Imagine a place for kids . . . not far from here . . . filled with toys, games and activities. The Belmont Toy Library is a wonderful place for kids and families to come along and select a ‘Santa sack’ sized bundle of toys to enjoy and take home. For a small membership fee, bubs, little kids and big kids are able to borrow toys from our collection. When our kids find a toy that they really enjoy they can renew the item and keep it longer or, when the novelty’s worn off, return them for something new.
We have toys to spark kids’ imaginations; outdoor and indoor toys; toys to encourage physical activity; costumes that transform them into characters; toys to construct; create and problem solve. Some of our favourite items to play with at the Belmont Toy Library are our kick bricks, scooters and ‘Green Toy’ collection. Who said Christmas comes once-a-year?
Another appealing attraction of our toy library are our special party packs. They include a range of games to choose from including a roller coaster, stepping stones, parachute and even jumping castles too, which create exciting and affordable parties for our families.
Our aim at the Belmont Toy Library is to provide quality educational items, for a range of ages and stages, and to keep memberships inexpensive for families. Our welcoming volunteers provide great connection for families in the community. It is also a very planet-friendly way to enjoy an endless array of toys!
Like many community activities during COVID-19, we have had to open and shut our doors like a perpetual game of ‘peek of boo’. At times when restrictions are in place, we offer a click and collect option for contactless pickup. But from the words of Anna, from Disney’s Frozen, ‘love is an open door’ and we are hoping we can stay open and continue to build many new memberships in the community. We also hope to build partnerships with local kindergartens, schools and business to allow as many local kiddies as possible to enjoy what we have to offer!
The Belmont Toy Library has been established in the Geelong Community since 1987. The South Barwon Community Centre has been our home for 30+ years. We can be found there every Saturday morning and the first Wednesday morning of each month. Please check us out on Facebook, Instagram (@BelmontToyLibrary) or at https://www.belmonttoylibraryvictoria.org.au
Toy Library information will be at the Humans in Geelong Expo on Sunday 5th December 10-3pm at the Geelong Racecourse.
Written by Michelle Chambers on behalf of the Belmont Toy Library Committee.
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