With a focus on quality and education, president of the library committee, Lissa Macilquham hopes to see young families and grandparents take advantage of the venture.

“Children learn so much from playing,” she said.

“The main advantages of a toy library are that families can save money on toys, or borrow something and then see whether the children like it before they buy it.

“It also gives parents and children to take the time and borrow something together and then play together.”

Run by a committee of volunteers who are either mothers or grandmothers, Ms Macilquham said they all had a vested interest in giving children the best start.

One mum who attended the opening day, Karen Arneman said she had heard about the idea through play group and said it was brilliant for her son Rory to get an idea of what he likes before she went out and bought something.

“Everyone has put in so much work obtaining grants and donations, it’s great for the community,” Mrs Arneman said.

A variety of new and donated toys are available and categorised for easy browsing.

Ms Macilquam said while the committee is grateful for any donations of toys, they are fussy about what they will accept.

“We want things that will last, are educationally sound and appeal to a lot of children.”

The Myall Coast Toy Library is open every Friday (except school holidays) at the Uniting Church Tea Gardens from 11am – 2pm for children aged 0 – 5 years.

For more information call Lissa Macilquamon 0417 662 070 or look for the group on Facebook.