Rosebud Toy Library Inc

About Rosebud Toy Library – Mornington Peninsula’s Community Toy Lending Service

Rosebud Toy Library Inc (ABN: 29438128377) is a non-profit, community-managed, and volunteer-run toy library located at Shop 1, 35 Wannaeue Place, Rosebud, Victoria 3939, on the Mornington Peninsula. Established in 1979, it is one of Australia’s longest-running community toy libraries, having served families across the Mornington Peninsula for over forty years.

The library provides affordable access to more than 3,000 high-quality educational toys for children aged 1 month to 10 years, supporting early childhood development, imaginative play, and community connection. It is proudly supported by the Mornington Peninsula Shire and the Rye, Dromana and Rosebud Community Branches of Bendigo Bank.

What is a Toy Library?

A toy library is a community service that works like a book library — but instead of books, families borrow educational toys, games, puzzles, and play equipment. Toy libraries provide an affordable alternative to purchasing expensive toys, reduce household waste, and give children access to a far wider variety of play experiences than would otherwise be possible.

Rosebud Toy Library is one of the most established community organisations on the Mornington Peninsula. Families from Rosebud, Rye, Dromana, McCrae, Safety Beach, and across the southern Peninsula regularly visit the library.

Opening Hours and Location

Rosebud Toy Library is open three mornings per week, year-round (except public holidays):

• Tuesday: 9:30am – 12:00pm
• Thursday: 9:30am – 12:00pm
• Saturday: 9:30am – 12:00pm (party hire pick-up 11:00am–11:30am)

Address: Shop 1, 35 Wannaeue Place, Rosebud VIC 3939

The library is closed on long weekends and public holidays unless otherwise advertised. Special holiday hours are posted on their Facebook page. As a volunteer-run organisation, occasional unexpected closures may occur — it is recommended to check Facebook before visiting.

The full toy catalogue is available to browse online at rosebudtoylibrary.setls.com.au before your visit. Rosebud Toy Library operates independently from Mornington Peninsula Shire Libraries but complements the broader library services available across the Peninsula.

Toy Collection — 3,000+ Educational Toys

The Rosebud Toy Library maintains a collection of over 3,000 toys carefully chosen for their quality, durability, enjoyment, and developmental value. The collection includes:

• Baby and infant toys (from 1 month) — sensory toys, rattles, soft toys, activity mats
• Toddler toys — ride-ons, push-along toys, shape sorters, stacking sets
• Building and construction — wooden blocks, LEGO, magnetic tiles, construction sets
• Imaginative play — dollhouses, play kitchens, dress-up sets, puppets
• Outdoor play — slides, trampolines, pogo sticks, climbing sets
• Games and puzzles — board games, floor puzzles, memory games
• Educational toys — science kits, art and craft sets, musical instruments
• Toys for additional needs — specially selected items to support children with disabilities or developmental delays

There is ample space within the library for children to play and test toys before borrowing.

Membership — From $45 Per Year

Membership at Rosebud Toy Library starts from $45 for 12 months, making it one of the most affordable early childhood resources on the Mornington Peninsula.

Membership is open to:

• Families with children aged 1 month to 10 years
• Grandparents providing occasional childcare
• Family Day Care Educators and early childhood professionals
• Community and private care groups working with children

Members can borrow up to 3 toys per child for a two-week loan period, with one free online renewal. Groups and educators may borrow up to 10 items for one month. A volunteer membership option is available, where members contribute one volunteer session in their first four months.

Play Your Way — Inclusive Sessions for Children with Additional Needs

Play Your Way sessions are appointment-only sessions held every Tuesday from 12:15pm to 2:15pm for members who have barriers to attending regular sessions, including:

• Children with diagnosed disabilities
• Children with potential or emerging developmental needs
• Families who require a quieter, more predictable environment

Sessions are 15 minutes long and provide sole use of the toy library space. Members can book through the online portal; non-members can contact the library at info@rosebudtoylibrary.org.au. This inclusive service reflects the library’s commitment to ensuring every child on the Mornington Peninsula has access to quality play opportunities.

Party Hire

Rosebud Toy Library offers a party hire service available to both members and non-members. Party hire items include large foam shapes, slides, parachutes, and a wide range of party toys and games.

• Hire period: one week, pick-up Saturday 11:00am–11:30am
• $100 refundable bond required, returned within 7 days
• Large foam shapes, slides and parachutes: first-come, first-served — cannot be pre-booked
• Member rates apply; higher rates for non-members

Why Choose a Toy Library Over Buying?

Toy libraries offer significant advantages for Mornington Peninsula families:

• Cost savings — access hundreds of toys for the price of one
• Variety — try new toys at every stage of development
• Sustainability — reduce household waste and environmental impact
• Space — borrow large outdoor equipment without permanent storage
• Community — connect with other local families and carers

How to Join Rosebud Toy Library

1. Visit during opening hours (Tue/Thu/Sat 9:30am–12pm) at Shop 1, 35 Wannaeue Place, Rosebud
2. Choose your membership plan (from $45/year)
3. Browse the catalogue of 3,000+ toys at rosebudtoylibrary.setls.com.au
4. Borrow up to 3 toys per child at your first session
5. Contact: info@rosebudtoylibrary.org.au