Toy library’s vital role

THE Endeavour Hills Toy Library is seeking new members to help support the service, which provides toys to suit children up to five years old.
Library secretary Sue Oates said playing with toys was an integral part of a child’s learning and development and good quality educational toys were a must.
“When children play in an enjoyable way, it encourages in them a love of learning for the rest of their lives. This, in turn, assists with their schooling and enjoyment of life in general.”
“Children don’t need lots of toys all at once. It is better to change toys once the child loses interest with a particular toy.
“This is where a toy library is really useful — you can borrow toys for short periods and change them over frequently for only a nominal membership fee each year.”
Ms Oates said children often used toys as a means to role-play, and this too was an essential part of learning.
The library grades its toys to suit age brackets, which helps parents to choose appropriate toys to borrow for their children.
“There is a balance to be struck between toys that are too simple for a child and do not challenge them to learn further and toys that are too advanced and undermine the child’s confidence.”
Ms Oates said the library had recently experienced a turnover of membership and was looking to build up its numbers again.
The library is open to all parents in Casey. New members are very welcome.
The Endeavour Hills Toy Library is located in the Endeavour Hills Community Centre at 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard (in the Neighbourhood Centre building).
It is open most Saturdays and every second Wednesday during the school term between 10am and noon.
For more information, call 9700 0737 or visit www.endeavourhillstoylibrary.org.au.