The Inner West Toy Library Guide 2022

Toy Libraries are a handy solution for parents, especially in the younger years when individual toys often only capture the imagination for brief periods.

It’s a major stress reliever when money is tight and good for the environment too. And a cost effective way to introduce your child to new types of toys to see if there’s a budding interest to be fostered.

We’ve put together a list of some of the local toy libraries in the inner west. If we’ve missed your local, or some of the information here needs updating, drop us an email at info@theinnerwestmums.com.au.

Lennox House at Australia Street Infant School, Newtown

The Lennox House toy library recently re-opened and has been restocked with some new toys, which can be borrowed for a fortnight. Join the toy library for $20 a year. Lennox House runs a wonderful play group four mornings a week, as well as offering an occasional care service.

When: All services run during school terms only. The toy library is available during playgroup, which runs Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 11am, an Friday 9am to 12pm.
Details: Lennox House is part of Australia Street Infant School. Access playgroup via a locked door near the corner of Bedford Street and Lennox Street. Ring the bell for entry. https://australist-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/lennox-house.html#

Glebe Library

City of Sydney runs a toy library at three of its branches – Glebe, Surry Hills and Waterloo. Library members can borrow up to 5 items at a time per library card. Toys and puzzles are available for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. All toys must be returned to the library they were borrowed from.

Hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Details: 186 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, Ph: 9265 9333, https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library-collections/toys-collection

Balmain Library, Haberfield Library & Leichhardt Library

Inner West Council (IWC) has toys to borrow at three of its libraries: Balmain, Haberfield and Leichhardt. If your local IWC library does not stock toys, you can browse the collection via the online catalogue and have them sent to your local branch. The toys are for toddlers and early learners and have an educational focus. A new delivery of toys was received earlier in June, so the collection will soon be having a refresh. Toys can be returned to any of the IWC libraries.

Hours:
Balmain Library is open Monday to Thursday 9am to 7.30pm, Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm
Haberfield Library is open Monday to Wednesday 10am to 5.30pm, Thursday 12pm to 7.30pm, Friday 10am to 5.30pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm
Leichhardt Library is open Monday to Thursday 9am to 7.30pm, Friday 9am to 5.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm
Details:
Balmain Library, 370 Darling St, Balmain.
Haberfield Library, 78 Dalhousie Street, Haberfield
Leichhardt Library, Piazza Level, Italian Forum, 23 Norton Street, Leichhardt

https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/libraries/find-a-library

A little further afield…

Alexandria Park Community Centre

Connect Redfern runs a toy library in the Alexandria Park Community Centre, which is located in the Alex Park Community School. Toys are available for babies through to children aged around 8 years. Up to five toys can be borrowed at a time, for a two week period. There is no charge. The toy library has a couple of small bikes and scooters, plus ride-ons and walkers, little dolls houses, kitchen play, soft play, construction play, vehicles, musical instruments, and puzzles and games for children aged 3+.

The Alexandria Park Community Centre also takes donations of toys and children’s clothing (from babies up to size 6) in good condition.

Hours: Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4pm
Details: Corner of Power Avenue and Park Road, Alexandria