HOBSONS Bay Toy Library marked 30 years of continuous operation on Saturday with a morning tea and book launch celebration.
The library began life as the Williamstown Educational Toy Library in 1976, becoming the Newport Toy Library in 1988 before, being given its current name in 1995.
A second branch opened in Laverton in 2002.
President Kathie Lowe said more than 300 families now used the service, with more than a third of the 2500 strong toy collection out on loan at any given time.
Ms Lowe said the toy library service, one of the first in Australia, had been staffed solely by volunteers throughout its history.
Historian and Newport resident Helen Penrose, who is also a member of the Newport Branch, used the occasion to launch a book chronicling the history of the toy library.
Ms Penrose, a professional historian, said writing the book entitled Child’s Play: A History of the Hobsons Bay Toy Library was an enjoyable experience.
“As a member of the Newport Branch and a local resident, I thought it would be a lovely way to contribute my skills to this important community group,” she said.
