Did You Know?
What Merri-bek Toy Library Really Does for Our Community
Most people know us as the place to borrow toys. And yes, we have over 2,000 of them. But there is a lot more going on than just the toys. We've put together everything you probably didn't know about your local toy library. The research, the real talk and a few things that might genuinely surprise you!
Did you know? For every $1 invested in a toy library, $4.22 of social value is created.
Yep, that's a real number. An independent study — the Social Return on Investment report by Think Impact, funded by the Australian Government — found that toy libraries generate $4.22 of social value for every dollar invested. Not just in toys and play, but in family wellbeing, child development, community connection and the environment.
Not bad for your local Saturday morning errand, hey?
Did you know? We help families stretch their dollar further.
Kids' stuff is pricey! Good quality, developmentally appropriate toys even more so. And just when you've spent a small fortune on something, they've grown out of it or lost interest within a fortnight.
That's exactly why Merri-bek Toy Library exists. For as little as $95 a year (FY25/26), your family gets access to over 2,000 toys, puzzles and games for kids aged 0–6. Borrow, play, return, repeat.
For families with children who have disability or developmental delay, this matters even more. Being able to try a sensory toy, see how your child responds, and return it if it's not the right fit, without spending hundreds of dollars, is genuinely life changing. As one parent told us, not having to outlay that kind of money makes a real difference to what they can offer their child.
Did you know? The toy library builds parent confidence, not just children's skills.
Those early months and years of parenting can feel overwhelming. What toys are right for this age? Am I stimulating them enough? Should they be doing this by now?
One of the things we're most proud of at Merri-bek is that our Toy Library Coordinators genuinely help with this. They know the collection inside out and love matching the right toy to the right child. And honestly, just getting out of the house with a baby and having somewhere warm and welcoming to go matters more than people realise.
One parent described their toy library trips as a "good thing to do" that helped build their confidence not just in choosing toys, but in getting out the door as a new parent. We hear this a lot.
Did you know? Play at Merri-bek supports how children learn and grow.
This isn't just feel-good stuff. The SROI report found that parents consistently see toy libraries support their children's cognitive development and problem solving, motor skills and coordination, communication and social skills, and sensory exploration and regulation.
When your toddler spends a fortnight obsessed with a ball run, a shape sorter or a pretend kitchen — they're not just playing. They're figuring out how the world works. And our collection is chosen with exactly that in mind.
Did you know? Merri-bek Toy Library reduces isolation.
Parenting can be lonely. Full stop. And finding your people, especially in those early years, isn't always easy.
The toy library is one of those rare community spaces where you can just show up. No booking, no performance, no pressure. Just come in, let the kids explore, and see what happens. More often than not, what happens is you end up chatting to someone navigating the same stuff or simply pause while your child plays in a safe indoor space.
The SROI report describes toy libraries as inclusive community spaces where parents and carers connect, share experiences and feel genuinely welcomed. We see this every single week at both our Brunswick West and Pascoe Vale branches. Parents who came in as strangers and left as regulars.
We’re part of the village.
Did you know? Volunteering at Merri-bek gives back to the volunteers too.
Every member family volunteers at two sessions a year and we know that can sound like a commitment. But here's the thing: people actually enjoy it.
Beyond the session volunteering, our committee is a small team of passionate parents who keep this whole thing running. And the skills involved — marketing, finance, governance, community management, event planning — are genuinely transferable. Whether you're on parental leave, running a small business or simply want to give something back, there's a role that suits what you bring.
The SROI report found that volunteering at toy libraries supports skill development, confidence and pathways back to employment, including for people with lived experience of disability and caring. One long-term volunteer described it as one of the most meaningful ways they contribute to their community.
If you're keen to get more involved, have a chat with your branch coordinator or email us at info@merri-bektoylibrary.org.au. We'd love to have you.
Did you know? Borrowing toys is genuinely better for the planet.
We don't talk about this one enough. Every toy you borrow is one less toy manufactured, purchased, played with twice and shoved in a bin bag for hard rubbish.
Research shows 95% of toy library members buy fewer toys after joining; an average of five or more fewer toys per year. The SROI report confirms that toy libraries play a real role in reducing waste and supporting the circular economy. That is, toys are shared, repaired and used by many families, extending their life and keeping them out of landfill.
It's one of the simplest environmental choices a family can make. And it saves you money at the same time. Win win.
More than toys. More than you might think.
Toy libraries have been part of Australian communities for more than 50 years. They've stuck around because the people who use them know how much value they add to family life.
Merri-bek Toy Library is your local version of that. And we're genuinely proud of what this community has built together.
Whether you've been a member for years, just discovered us, or have been meaning to join for ages- come find us. We'd love to see you.
📍 Brunswick West — Friday and Saturday mornings, Jolley St
📍 Pascoe Vale — Monday and Saturday mornings, Prospect St
Ready to join or want to find out more? Head to merri-bektoylibrary.org.au or email info@merri-bektoylibrary.org.au
Source: Toy Libraries Social Return on Investment Report, Think Impact, 2026. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
