By Tanya Steele
With several beautiful new toys and board games available for families to enjoy and borrow, Montrose has opened a new toy library much to the delight of the public.
Yarra Ranges Community Toy Library has been operating in Mt Evelyn for over 40 years but President Erica German said it is wonderful to have expanded into a new location.
“We’ve opened up this second branch and our first session was 29 Apil,” she said.
The toy library offers a membership for the year which then allows families to borrow games, larger toys and ride-on plus a number of board games from both locations.
Children aged zero to ten can enjoy what the library offers and Ms German said there is a large board game selection and even toys like coding robots and electronics.
“We’re really hoping to draw in some primary school-aged children engaged with the toy library, there is a lot here for them to enjoy,” she said.
The incentive for the space is community collaboration, making new friends, saving money and the environment.
Ms German said the process to get the second branch had a few speed bumps along the way with Covid and some building break-ins causing delays.
“It’s been quite a labour of love, but we thought it would be great to have a second branch although there have been a few challenges,” she said.
The organisation is completely volunteer led and is beginning to see the fruits of their work.
“We’re seeing people come in and borrow and we’ve got a really exciting collection with lots of new toys,” Ms German said.
Families can save money and try new and different toys each time they visit, the toy library prioritises high quality and durable toys.
“Your kids get the benefit of playing with them and then you can bring them back,” Ms German said.
People connected to the library can get to know other members and will get to meet other people in the community.
Being a member means you automatically become a volunteer and people can do a shift once a term and bring their children along.
“There are huge community, cost-saving and environmental benefits to being part of it,” Ms German said.
“I like the vibe of ours, I moved here with my three kids and joined the Mt Evelyn toy library and that’s how I made friends,” she said.
The new Montrose toy library branch will be open two to three sessions a week and people can find out more on the website at:
