Cobram Toy Library finds new home and new beginning
The old train station office in Federation Park in Cobram is a nice little building.
It’s a quiet building, often unseen in the background.
However, Cobram local Steph Thompson hopes to change that.
Ms Thompson is the president of the Cobram Toy Library, which is currently located at 16 Hay Ave, Cobram.
In February, Ms Thompson and her group of volunteers are moving to the old train station office, which will be leased from Moira Shire Council.
Ms Thompson has been involved in the library for roughly 18 months, ever since her daughter was born, but knew of the concept from when she had her son.
“When my son was a baby, I lived in Broken Hill, and they had an amazing toy library, and I didn’t even know they had one here (in Cobram),” she said.
“When I found out, I got involved.”
Ms Thompson said the library allowed toys that would otherwise go to landfill to be reused.
Toys that the library has stocked include dolls, prams, bikes and big Lego blocks, which are favourites among the younger kids.
After paying an annual fee of $40 per family, clients can rent toys for up to a month, and the service allows kids, who might otherwise go without, to enjoy some fun.
Ms Thompson said the benefits of working for the library included social interaction and seeing the same kids over the years.
“I love it,” Ms Thompson said.
“You get to meet so many new people. You get to meet all the kids and watch them grow. My own kids get to play with other kids.”
Ms Thompson has big hopes for the library once it moves into the new premises, including holding play sessions and opening more frequently.
With the new premises and the hope for longer opening hours, the president is also hoping more volunteers will step forward.
“At the moment, it is difficult because it’s hard to get volunteers,” Ms Thompson said.
The group is also seeking to raise funds to help make the new premises as welcoming as possible, including adding signage and air conditioning.
“We were selling gift tags over the market period, but people are welcome to just donate money,” Ms Thompson said.
“You can also help out just by buying a membership. If you want to gift someone a membership, we’ve got gift cards ... any money at all can help us.”
If you wish to volunteer for the toy library or make a donation, contact the social group at cobramtoylibrabry@gmail.com or ring 0412 605 436.