Toy Library adds STEM to the collection

The Mount Gambier Toy Library has been a part of the lives of local families for generations.

First established in the 1970s, the volunteer run organisation is focussed on sustainability, and this has meant keeping toys in good condition, and keeping a catalogue of quality toys that remains relevant and fun over the years.

Volunteer Sarah Ellis said the Toy Library wanted to upgrade their STEM toy collection and invest in a quality collection to be enjoyed by local kids.

“We’ve been wanting to upgrade our STEM collection for a while,” Sarah said.

“STEM toys can be expensive, so we couldn’t afford to use our standard budget. We applied to the OneFortyOne grants program and were lucky enough to receive a grant that covered our wishlist.”

 “It’s amazing because previously we could only really add maybe one or two STEM new toys a year.”

The STEM collection has proved popular with many items out on loan within a week of hitting the library shelves. Experiencing somewhat of a surge over the past year, the Mount Gambier Toy Library is now up to almost 100 families signed on as members.

“I guess a lot of people are feeling the pinch from the cost of living,” Sarah said.

“I think the sustainability aspect comes into it as well. People don’t want their houses cluttered with toys, and they want to be able to provide their children with a variety of play experiences.”

“50 per cent of toys end up in landfill within a year, so we try to curve that.”

There are about 600 toys on the Mount Gambier Toy Library catalogue, with a 26 year old Little Tikes rocking horse the oldest toy on the books.

“We stock some really classic pieces such as the yellow rocking horse, through to our most modern STEM learning toys.”

Sarah said quality was an important factor in choosing what toys to keep on the catalogue.

“We have a lot of people become members as they’re interested in the sustainability aspect.

“Instead of buying something that your child is interested in for a month, you can borrow it then return it and get something else.”

Sarah said it takes an average of 36 days for children to lose interest in a toy, and 50% of toys end up in landfill within a year.

“Being able to borrow a toy, enjoy it and return it for someone else to enjoy, means less toys in landfill.”

“‘We’ve worked really hard over the last few years on just getting quality toys, because we want children and families to be able to have access to all that regardless of economic status.”

Mount Gambier Toy Library memberships start at $40 and $25 for concession, up to $60 per year. For more information about memberships, contact contactus@mountgambiertoylibrary.org.au