Frankston Toy Library is a non-profit organisation, primarily operated and managed by volunteers. We provide services and resources to families, community groups and organisations at a reasonable cost. Ask us about becoming a member today!
The Frankston Toy Library is a community organisation that strives to provide an invaluable service to the families of our local community. We have over 500 members and are one of the largest services of our kind in Australia. We are passionate about providing our members with an excellent service and we welcome your feedback and suggestions.
Our Mission:
To provide the community with quality resources that enable learning and development through play and positive engagement with others.
Our History:
The Frankston Toy Library was established in May 1977 in the living room of founder Bev Le Bas.
It remained there for 18 months and membership quickly grew to 120 families.
Late 1978 the Karingal Uniting Church allowed the group to use its facilities as Bev was away for a significant period of time. During this time the toy library was only open for two hours per week and as a result membership halved.
Another move was to Campbell Street Community House where sole access was given to two small rooms. This was later reduced to one room used for display and another available during sessions.
In late August 1985, the Frankston Toy Library relocated to the Mechanics Hall. During 1986-7, membership had grown to almost 200 families and groups.
In 1988 the first funding grant was received from the Frankston City Council. Memberships quickly grew to around 300 families and groups. This was also the first year of the annual Teddy Bears' Picnic.
In 1989 additional space at the Mechanics Hall was temporarily made available to the Frankston Toy Library to reduce crowding. Over time, extra permanent space was added to cope with the 400 families and groups using the service.
In May 1995 the new premises at the Frankston Arts Centre was officially opened. The local Lions Clubs raised $50,000 for the 'Cultural Centre Appeal' and gained naming rights to the toy library building in Playne Street Frankston.
By the end of 1995, membership rose to 570, but due to an extended closed period during the move, severe crowding and limited hours, membership fell during 1996. Opening hours were soon dramatically increased for 1997 and membership numbers rose again. By the end of 2009, there were over 500 families and groups.
By 2010 there were three staff members, 15 volunteers and around 400 members.
In 2011 the logo was revisited and a new fresh design that reflected family, growth and play was developed.
In February 2012 the Frankston Toy Library moved into its biggest premises yet at the Ebdale Community Hub and Learning Centre in Ebdale Street, Frankston.