The Newcastle and Hunter Toy Library is a fantastic service that allows children to borrow toys for a party, education or just to play! Their aim is to provide members with good quality, educational toys for a small annual fee.
Borrow from hundreds of quality toys, games, puzzles, ride-ons and more, swapping them out regularly so there’s always something new to play with!
It’s a great way to encourage independence, too; kids can choose which toys to borrow and take responsibility for their safe return. Above all, a toy library promotes learning and education through play!
A toy library is also fantastic for the household budget and the environment. You can save money and resources by borrowing high-quality toys instead of purchasing them yourself.
Opening Hours
The Newcastle and Hunter Toy Library is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organisation located at the New Lambton Library. You can access the toy library on the lower level of the building during the following opening hours:
- Wednesday: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 11:45 am
Click and Collect
The Newcastle and Hunter Toy Library has recently introduced a Click and Collect service, which means you’re no longer limited to borrowing only during open sessions.
Browse and reserve toys online, then collect from the colourful lockers located on the lower ground floor of the library building during New Lambton Library’s regular opening hours:
- Monday: 9:30am – 6pm
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:30am – 5pm
- Saturday: 9:30am – 1pm
The toy library has step-by-step instructions and a short video tutorial to walk you through the process. You can find both on the Newcastle Toy Library website.
What Can You Borrow?
The library has a wide range of toys suitable for children from birth to eight years, including:
- Games and puzzles
- Craft kits
- Imaginative and sensory play items
- Ride-ons and outdoor equipment
- Construction and building sets
For a full catalogue of toys, check out their website. You can search for toys by age group or category. New and popular toys are also listed separately, which is handy if you want to grab something in demand.
Membership and Costs
Membership for the Newcastle and Hunter Toy Library is incredibly affordable and valid for 12 months from the date you sign up. You can sign up any time of the year:
- Single child: $45 — borrow up to 3 toys at a time
- Family (2 or more children): $55 — borrow up to 6 toys at a time
- Group (family day care or playgroup): $100 — borrow up to 10 toys at a time
Toys can be borrowed for up to one month. High-demand toys are limited to two weeks and are clearly labelled. Renewals can be done via the Newcastle Library app, the Newcastle Library website, or by calling New Lambton Library on 02 4904 3340.
You’ll also need a current Newcastle City Library membership to join.
Join online here or sign up in person, with one of the friendly volunteers, on a Wednesday or Saturday morning.
Gift Vouchers
You can also purchase a gift certificate for Toy Library membership – great Christmas or birthday present. For the cost of a single quality toy, you could give the gift of a year long membership to the toy library with hundreds of toys available.
Gift vouchers start at $45 and are valid for three years. Purchase a gift voucher online and allow up to 48 hours for it to arrive by email.
Volunteering
The toy library runs entirely on volunteer support and is always looking for extra hands on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Tasks include welcoming members, cleaning and counting toys, and helping with general queries. There’s an online roster so you can pick dates that work for you.
They also have a wonderful committee which oversees the running of the toy library. These roles include president, treasurer, social media officer and more. They meet regularly to discuss issues pertaining to the toy library and hold busy bees to complete tasks required in the toy library.
If you have some spare time, consider volunteering! The Newcastle and Hunter Toy Library is always looking for helpers, including parents and grandparents. It’s a terrific way to get involved in the community and meet like-minded people without a massive time commitment. If you’d like to step into one of these roles, simply email the Newcastle Toy Library.
Good to Know
Address: New Lambton Library (lower ground floor), Regent Street, New Lambton NSW – access via the rear of the building
Open sessions: Wednesday 9.30 – 11:30am and Saturday 9.30 – 11:45am
Click and Collect: Available during New Lambton Library opening hours (Mon – Sat)
Phone: 02 4904 3340
Email: newcastletoylibrary@gmail.com
Website: https://newcastletoylibrary.com.au
Facebook: Newcastle & Hunter Toy Library
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You’ll need an active Newcastle City Library membership as well as a toy library membership.
Up to 3 toys on a single child membership, up to 6 on a family membership, and up to 10 on a group membership.
Yes. The Click and Collect service lets you reserve and collect toys during New Lambton Library’s regular opening hours, Monday to Saturday.
Most toys are suited to children from birth to eight years.
Yes — group memberships are available for family day care providers and playgroups at $100 per year.
The Newcastle and Hunter Toy Library occasionally accept donations. See their Facebook page for all the details.
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