Stonnington Toy Library

05/09/2026

Introducing the Toy Rescue Crew! ♻ Help us review donated toys and prepare them for their new play adventures in the library.

All you need to bring is a smile - we'll provide the snacks.

The Toy Rescue Crew 💚will meet monthly at Tuesday evenings 7-9pm at our Prahran branch. Sign up via our member portal for volunteering. The dates are:
29 September
27 October
24 November

31/08/2026

🐝 Backyard Honey Melbourne is visiting Stonnington Toy Library with the bees which is a real-life chance to explore life in a honeybee colony, watch live bees at work, hear the buzz and talk to the beekeeper.

📍Saturday 5 September 10am-12pm Stonnington Toy Library, 1 Winter Street, Malvern.

🌱 City of Stonnington is giving away FREE native seedlings spanning 13 different species, including wildflowers, grasses and shrubs. These will help you grow a water-sensitive and climate-resilient garden that supports local biodiversity. No booking required, just drop in! 💚

📍Saturday 5 September, 10am – 12pm, Winter St Pop-up Park, Malvern

You can see examples of recently planted native plant seedlings in our Toy library garden.

City of Stonnington is running 2 other native seedling giveaway sessions as follows:

🌱 Tuesday 8 September, 11am – 12pm, Phoenix Park Community Centre, Malvern East

🌱 Wednesday 9 September, 12 – 2pm, Grattan Gardens Community Centre, Prahran

25/08/2026

It's Book Week! Our Dorothy (from Wizard of Oz) costume is pretty gorgeous on Miss L😍
It's not too late to borrow a costume if you still need ideas, pop in or browse our collection online. We have 120 costumes/dressups to choose from...animals, fairies, mermaids, pirates, characters, even a W***y Wonka! 🦁🐨🧜🏼‍♀️🥼🦈🐷🐊🧚🏼‍♀️🧙🏼‍♀️🐸🧝🏼‍♀️

30/07/2026

It was great to have John Morrisby from Jellis Craig Stonnington visit the Toy Library and see our fresh new design on our outdoor sign. John has supported Stonnington Toy Library for many many years and we are very grateful for his ongoing support of our not-for-profit organisation.

If you are considering selling your home, contact John Morrisby and tell him we sent you! https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/agents/john-morrisby

29/07/2026

Congratulations to Toy Libraries Australia on the launch of their podcast The Toy Library Effect and with a series of play at home resources to explore.

Have a listen
Episode 1: Today's toy library - more than just toys
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6zOQpoobP7Mb1ZhPSDGfTW?si=PewhZ4c3QpOkN7QoAToKYQ&utm_source=copy-link&sci=spotify%3Acard-config%3A5OY1hH88WknjDV6oLZ4kth

There's something new to explore at Toy Libraries Australia! ✨

Today we're launching a collection of free resources designed to support families and the people who support them.

If you're looking for practical play ideas, expert advice or, simply a little encouragement you'll now find it all in one place.

The Toy Library Effect podcast 🎙
Hear from families, toy library leaders and child development professionals as they explore how play supports children's development, strengthens communities and helps families thrive.

Play at Home resources 🏡
Discover practical articles and downloadable guides on topics including:
• Early communication
• Sensory play
• Sibling play
• Gross and fine motor development
• Toy rotation
• Supporting neurodivergent children through play
• Flexible approaches to play

No matter who you are and how you play, we hope these resources inspire and support you.

👉 Explore everything here: www.toylibraries.org.au/for-families

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23/07/2026

Inclusivity Statement

Stonnington Toy Library believes every person in our community has the right to feel welcome, included, and valued.

We’re here to make sure everyone can enjoy our library by reducing barriers and helping each person feel supported and connected.

We celebrate people of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences, and we’re committed to learning and improving to make our library a space where everyone belongs.

Thanks to volunteers Sarah Herten and Shirley Hamlyn for working on developing our Inclusivity Statement.

13/07/2026

So many play favourites for families here Stonnington City Council. Families will have fun exploring and playing in these lovely local playgrounds...maybe with coats, scarves and gloves on, thanks Melbourne Winter ❄️❄️❄️

What's your favourite?

12/07/2026

Through play our community celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of First Nations people in NAIDOC Week and every week.

This is a small selection of the First Nations toys, puzzles and games you can borrow from Stonnington Toy Library with a big shout out to these deadly suppliers!

Doll in Coolamon Awe & Wonder
Who owns that egg puzzle Yaali & Co.
Indigenous Nesting Dolls - Sky First Nations resources that create connection to culture.
'Tracks' clay or dough stamps Yaali & Co.
Aboriginal Australia map cutter and stamp Ochre Dough | Playdough, Arts & Crafts 🎨
Spin a Yarn Game YARN STRONG SISTA
Sovereignty never ceded puzzle Clothing The Gaps
Aboriginal Flag Stacking Yaali & Co.
Torres Strait Islander doll YARN STRONG SISTA

22/06/2026

What's your child's toy story?

It's not just one Toy Story. It's hundreds of Toy Stories.

At the toy library, you won't find Andy or Bonnie written on a toy's foot.

That's because toy library toys don't belong to one child. They belong to the child who...
💛 carries them everywhere.
🍼 turns them into a new baby
🏗️ loves lining things up
😌 plays quietly
💥 plays loudly

For a little while, every toy becomes somebody's best friend.
Then it's ready for its next toy story!

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17/06/2026

Our fundraising raffle 2026 is LIVE! Please share the link with family and friends to support your not for profit toy library. Find link in bio https://rafflelink.com.au/stlraffle2026

22 amazing prizes! Big thanks to our generous prize donors