Quality Standard 4.1

Have adequate accessible space

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The space you use will shape how your toy library operates, whether it is permanently set up, packed down each session, or mobile. Always have a written agreement for your space that clearly outlines access, responsibilities, costs, security, and how the arrangement can end. Think about how families will reach you, including parking, public transport, and safe access paths. Accessibility is important both outside and inside, with ramps, wide doors, clear walkways, accessible shelving, and family-friendly amenities. Opening hours should be regular, easy to remember, and clearly advertised so members can rely on them and return toys on time.

Physical Space

The size of the space available to you will shape whether your toy library is turnkey (you are permanently set up ready to operate) or set up / pack down model. Other models such as mobile toy libraries may have specific fixed space requirements, as well as secure parking for vehicles.

You may need to enter into a lease or licence agreement with the operator of your space, or you may have a session by session booking process to follow. Even if you have been offered space at no cost, you should have an agreement in writing with the owner/operator of the space about what your rights to the space are, including access times and keys, and what your responsibilities are, including security, any other costs you are responsible for (utilities, internet, damages), and how to vary and end the agreement. The longer you can secure an agreement on a space for, the more certainty you have over your sustainability as an organisation.

The most common types of organisations that you might lease space from are:

Council (old kindergarten sites, community halls and buildings, Maternal Child Health Nurse, book libraries
Neighbourhood/Community Houses (often building owned by Council, but operated by a separate NFP)
Health Services
Churches
Sporting Clubs

See Quality Standard 5 – Supporting your Users for more ideas to connect with services you may be co-located with.

Transport

How members will get to you to visit is an important consideration. Are they most likely to drive, catch public transport or walk? If parking is the most common mode of transport, ensure that there are good options for parking close by, and that you consider the location of crossings and other physical barriers that might help or hinder members with children to get safely to and from their car with toys.

Accessibility

It is important to consider accessibility in the external access to your space, the internal layout, and other amenities available on the site.

External access considerations might include:

Ramps for prams and wheelchair access
Doors are wide enough to accommodate prams and wheelchairs
Automatic doors
Child safe gates
Footpaths / access from parking areas / public transport stops
Wayfinding signage

Internal access considerations might include:

Mobile and fixed shelving has clear access for prams and wheelchairs to move around them
Shelving height is considered for children to be able to self select toys; for wheelchair users to be able to access toys
Walkways are kept clear of toys, cords and equipment to not create tripping hazards.
Equipment is available for volunteers can perform tasks in a variety of positions i.e. sitting or standing
Bottlenecks in foot traffic waiting for service are considered
Space for play is provided
Space allows opportunities for members to socialise when visiting

Additional amenities might include:

Toilets (hygiene, wheelchair accessible)
Baby change facilities
Breastfeeding friendly spaces
Sensory spaces

Hours of Operation

How and when your members access the toy library will be guided by a number of competing factors:

Physical access to your space / other users (for shared space)
Lease agreement with space provider
Operation costs – hourly rental cost and staff cost (if applicable)
Volunteer or staff availability
Member preferences based on feedback

Your members need to be able to easily remember your opening times, and be confident that you will be open. You should ensure that your opening hours and regular and consistent, and are well advertised on your digital channels as well as at your physical space.

Regular doesn’t always mean weekly. For less frequent opening sessions, such as fortnightly or monthly, you should ensure that these clearly line up with your borrowing period, so that members are able to return toys when they fall due.

Drivers for change	Solutions for consideration
Member visits to a particular session drop below a viable number over a consistent number of sessions Cost of rent or staff Time contribution by volunteers	Survey members that have previously visited this session / all members Change day/time to suit member preferences Reduce length of session Reduce frequency from weekly to fortnightly or monthly
Frequently have to close a session due to lack of volunteers
Member visits to a session make the session feel rushed, busy or out of control over a consistent number of sessions	Extend length of session

Dream toy library space and venue

If you are in the position to be looking for new space for your toy library, TLA has developed a set of dream specifications based on your membership base. This also includes accessibility features.

Alternative ways to Access

Click & Collect can be used as a stand alone model, or mixed model with regular borrowing. Both Mibase and SETLS have Click & Collect capability. Read more about it in our fact sheet.