TWO groups have promised to help anyone interested in setting up a new toy library in Moorabool.
Ballarat Toy Library and Pinarc Disability Services (PDS) said they were willing to donate toys following the council’s call to community organisations about setting up a permanent library.
Parents were angered when PDS announced it was closing its Ballarat library this week due to falling memberships and would donate hundreds of toys to the Ballarat Toy Library.
PDS will retain its disability-specific toys as part of a new resource centre.
Ballarat Toy Library president Beth Lamont said the committee could donate an unspecified amount of toys.
“We may be able to donate a few toys to get them started,” she said. “What will be most important is dedicated and enthusiastic parents who want to make the new toy library a reality.”
PDS chief executive Marianne Hubbard said the organisation was also happy to assist.
“If there’s an agreement between Pinarc and organisers, and they wanted to have a look at what’s available here, that would be fine,” she said.
Bacchus Marsh parent Gabe Hodson said Ballarat was too far to travel.
“Moorabool desperately needs a toy library of its own,” she said. “Melton and Ballarat are too far to go.
“Restrictive hours, huge joining fees and inaccessible or child-unfriendly locations just won’t work.”
Toy Libraries Victoria’s Jacqui Powell said advice was available for community groups wanting to establish a local toy library.
Council’s acting chief executive Shane Marr said its home and community care unit had specialist disability toys.
