100s of toys to borrow

It’s not just the kids who enjoy playtime at the Bullsbrook Toy Library. Parents, grandparents and volunteers also look forward to the group’s weekly sessions.

“Some families will pop in to return toys and do a quick toy swap, while others like to stay and play and have a cuppa,” says Carla Marotta, President of the Bullsbrook Toy Library.

The toy library has been part of the local community for almost 25 years. Started in 1997 at RAAF Base Pearce, it quickly became a much loved community asset, especially among new families moving into the area as well as those already living in and around Bullsbrook.

In 2004 the group merged with the Pearce social group to become the Pearce Community Toy Library and Social Group. In 2016, it moved from the air base to a home along North Avenue before settling in at the then newly-opened Ethel Warren Bullsbrook Community Centre in 2017.

“At the end of last year, we changed our name to the Bullsbrook Toy Library to better highlight our place in the Bullsbrook community,” Carla says.

“The toy library is a great place to meet other families and having membership is a cost-effective way to access more than 400 toys.”

Up to eight toys, from games and jigsaws, to books and dress-ups, can be borrowed for up to four weeks.

Not only do the little-ones get to play with a whole host of different toys without their parents having to buy them, but many families like having less clutter at home when the toys are borrowed.

“Toy libraries are also positive for the environment as it means less waste, plus the toys are played with more, maintained and repaired to give them a longer life,” Carla says.

“Families can also try toys they might be considering buying, such as bikes and scooters, to see if their child will use and enjoy that toy.”

A non-profit organisation relying on its dedicated volunteers, the Bullsbrook Toy Library is open 9am-11am every Friday and 10am-12pm on the first Saturday of every month.

Visit https://bullsbrook.mibase.com.au to find out more.