Policies and procedures

Membership Benefits

Your membership may allow you to borrow up to 8 items and 1 curated play kit for up to 4 weeks at a time. One item may be a single toy, a toy set (e.g. train tracks, blocks), or a larger item (e.g. ride-ons, play kitchens).

Some smaller items may be grouped together and counted as one item. Some items have limits as to how many you may have at once (e.g. only one “large” item per borrowing period).

Safety & Batteries

All toy labels include relevant age and safety information. Please read these carefully before use and provide adult supervision where appropriate. If at any point a toy becomes unsafe due to damage or malfunction, please stop using it immediately and let us know as soon as possible.

Batteries are not stored in toys. We assume all battery-operated toys are in working order when fresh batteries are used, so please let us know if not.

Bikes & Wheeled Toys

Helmets are required when using borrowed bikes and other wheeled equipment where a helmet is appropriate.

You are responsible for:

• providing an appropriate, correctly fitted helmet;
• ensuring your child wears it whenever required;
• providing appropriate adult supervision; and
• making sure the equipment is used in a safe and suitable environment.

Please don't allow your child to use a bike or wheeled toy if you believe they are not yet ready or able to use it safely.

Children's play naturally involves some risk of bumps, falls, trips and minor injuries. By borrowing from us, you acknowledge these ordinary risks and agree to take reasonable care and provide appropriate supervision.

Cleaning and Storage

We ask that you wipe down toys prior to return. We will do the main cleaning but please remove any dirt, crumbs, pet hair, food etc. so that they are ready for sanitation. A small brush such as a toothbrush can be used for hard-to-reach places like crevices.

Outdoor toys must be free of sand/dirt before returning. Keep in mind the next family may want to use the toy inside.

If your child has been unwell, please disinfect items before returning with antibacterial wipes or spray. We will then sanitize toys and ensure they are ready for the next family to enjoy.

If toys are returned with visible sand/dirt etc, a $5 additional cleaning fee will be applied.

Please do not leave toys outdoors in rain or prolonged sun exposure.

Keep all items stored safely when not in use.

Missing Pieces

Each toy label includes a list of all included pieces. Please check all items are present when you receive them and if anything is missing, notify us as soon as possible

There is a $5 per piece replacement fee for any missing pieces, unless otherwise stated on the toy. You may borrow the toy for an additional 4 week period to try and locate any missing pieces. If the toy becomes inoperable due to the missing piece/s, you will need to replace the toy with an identical item, or pay a negotiated replacement fee based on the age and condition of the toy.

Lost or Broken Items

We understand that normal wear and tear happens. There is no charge for damage due to reasonable use or existing conditions.

If an item is damaged due to misuse, neglect, or pets, or is lost, you will need to replace the toy with an identical item, or pay a negotiated replacement fee based on the age and condition of the toy.

Loan Periods & Returns

All items are borrowed for a 4-week period. Items must be returned on or before your scheduled return window. If items are returned late, a late fee of $5 will be charged per week overdue.

If you’re having trouble returning items, please reach out. We’re always happy to work with you.

If your child is loving a toy, or you are unable to return on time, there is always the option to renew your loans for another 4 weeks.

Your Information & Privacy

When you join, we collect your email, contact name, and phone number so we can manage your membership and reach you about loans (e.g. overdue reminders). Your preferred name and your children's birthdates are optional — birthdates are used only to help us suggest age-appropriate toys, and we don't collect your children's names.

You can view and update your own information at any time from "My details" on your account page, including removing a child's birthdate. Your information is stored securely and is only ever used for toy library administration.

Our Commitment to You

We take reasonable care to provide safe, clean and well-maintained toys and equipment. We inspect, clean and sanitise returned items and will remove toys from circulation if we become aware of a safety concern. However, children's play involves some unavoidable risk. You are responsible for deciding whether a particular toy or activity is appropriate for your child and for providing appropriate supervision. Nothing in these terms limits any rights or protections you have under the Australian Consumer Law or any other rights that cannot legally be excluded.

Member Agreement

By joining or renewing your Toowoomba Toy Library membership, you confirm that you:

• Have read and agree to these Policies and Procedures.
• Understand that children's play involves some inherent and obvious risks and agree to provide appropriate supervision.
• Will follow toy age recommendations, safety information and instructions.
• Will inspect toys before use and stop using them if they appear unsafe.
• Understand that helmets are required when using borrowed bikes and other wheeled equipment where a helmet is appropriate, and will ensure your child wears an appropriate, correctly fitted helmet.
• Agree to return toys on time and in a reasonably clean condition.
• Will report missing, damaged or unsafe items as soon as possible.
• Accept responsibility for toys while they are in your care and understand that charges may apply for items that are lost or damaged through misuse, neglect, intentional damage or pets.