Kath Dickson Toy Library

Making play affordable, sustainable and accessible

Play, learn, return!

Looking for new ways to engage your children but tired of the constant cost of replacing toys? We’ve got the answer.

The Kath Dickson Toy Library in Crows Nest offers more than 1,000 toys for children aged 0–5. From cars and trains to blocks, games, wooden and floor puzzles, bags of bugs and balls, construction sets and sandpit favourites, there’s always something new to explore.

Becoming a Toy Library member means ongoing access to a wide range of high-quality toys, carefully chosen to support your child’s development through play. It’s a simple way to keep things fresh at home without the cost or clutter — and an eco-friendly choice by borrowing instead of buying.

Membership is just $80 for 12 months, giving you the freedom to borrow up to 5 items for four weeks at a time. You can visit the Toy Library in Crows Nest or access our collection through the mobile Toy Bus service.

View our catalogue

Selection of colourful toys in the Toy Library

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Opening hours

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
8:30am-4:30pm
(school terms only)

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Main Location

1 Littleton Street
Crows Nest
(Google Maps)

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Cost

Free to drop in & visit
$80/year membership
(includes Toy Bus)

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Activities

Join us for playgroup Fridays 9:30-11:30am
(all welcome)

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Mobile service

The Toy Bus visits Western Queensland
(& Toowoomba in 2026)

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Audience

Perfect for families with children under 5

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of joining?

Apart from the cost benefits of borrowing rather than buying toys, by joining the Toy Library you will have access to a huge range of age-appropriate toys, puzzles and games that you can change as your child’s interests change. This results in less waste going into landfill from toy packaging and disposal, and less clutter at home.

How much does it cost? How do I pay?

The annual membership fee is $80 which entitles you to borrow up to 5 toys for 4 weeks at a time. It also includes access to our mobile Toy Bus service.

Payment can be made at the Toy Library or via our online membership form.

What are your opening hours?

The Toy Library is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:30am-4:30pm (during school terms only). Very occasionally we might need to change these hours due to staffing needs, and this will be advised on our Facebook page.

Can I bring my children and stay a while?

Yes, absolutely! Our Toy Library is a great place for children and their families to socialise and interact with others. Feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy a play in our large fenced backyard, especially if you are travelling from further afield. You are also welcome to coincide your visit with our free playgroup on Friday mornings, 9.30am-11.30am.

Can I visit without being a member?

Yes, you sure can! We are more than happy for you to drop in and use the space. We have craft materials that are free to use, a free library/book swap, and a large, fenced outdoor space that is perfect for a picnic.

Can I make a donation?

Definitely! We have lots of toys on our wish-list as well as future projects we are looking to fund, such as a mobile toy library. As a community-based registered charity, any monetary donation over $2 is tax deductable. We will also gladly accept donations of new or lightly used toys, games and puzzles. However, we are unable to take donations of toys that have batteries or that are soft (like teddy bears).

Can I volunteer to help?

Yes! There are lots of ways you can help, including customer service, cleaning and checking toys, gardening, marketing, and fundraising. If you would like to volunteer to help at the toy library (and receive free membership) please contact Trish Mullins, Toy Library Coordinator, using the contact form below.