Stop by the Newcastle Toy Library in New Lambton Library. It’s completed its refurbishment and looks amazing with pull out racks, more shelving and space for toys and screening for when it’s not in use.
The Newcastle Toy Library is a fantastic service that allows children to borrow toys for a party, education or just to play!
Their aim is to provide members with good quality, educational toys at a very low cost each year.
A range of toys are available suitable for kids from birth to eight years of age.
With hundreds of games, toys, craft kits, imaginative play, sensory toys, ride-ons, outdoor equipment and puzzles to choose from, there is something for every child.
For a full list of toys, check out the website. You can search for toys based on age and/or category.
The toy library offers families a place to try and swap toys on a regularly basis. It’s great to encourage independence too. Kids can choose what toys to borrow and take responsibility for their safe return. And above else, a toy library promotes learning and education through play!
A toy library is fantastic too for the household budget and the environment. Save money and resources by borrowing toys instead of purchasing your own.
The Newcastle Toy Library is a not for profit, volunteer run organisation and is open Saturday mornings between 9:30am and 11:45am at the New Lambton Library. You can access the Toy Library at the rear of the New Lambton Library building.
Membership for the Toy Library is an incredibly affordable $35 per child or $45 for a family of 2 or more children, valid for 12 months. You can sign up any time of the year and can join online or in the Toy Library with one of the friendly volunteers. (Note: members also need to have a regular Newcastle Library membership).
(You can also purchase a gift certificate for Toy Library membership – great Christmas or birthday present. For the cost of a single quality toy, you could give the gift of a year long membership to the toy library with hundreds of toys available).
A total of three toys can be borrowed per individual child membership and up to 6 toys can be borrowed under a family membership.
Toys can be borrowed for up to one month. Some toys can only be borrowed for two weeks due to their high popularity – these toys are clearly indicated. Toys can be renewed for an additional month via the Newcastle library app, Newcastle Library website or by phoning New Lambton Library on 4904 3340.
If you have time, volunteer for the Toy Library. The Toy Library is always looking for volunteers (parents or grandparents) to help out each Saturday morning and its a terrific way to get involved in the community and meet some like-minded people whilst not committing too much time in your busy calendar.
They always need more volunteers to help run the Saturday open sessions which involves welcoming new members, cleaning and counting toys and problem solving any queries. They have an online roster, so you can choose which dates suit you.
They also have a wonderful committee which oversees the running of the toy library. These roles include President, treasurer, secretary, volunteer coordinator, toy problems officer, toy purchaser, toy donations officer and social media officer. They meet regularly to discuss issues pertaining to the toy library and hold busy bees to complete tasks required in the toy library. If you would like to help out with one of these roles, email the Newcastle Toy Library.
Good to Know
Cost: For 2023, membership is $35 per year for single child and up to three toys and $45 per family of two children or more and up to six toys. Toys can be borrowed for one month. Family Day Care or playgroups are also welcome to join and borrow toys for their group to enjoy.
Address: New Lambton Library, lower level, Regent Street, New Lambton, NSW. You can access the Toy Library at the rear of the New Lambton Library building.
Hours: 9:30am – 11:45am on Saturdays
Phone: 02 4904 3340
Website: https://newcastletoylibrary.com.au
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NewcastleAndHunterToyLibrary
Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.