FAQs

Why should i join ocean grove toy library?

There are lots of good reasons to join. For starters, you’ll be able to access to a large variety of toys that offer a huge range of play experiences and find out more about your child’s play preferences. You’ll also get to meet other local families and save money. Toy libraries are also all about reducing waste by reusing – a great message to share with kids. Best of all, by being able to frequently refresh your kids’ toy selection, you’ll keep them engaged and happy!

Where is Ocean Grove Toy Library?

You can find us at the Boorai Centre on Shell Road (behind the Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre).

What are the membership fees?

Click here for the membership fee structure.

Note, full payment must be received before your membership can commence.

I need to transfer money via EFt. What are the Toy Library’s bank details?

Bendigo Bank
Ocean Grove Toy Library
BSB 633 000
Account 154 850 176

Please use your member surname as reference and email a receipt to coordinator@oceangrovetoylibrary.org.au

can i pay by eftpos?

Yes! We have a Square Terminal (EFTPOS machine) at the toy library. Please note card payments have a 1.8% service charge.

How Can I browse toys?

You can browse toys in the Toy Library during opening hours, or online with your member login details for our database (‘mibase’).

How long is the borrowing period?

The usual borrowing period is 14 days. Loan periods will be extended over the school holidays when the toy library is closed.

How many toys can i borrow?

Regular memberships allow you to borrow 4 toys a fortnight. You can upgrade to a ‘Plus’ membership to double your toy allowance to 8 toys a fortnight.

Are there any late fees?

There are no late fees for overdue toys, but please get in touch if you’re having trouble getting to the Toy Library to return your toys and we can make alternative arrangements.

do you offer gift vouchers?

Yes! Please ask the committee member on duty, or contact us. Vouchers are available in printed or e-voucher form.

What is the Duty Roster?

As the Toy Library is run by unpaid volunteers, we ask all members to sign up to the duty roster to assist with 4 times borrowing sessions per membership year. Don’t worry you will not be alone, a committee member will be present to assist you with the session. We are a family friendly environement and welcome your little ones also. To sign up for dates you can use your mibase login details emailed to you or place your name on the paper roster in the library when you visit. Volunteering is a wonderful way to see toys you may have never seen in the library as they are hot items. Its also a lovely way to meet new people. You will also be eligible for $10 per volunteer session completed. *Grandparent members are exempt from duty (but if any would like to do duty, they are very welcome to!)

what is stocktake?

We complete an annual stocktake of toys to maintain our database, retire or fix broken toys and ensure our library remains fun. Stocktake occurs in January every year and we ask for members to help as we have hundreds of toys! Your time will also go towards your volunteer sessions needed for membership discount at time of membership renewal.

How can I help out at the toy library?

  • Join the committee! Ideally we aim to have a committee of 10 volunteers to keep the toy library operational.
  • Volunteer for our annual stocktake or small working bees throughout the year. Extra pairs of hands are always appreciated! These volunteer sessions count towards your renewal discount and the activity test for Child Care Subsidy.
  • Student volunteers are welcome to support us. We have had volunteers completing their Duke of Edinburgh and junior rotary programs.

how do I renew my  membership?

You will receive an email 14 days before your membership will expire including information on membership fee and payment methods.

how do I cancel my  membership?

If you’d like to cancel your membership, please get in touch via email coordinator@oceangrovetoyibrary.org.au

Member Terms and conditions

Care of Toys & Containers

Toys are more fun to play with when they’re in good condition. Please return your borrowed toys to us clean and ready for the next family to borrow. Lets face it, children can be messy and play with toys when eating/drinking and there are toys with lots of nooks and crannies. Get creative with cleaning and if needed get out that toothbrush. If you forget to clean your toys, no problem – there is a cleaning station on the returns desk. Take care in supervising your child(ren) playing with borrowed toys. Take care to refer to the toy label to ensure all borrowed pieces are returned.

What if a toy is damaged or broken?

We understand there is general wear and tear of toys and containers over time which may result in damage. The committee complete ongoing review of toys throughout the year to identify these toys. If a toy is damaged due to misuse or lack of general care we would ask for you to replace the toy/toy part to enable its continued circulation and enjoyment in the library. If a container gets broken or becomes badly damaged, we ask that you find a suitable alternative.

Child Safe Code of Conduct

All members are asked to observe child safe principles and expectations for appropriate behaviour towards and in the company of children. You will read and agree to our Child Safe Code of Conduct.  at time of sign up. at time of

TOY SAFETY

It is members responsibility to ensure their own helmets and protective clothing is worn when using toy library bikes and scooters. If you notice a safety concern with any toy please remove it from play, safely store and discuss with a committee member on return to the toy library. Please do not allow your children to play with the containers and keep plastic bags out of reach of children.