Quality Standard 5.1

Provide services that respond to community needs

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Every community is different, and toy libraries are most effective when they take time to understand local families and their changing needs. Using community data, feedback, and partnerships helps libraries reduce barriers, improve access, and plan services that are inclusive. Inclusive toys, accessible spaces, clear communication, and translated information help all families feel welcome. By listening, adapting, and working with local organisations, toy libraries can remain responsive, relevant, and trusted community spaces for diverse families.

Every community is different, and community needs can change quickly. Toy libraries work best when they take time to understand who lives in their area and what families need. Community data tools can help toy libraries learn about local languages, cultures, family types, and age groups. This information can guide decisions about toys, communication, opening times, and activities.

Not all families will easily share their needs, so toy libraries may need to be proactive. Simple surveys, conversations during sessions, and partnerships with local organisations can help reach families who may feel unsure or excluded. Using clear, plain language and offering translated information can make a big difference for families who speak languages other than English.

Inclusive practice also means making spaces accessible. This might include low-sensory sessions, flexible borrowing options, or toys that reflect different cultures and abilities. By listening, adapting, and working with local partners, toy libraries can remain welcoming, relevant, and trusted community spaces for all families.

Toy libraries should

Understand community needs.
Welcome and include people from diverse backgrounds.
Reduce barriers to joining.
Seek regular feedback and use it to improve services.
Offer toys, resources, and communication that reflect cultural diversity.
Connect meaningfully with the community through events and inclusive practice.

Some ways you can understand and respond to your community needs.

Member & Community surveys: Run short surveys using Google Forms, Microsoft Forms or Survey Monkey to understand families needs, expectations and toy preferences.
Translate materials: Provide brochures or signage in languages commonly spoken in your area (e.g., Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin). There are many free digital tools that can help toy libraries translate documents and communications. Popular options include Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, DeepL, Google Docs, and Canva, which can translate text, documents, and simple designs into multiple languages. These tools are useful for flyers, policies, emails, and website content. While machine translation improves access and inclusion, it works best with plain English and should be used carefully for legal or technical information. It is also recommended that a native speaker review the document before it is shared or published, to ensure the translation is clear, accurate, and culturally appropriate.
Inclusive toy selection: choose toys that reflect the diversity of children and families in your community, so everyone can see themselves represented in play. This includes purchasing dolls, books, and playsets that show a range of cultures, languages, family structures, abilities, and lived experiences. Inclusive toys support children’s sense of belonging, encourage empathy and understanding, and help normalise difference from an early age. A well-chosen toy collection sends a clear message that all children are welcome and valued at the toy library.
Accessible spaces help all children and families feel welcome and comfortable in the toy library. This means thinking about physical access (such as ramps, clear pathways, and accessible toilets) as well as sensory needs. Some children may need quieter spaces, softer lighting, clear signs, or calm borrowing times. An accessible toy library reduces barriers, supports inclusion, and helps families stay longer, feel relaxed, and enjoy play together.
Partnerships: Connecting with local playgroups, community centres, and professionals helps toy libraries reach more families, understand community needs, and build strong referral pathways. These partnerships strengthen inclusion, increase awareness, and ensure toy libraries remain responsive, trusted, and well connected within their community.

Insert document from DAIS about connecting with the disability community.

Useful links

profile.id – Community demographics: https://profile.id.com.au
Australian Early Development Census – Understanding child development: https://www.aedc.gov.au
Raising Children Network: https://raisingchildren.net.au - parent resources for all ages
Multicultural resources & simple translations: https://www.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au
Play Australia – Inclusive Play: https://www.playaustralia.org.au
Sensory Friendly Solutions: https://www.sensoryfriendly.net/what-is-a-sensory-friendly-environment/

Play is essential to children’s learning, development, and wellbeing, and it is recognised as a child’s right under Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Through play, children build language, physical skills, imagination, problem-solving, and social confidence. Toys are the tools children use to explore and understand the world, and toy libraries play a vital role in making quality play opportunities accessible to all families.