4.6 Help members understand how your toy library works

First-time members will not understand how your toy library operates and the responsibilities of membership. For them to get the most out of your toy library, you need to spend the time to explain your toy library’s operations to them. 

There are many formats that your welcome message can take - 

• Printed booklet 

• Email 

• Digital booklet accessible on your website or delivered by email 

• Physical walkthrough of your space 

  
  

Ensure that your staff and volunteers are empowered to deliver this message consistently, by having an up to date key messages script.  This may include information about  

• cleaning expectations 

• volunteering requirements  

• Where to find toys and how to get help selecting toys 

• the process of borrowing and returning 

• what to do if something goes wrong (late, missing or broken pieces) 

• How to get in touch with the toy library 

• How to get involved 

• Any other benefits or features of the toy library (i.e. party hire). 

  
  

To track how you are going with delivering your key new member messages, consider including a question on your annual survey that asks “what do you wish you knew before you joined the toy library?”.  This can identify gaps in your communications. 

 

Accessible Story Guide 

Developed as part of the DAIS project, this template allows you to customise and share what a visit will look like to your toy library with children.  This can be particularly beneficial for children with a disability 

https://www.toylibraries.org.au/other-resources-1/dais---disability%2C-access%2C-inclusion%2C-and-support