Toy Library

What Is Toy Library ?

The Ooranga Toy Library stocks a vast array of toys for loan that are designed to support child skill development and imagination for children aged 0-6 years. Toy Libraries Australia aim to support families and encourage togetherness with quality time spent playing with children. If play is a child's work then they must also have the tools for their trade. Toys are tools that help a child to enjoy play. 

The Toy Library provides an inexpensive option, through an annual membership, to enable families to borrow and try new toys that are appropriate to their child’s needs, stage of development and interest. 

Ooranga Toy Library members will find a wide range of larger toys for borrowing, which can help families avoid storage of bulky toys, as well as hundreds of smaller items that can be swapped regularly to keep their children entertained. There is also a range of Sensory and Therapy resources that members can borrow for children with additional needs. 

Members of the public are welcome to come in to browse the resources available with their children before they join. There is also a Mothers Room located at the Ooranga Toy Library, with a 5 star rating from the Australian Breastfeeding Association, equipped with change table and toilet facilities.

View the toy library catalogue here

Open from 9am - 3pm weekdays during school terms.

Awards

2023 - Large Toy Library Of The Year

2023 - Runner-up Librarian Of The Year

 

 

 

Families Love Ooranga

Being a mother of a child with autism I love taking advantage of the range of therapy and sensory equipment at the Ooranga Toy Library. Being able to access the library during school times is convenient as I can take time to browse the wide range of toys and equipment and the lovely ladies are alwaysup for a friendly chat. It's hard to keep kids occupied these days. Our membership means we can borrow new toys every fortnight so my son is never bored. I'm so grateful for our toy library!

Jade Punch

Mother

I love that it gives us access to toys we wouldn’t ordinarily buy (big tractor/trailer, music sets, etc).
I love that the Toy Library is affordable.
I love that I can borrow toys appropriate for my sons age, without having to buy them (especially considering the rate children grow/develop/lose interest in things between theages of 0-5).
I love there is a great range of toys!
I love that my house stays toy clutter free because we can return them! 
I love that we can swap them as often as we like, or keep them for 2 weeks.
I love that the staff are friendly and experienced in recommending toys appropriate for my childs age.
I love that they Toy Library is open Monday - Friday (added bonus that theres a bathroom in there!).
I love that my son loves the Toy Library too!

Jane McIntosh

Mother

We have been members of the Toy Library since William was 6 months old. He is now four and is joined on fortnightly trips by his sister who is one. We love the great range and diversity of toys that are available to match the developmental milestones of their growth and maturation.
What a wonderful resource for a small town! The Toy Library is very affordable saves a fortune on buying expensive toys that catch their attention for a short time. Lending toys has also instilled a lovely respect in our children for the borrowing and sharing of other people’s things.

Lyndal Percy

Mother

Become a Member

Come in to 112 Barber Street Gunnedah to browse the resources available. 

Toy Library Membership Form Membership Form 

Toy Library Membership Terms Membership Responsibilties

 

Our Toy Librarian

Paula Jones, as the Ooranga Toy Librarian, enjoys working with children and families in the Toy Library. Paula also supports the preschool and playgroup staff with the supply of specific toys and resources to ensure diverse and stimulating experiences for children using Ooranga services.

Paula JonesPaula Jones

"As a member of the Toy Library for 3 years prior to commencing employment with Ooranga, I understand the benefits that toy libraries have to offer. My goal is to assist parents in their endeavour to promote play and encourage a child’s imagination."

Policies

Ooranga Family Mobile Resource Unit Assoc. Inc. has developed policies and procedures which govern the day to day operation of its services.

Printed copies of our policies are located at the Ooranga office, each preschool venue and in the playgroup van and are available to all members. Ooranga policies are developed by staff and Ooranga members in accordance to the seven areas of the National Quality Standard. The policies, along with supporting operational procedures, assist staff and members to ensure the safety of children and adults in attendance at Ooranga services and guide the provision of quality early childhood education and care.

Policies are regularly reviewed by staff and the Ooranga Management Committee. Families are encouraged to read the Policies, ask staff if they have any questions and provide any suggestions for changes to improve the quality of Ooranga services.

All staff, volunteers and members are expected to abide by the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics.
A copy of these is available at Ooranga centres or online at the ECA website.

Early Childhood Education Act, Regulations and Guidelines