A not-for-profit organisation sparked by a conversation between neighbours over the back fence.

A Message from Our President

“It is with great pleasure and excitement that I step into the role of President of Brisbane South Toy Library.

At Brisbane South Toy Library, our mission is to provide a vast array of toys and play materials and to foster a sense of family togetherness and community. We understand the importance and value of play in a child's development, and we are committed to raising awareness about its significance.

My aim for the year is to continue the wonderful work of our outgoing President, Adelle Suitor, in growing a Toy Library focused on family fun and togetherness. Let's make playtime the highlight of every day by celebrating the joy of shared moments and the wonders of imagination.

The Toy Library also remains committed to ensuring that every toy in our collection is not just fun, but also enriching and educational. We hope to assist parents and caregivers in selecting toys that nurture creativity, age-appropriate skills and imagination in their little ones.

This year, the Toy Library will also continue to foster connections within our wonderful community by building links between families, local services, and organisations while also creating a supportive environment where everyone feels welcomed. If you are interested in volunteering, providing a service or joining our Committee, please reach out.

We will also continue to promote sustainability and environmental consciousness in 2024 by advocating for borrowing over buying, with the aim to reduce waste, minimise ‘single-child’ toy purchases and teach our children the importance of responsible consumption and sharing. By borrowing toys instead of buying them, we're not just having a blast—we're also helping to take care of our planet!

I am very excited to be President of Brisbane South Toy Library and to work alongside such dedicated individuals who share a passion for play and community. Together, let's craft unforgettable play experiences, grow our community, and nurture a brighter future.”

“Together, let's craft unforgettable play experiences, grow our community, and nurture a brighter future.”

— Aimee Mundt, Brisbane South Toy Library President

Our Mission & Objectives

The Brisbane South Toy Library aims to:

  • Run a community toy library in Brisbane, functioning in accordance with the approved standards of Toy Libraries Australia.

  • Encourage family togetherness by raising the awareness of the importance and value of play.

  • Provide quality advice on the selection of play materials; and assist parents and carers in learning about the significance of play in a child's development.

  • Connect members with other families, local services, and encourage community involvement.

  • Encourage sustainability by borrowing rather than buying toys to reduce the impact it has on our planet. 

History of the Brisbane South Toy Library

Humble Beginnings in 2019

The Brisbane South Toy Library is a not-for-profit organisation that began from a conversation between neighbours over the back fence Word spread and soon others joined to form a committee. We called on the community for toy donations and, with the support of the Forest Lake Salvation Army, we opened our doors on February 26th, 2019 as the Forest Lake Toy Library.

In late 2019, after seeing the community support and watching our membership grow, we incorporated and changed our name to the Brisbane South Toy Library.

After successfully applying for a grant from the Brisbane City Council, we were able to move the Brisbane South Toy Library to a larger location in the Richlands Community Centre.

Through 2020 we spent the time setting up our new location in Richlands, training volunteers and welcoming new members.

Recognition from Toy Libraries Australia

In May, 2021 the Brisbane South Toy Library received runner up small toy library of the year from Toy Libraries Australia!

That year we also held our first Family Play Day to celebrate 'World Play Day - Play is Healthy'. where we saw over 400 people attend who had the chance to play with a number of toy library toys, par-take in messy play activities and bounce on the jumping castles.  

A Larger Space & Toy Collection

In July 2022 the toy library moved to a larger library space in our Richlands location and established our Toy Workshop. This has enabled us to expand our quality collection of toys (1600 and counting) and, most importantly, provide a platform for welcoming many new members in the years to come.

Award Winners

Our growth earned us a nomination in Toy Libraries Australia’s “Best Toy Library - Large” category for the first time and we were excited to be announced as joint runner-up in March 2023.

In the same year, co-founder and former President, Adelle Suitor (pictured above), was awarded Toy Libraries Australia’s esteemed President’s Award.

In 2024 we welcome our new President, Amee Mundt, to the helm, with Adelle remaining a driving force on our committee.

Media & Mentions

Awards & Recognition

  • Our President, Adelle Suitor, was awarded Toy Libraries Australia’s esteemed President’s Award.

  • Awarded Toy Library Australia’s joint Runner-up Toy Library of the Year (Category: Large Toy Library)

  • Awarded Toy Library Australia’s Runner up Toy Library of the Year (Category: Small Toy Library)

The Brisbane South Toy Library is run by our 100% volunteer committee

(Here are just some of our committee members)

There’s a membership for every family