Support Users and empower children

When families feel welcome and supported, toy libraries can become a trusted place that helps them connect with their community and access new opportunities. Toy libraries build confidence by creating inclusive spaces where children can choose toys independently and parents are supported to encourage participation. They also act as a gentle entry point to other services by sharing information and referrals when needed. This approach helps families feel confident, connected, and supported beyond the toy library itself.

When families feel welcome and supported in a toy library, it can become much more than a place to borrow toys. It can be a safe, friendly starting point where families build confidence, feel connected, and learn about other supports available in their community. Many families may not know where to go for help, and a toy library can gently guide them without pressure.

Toy libraries help build confidence and connection by creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for all families. Simple things like friendly greetings, clear signage, and toys displayed at child height allow children to make choices independently and safely. Encouraging parents to support their child’s choices helps build children’s confidence, independence, and decision-making skills. Toy libraries can also act as a “soft entry point” by sharing information about local services and, when appropriate, helping families connect with early childhood or family support services.

Toy libraries build confidence and connection by:

• Creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all families.

• Displaying toys so children can choose independently and safely.

• Encouraging parents to support their children’s choices and participation.

• Helping members access local community services when needed.

• Acting as a soft entry point for families seeking guidance or support.

  
  

Ways toy libraries can support and empower their users

• Display toys at child height so children can safely choose for themselves.

• Provide simple guidance to parents on supporting independence and decision-making.

• Offer information about local services (Maternal & Child Health, playgroups, speech pathology).

• Train volunteers on how to warmly welcome new families.

• Partner with early childhood professionals (educators, therapists) to ensure families receive referrals when needed.

Accessible Story Guide

An accessible story guide explains how the toy library works using clear words and simple pictures. It helps children and families know what to expect, reduces anxiety, and supports inclusion, especially for people with disability, neurodivergence, or language barriers. HERE is an example story for you to use.

For inspiration, take a look at toy libraries already sharing their stories online, such as line Burnside (available in English and Chinese), Newcastle.

Useful links

• Australian Early Development Census – Understanding child development: https://www.aedc.gov.au

• Parentline Australia – Support for families: https://parentline.com.au

• Local council directories (varies by state) for parenting and early years services.

• Ask Izzy - a mobile website that connects people who need to find services near by: https://askizzy.org.au/

 LINK TO ACCESSIBLE STORY GUIDE, Parent tip sheets, local services (ASK ISSY) Volunteer training .

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.