DAIS - Disability Access, Inclusion, and Support Program

This collection of resources has been created to support anyone interested in establishing a new toy library. Starting a toy library can feel both daunting and exciting - there are many decisions to make, but the journey is incredibly rewarding as you build something meaningful for local families. Together, these documents provide practical, easy-to-follow guidance to help you plan, launch and grow a sustainable, community-focused toy library that meets the needs of local families.

At the centre of this suite is A Guide to Starting a Toy Library (2024), Toy Libraries Australia’s comprehensive step-by-step handbook. It outlines the core elements of establishing a toy library - from shaping your purpose and goals to choosing a legal structure, forming a committee, securing a venue, setting policies, building your toy collection, and promoting your services. The guide also includes practical advice on toy safety, cataloguing systems, volunteer management, working with councils, insurance and fundraising.

The next document helps you understand typical startup and operating costs so you can plan realistically, apply for grants, and make informed funding decisions.

Toy libraries vary in shape and size. The exciting part about starting a toy library is dreaming up the perfect space. This document outlines what an ideal toy library space might include - such as accessibility features, storage considerations, and layout suggestions - to help you visualise what’s possible and advocate for suitable venues. Although these are “dream toy library requirements” don’t let the thought of needing to tick all the boxes on these dream hold you back from just getting started. It’s amazing how different toy libraries look across the country.

In all libraries there needs to be a form of categorisation. Each toy library will be slightly different but here is our recommendation to for a clear and easy system for organising your toys, making it simpler for volunteers to run sessions and for families to find what they need.