Belgrave South: New members keep toy library in play

THE Belgrave South Toy Library has been brought back from the brink of closure.

The toy library has been in Belgrave South for more than 25 years and has 25 member families. Toy library president Jill Ilyes said that at the beginning of the year, membership was fewer than 10 families and closure seemed possible.

"Three members joined the committee and with their new leadership a plan was hatched to save Belgrave South Toy Library," she said.

"Since that time, we have held an open day where we doubled our membership numbers - exceeding our target of 20 families in order to keep the toy library open. With that success, we have attempted to develop a new vision which means making our toy library as inclusive and welcoming as possible for all members of our community."

Yarra Ranges councillor Samantha Dunn recently bought some new toys for the library from the community ward fund.

"The library told me they had very few toys that reflected Australian animals and culture," Cr Dunn said. "I said I would be very happy to help them out."

Cr Dunn bought a set of puppets of Australian animals, a set of puppets of an indigenous family and a didgeridoo for the library.

Ms Ilyes said there were a number of reasons the toy library was important to the community. Being able to "try before you buy" meant parents were not wasting money on toys that children wouldn't play with for very long, she said.

"By sharing toys in the toy library community, not so many toys need to be purchased, and ultimately the amount of plastic and other materials used to create the toys is reduced.

"The children are exposed to a greater range of toys and learning possibilities and the family saves money."

The toy library is in the Belgrave Heights and South Progress Hall on Colby Drive and opening hours are 10-11am on Saturdays.

Details: bstl.com.au or 0415992225.