Darebin Toy Library
A free, inclusive toy lending service supporting early learning through play for children aged 3 months to 6 years.
Details
Ongoing activity
185 High St, Northcote VIC 3070, Australia
Free
A free, inclusive toy lending service supporting early learning through play for children aged 3 months to 6 years.
Ongoing activity
185 High St, Northcote VIC 3070, Australia
Free
Discover a welcoming and inclusive space where families can borrow quality toys designed to enhance early learning experiences through play. The Darebin Toy Library supports children from diverse backgrounds, including those with developmental delays and disabilities, ensuring every child has access to engaging and educational resources.
The library encourages environmental sustainability by promoting borrowing over buying, aligning with principles of reduce, reuse, recycle, and repair. It’s a community-focused service that values diversity and inclusion, making it a safe and respectful place for all families.
Whether you are a new parent, grandparent, caregiver, or a professional working with children, the Toy Library offers a broad range of toys and equipment to support children’s development and play.
The Toy Library is open by appointment on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 09:30 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 15:00, with a closure between 12:00 and 13:00. Additionally, extended hours are available every Monday from 09:30 to 11:30, providing a quiet, calming space with sensory and inclusive resources, especially supporting children with diverse learning needs.
Members can borrow up to three toys per child for three weeks, with options to extend loans online. The Toy Library also offers volunteer opportunities for those interested in helping maintain and process toys.
The service actively seeks feedback from Rainbow families to ensure it remains a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTIQA+ community members.
The Darebin Toy Library is located at 185 High Street, Northcote. Access is by appointment only during regular hours, while extended Monday sessions do not require bookings.
Families can join and make appointments online or download membership forms from the Toy Library brochure. The service is accessible and strives to accommodate all families, including those with children who have additional support needs.
Please ensure toys are cleaned and checked before returning them. If any pieces are missing, notify the Toy Library to renew your loan and allow extra time to locate the missing parts.
The Toy Library values environmental sustainability and community inclusion, actively supporting families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds.
Volunteering is a great way to connect with the community and support children’s play experiences. Contact the Toy Library for more information on volunteering or to provide feedback.
The Toy Library service is free for members. Bookings for regular sessions are required and can be made online. Extended Monday hours do not require bookings.
Membership registration and appointment scheduling are available online, with downloadable forms also provided.
For further assistance, contact the Toy Library during opening hours by phone or email.