Maitland Libraries celebrates the joy of toys and the power of play with its new pop up Toy Library

Maitland City Council Libraries is delighted to announce its new pop up Toy Library, supported by RDO Hunter distributors for John Deere, coming to the Gillieston Heights Hub. 

The Toy Library, which will launch on Friday 20 October, is an exciting initiative to enhance childhood development and foster a love for literacy and learning through play, supporting children aged zero to eight. 

The Toy Library will be open to the community every Friday afternoon from 3.00pm to 5.30pm. It aims to bring joy and educational opportunities to children and their families in the Maitland Local Government Area (LGA). 

Coordinator Community Participation Carol Edmonds says, ‘discovery and play are vital elements in a child’s development, nurturing their imagination and creativity.  

‘In line with the initiative, the toys purchased for the library and supplied from RDO Hunter will be durable and safe, eco friendly, culturally diverse and geared towards developing fine motor, gross motor and cognitive skills.’ 

The 2021 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) shed light on the strengths and vulnerabilities within specific communities.  

In the Maitland LGA, statistics revealed that one in five children were identified as vulnerable or at risk in language and cognitive skills. 

‘This initiative strives to support children as they embark on their educational journey, nurturing a lifelong passion for learning through play. 

‘We have specifically chosen toys that align with the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF), and we hope to provide opportunities for children to learn, grow and play their way to a brighter future,’ Edmonds says. 

For more information about the toy library and the launch event, visit www.maitlandlibrary.com.au/whats-on/pop-up-library.