts
✔ Toys that are easy to clean and disinfect
✔ Ride-ons, outdoor toys, and larger play items (check first)
✔ Brand toys which are known to have met Australian standards
Toys we usually can’t accept
✘ Soft toys and plush toys
✘ Toys that are broken, incomplete, or heavily worn
✘ Toys with missing pieces or instructions
✘ Battery-operated toys that don’t work or can’t be safely cleaned
✘ Toys that don’t meet current safety standards
If you’re unsure, your local toy library will be happy to let you know what they can accept.
Volunteer at a toy library
Helping at a toy library is a practical way to support local families and meaningfully contribute to your community.
Toy libraries have opportunities for parents, carers, students, grandparents, and community members to volunteer. Many volunteer roles are flexible and can fit around work, study, or family life.
You might help during a borrowing session, sort and clean toys, assist with events, or lend a hand occasionally. Every contribution helps keep toy libraries welcoming and running smoothly.
You do not need special skills or experience. Just a willingness to help.
"As a committee member, I’ve built friendships with other volunteers and parents, and my children have made friends they can learn and play with too. Being part of the toy library community fills me with pride, knowing that our efforts make a real difference to local families."
Toy library volunteer
Start a toy library
Starting a toy library is easy and a lot of fun! Toy Libraries Australia does not run toy libraries because we believe that a toy library must be part of the local community. Our focus is supporting you to start your toy library.
Our new member services include
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Growth and support squad: one on one support from a TLA staff member to link you with the resources and humans that you need for the next step of your toy library journey.
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Toy Community: Access to toy purchasing at wholesale and discounted rates
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Online training: Monthly webinars and access to recordings of previous training on a wide range of topics
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Member resources: An extensive library of resources with practical guides, quality standards, and policies
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Insurance: Affordable coverage designed specifically for toy libraries
Fee-for-service offering
We offer a project management service for councils and NFP organisations starting a toy library, including setting up a toy library management system, purchasing toys, preparing toys for borrowing, establishing operating processes, and training staff and volunteers.
If you're thinking of starting a toy library (or even if you're well on the way and could use some extra support) we'd love to hear from you. Please email us info@toylibraries.org.au for more information.
Join us in July
Join Us in July is an annual campaign that invites people to step inside a toy library and see how they work. Throughout July, volunteers, community members, partners, and decision-makers are encouraged to volunteer for just one shift in their local toy library. You get to lend a hand, and learn more about the impact toy libraries have on families.
It’s a chance to play, recognise volunteers, and build stronger connections between toy libraries and the communities they support.
World Sustainable Toy Day
World Sustainable Toy Day, held annually one week before Black Friday, encourages families and communities to rethink how toys are bought, used, and shared. Founded in 2022, it promotes eco‑friendly choices and highlights how toy libraries help reduce waste through sharing and reuse, making play more sustainable without losing any fun or learning.
Keep the play going
Follow us on social media for play ideas, toy library stories and resources for families @toylibrariesaustralia
Quick links