The Ballarat Toy Library is a beloved, volunteer-run community hub that's been bringing joy to families across the Ballarat region for over 40 years. We offer a huge and ever-growing collection of over 2,000 high-quality toys, games, and educational resources for children of all ages.

Our mission is simple: to make playtime fun, affordable, and accessible for every family while also helping reduce waste and support sustainable living. By borrowing instead of buying, families can save money, cut down on clutter, and enjoy a constantly changing selection of toys that spark creativity and learning.

Whether you're a parent, carer, educator, or simply someone who believes in the power of play, the Ballarat Toy Library is here to support you with resources that entertain, educate, and inspire.

With a collection of over 2,000 high-quality, fun, educational, and unique toys, there's something for every child to enjoy at the Ballarat Toy Library!

Members can borrow up to 4 toys at a time for a period of up to 4 weeks and if your little one is loving their toys, most items can be renewed for another 4 weeks (subject to availability).

Curious about what we offer? Browse our online toy catalogue- you don't need to be a member to explore the range!

Membership Options

We offer two main types of membership to suit different levels of involvement: Volunteer Memberships and Non-Volunteer Memberships.

Both membership types are also available at a Concession rate for those who hold a valid Health Care Card.

Volunteer Memberships

Our Volunteer Memberships come at a significantly discounted rate in exchange for a small time commitment. Members are asked to complete 4 x 2-hour volunteer sessions per year, usually during our opening hours to help keep the Toy Library running smoothly.

As a thank you, volunteers also get to borrow two bonus toys every time they complete a shift on top of their regular borrowing limit!

Volunteering is a great way to support your community, meet new people, and enjoy some extra playtime perks. Learn more on our Volunteering Information Page.

Non-Volunteer Memberships

Prefer not to volunteer? Our Non-Volunteer Memberships require no volunteer hours and are priced accordingly to help support the ongoing operation of the Toy Library.

No matter which membership you choose, you'll gain access to our incredible range of over 2,000 toys, games, and educational resources for children aged 0-12.

When you become a member of the Ballarat Toy Library, you agree to follow our Code of Conduct and Membership Agreement. These guidelines help us maintain a safe, respectful, and well-loved space for all our members.

You'll receive links to both documents when you join, but you can also access them anytime below:

• View our Code of Conduct
• View our Membership Agreement

Here are some key responsibilities to keep in mind as a member:

• Clean toys before returning them to ensure they're ready for the next family
• Return all pieces and parts with each toy
• Treat others with kindness and respect, disrespectful or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated
• Follow our Child Safety Policy at all times
• Ensure children use appropriate safety gear (e.g. helmets) when playing with relevant toys
• Take care of borrowed toys to help them last for many families to come
• Be aware that charges may apply for toys damaged beyond repair, assessed on a case-by-case basis

This is not a complete list. Please refer to the full Membership Agreement and Code of Conduct for all responsibilities and expectations.