Home » World Play Day brings nostalgic display to local libraries

World Play Day brings nostalgic display to local libraries

Guy Hazlewood    May 30, 2024    3 min read   

The Brisbane South Toy Library based in Richlands is staging a display of older toys for the community to view in Brisbane City Council libraries.

The month of May was chosen as the first month to start the display, in celebration of World Play Day on May 28.

The items, ranging from 1955 until the 1970s, will be available to view in the Mt Ommaney library during May and June.

They will be displayed until the end of the year in local libraries including Inala and Sunnybank Hills from June until the end of 2024.

The Sesame Street Cookie Time Clock Radio made in 1971 and the Toy Lamb from 1955 are among the items on display. Source: Robyn Davis, Brisbane South Toy Library.

Brisbane South Toy Library toy coordinator and volunteer Robyn Davis said the display aimed to prompt fond memories from childhood.

“These pre-loved toys have been donated to the toy library. For a variety of reasons, like toy safety, they can’t be loaned,” Robyn said.

“We want to share them with the community and prompt lots of happy memories and discussions as you inspect the items.”

All photos: Robyn Davis, Brisbane South Toy Library.

The volunteers at the Brisbane South Toy Library collaborated with Brisbane City Council Library staff to make the toys available for display.

Robyn said the Toy Library’s theme for 2024 is to “grow sustainable cities and communities through play.”

“Families are looking for more sustainable options when considering toys for their children,” she said.

“Toy libraries offer not only sustainability, but also saving money on not having to buy toys that will clutter your home when your children are no longer interested in them.”

The Brisbane South Toy Library offers over 2,000 quality toys, games and play materials for children aged 6 months to 12 years old.

Just like a traditional book library, members can borrow toys, play with them, and return them for a new selection of toys next time. 

The organisation also has party equipment available to hire for a very low cost, making special events more affordable for families. 

For more information on the Brisbane South Toy Library in Richlands, visit brissouthtoylibrary.org.au or toylibraries.org.au.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact 0406 821 225.

Why volunteer at the toy library?

  • Use your skills and experience to support a wonderful community activity.
  • You volunteer whenever you want – no roster, no set hours, or other demands. When you are available to volunteer, simply place your name in the calendar online.
  • Volunteer with friends in a fun, happy, relaxed environment – everyone has fun around toys, games and puzzles!
  • It’s practical, worthwhile, interesting and rewarding.

The Brisbane South Toy Library is also participating in the People First Community Lottery. All raffle tickets purchased through the QR code will go directly towards funding resources for Toy Library. 

Tickets cost $2 each, with top prizes including a Toyota Hybrid Kluger GX, a Toyota Yaris Hatch Hybrid, and a Kozco Energy solar panel/battery package. 

Avatar photo

Guy Hazlewood