Community toy library in a local hall

Parents, grandparents, carers and family day care educators who want variety without buying and storing toys.

Yearly or termly membership fees, with small extras like late fees, bond for large items or fundraising. Many toy libraries also seek council or community grants.

• Organised with stock and records
• Friendly with families
• Good at asking local groups for support

• Most toy libraries are not-for-profit, so check whether an incorporated association or other structure suits you in your state
• Public liability insurance, and check whether the hall's own cover applies to you
• Toy safety: check items against Australian safety standards and Product Safety Australia recalls, and watch for small parts and button batteries
• Check whether volunteers need a Working with Children Check in your state
• Hygiene and cleaning routines for returned toys

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the size of your toy collection, shelving and how you set up the hall sessions. These are estimates, so plan your starting stock carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many families join and the yearly fee you set. Running sessions often takes at least around 8 hours a week, so consider your time as well.

Check whether an incorporated association or another structure suits you, as most toy libraries are not-for-profit. Also check public liability insurance and the hall's cover, toy safety against Australian standards and Product Safety Australia recalls, volunteer Working with Children Checks, and hygiene routines.