WHAT CAN I BORROW?
The number of toys that can be borrowed depends upon the level of membership taken.
There are over 700 toys, games and puzzles at the Puffing Billy Toy Library so you can always
find something new to borrow.
BORROWING TERMS
Toys can be borrowed for a two-week period. To help
with the regular circulation of toys, please return all
items within the two week borrowing period.
At the end of the borrowing period, most items can be consecutively re-borrowed once only.
New and some of the most popular toys will have a ‘not for re-borrowing’ note on the system to
ensure fair use by all families.
We understand that there are times when it is difficult to come into the Toy Library to return
toys, so a grace period of 1 week after the return date is given. Returns after this grace period
will incur a late fee. The fee for a late return is 50c per toy, per week overdue.
BORROWING PROCEDURE
When borrowing a toy, please check that the toy is complete in their bag/box. It is your
responsibility to check if there are any missing pieces in the toy you are borrowing.
If there are any discrepancies between the toy contents and the toy label, please advise the
member on duty so that it can be noted on the borrowing system. Both the toy label and the
toy details on the computer should reflect what you are borrowing.
Taking the time to check the toy before borrowing will avoid the need for you to pay a fee for a
missing piece that may have already been missing.
RETURNING PROCEDURE
Each time you return a toy they will be checked and marked off your record by a duty member.
A small fee will be charged for any missing pieces. This fee will be refunded if you find and
return the piece at a later date. This fee goes towards covering the cost of replacement pieces.
The fee for a lost piece is $3.00
When your toys are checked, please return the toys to their correct location. The duty
members are usually busy counting in toys, so replacing your toys in their correct location will
keep the library clear, safe and ready for others.
WHERE DO TOYS GO?
Each toy has a four-digit number that is found on the toy label on the bag or box. This number
is also engraved or marked on each toy piece.
All our toys are then classified into categories. This allows for similar toys to be grouped
together for easy selection. Each category has a two-digit number and this number is displayed
alongside the toy number on the toy label. Maps with categories and their locations are on the
wall in the toy library.
Please return toys to their correct location in the library.
BREAKAGE
If you have broken something DON’T PANIC! We realise that toys will break as a result of
normal wear and tear. However if we consider the damage to have been caused by misuse, a
fee may be charged. If a piece of a toy has been broken it may need to be repaired in a special
way to ensure it is still safe to use. Please do not attempt repairs yourself—report it to the duty
member.
Fee for breakage resulting from misuse, or the loss of an entire toy will be dealt with by the
Puffing Billy Toy Library Committee on a case-by-case basis.
CARE OF TOYS
Each member and child has a right to borrow and play with a clean toy — so it is each
member’s responsibility to ensure all returned toys are clean and ready for someone else to
borrow. If a returned toy is deemed to be unsatisfactory, you will be asked to clean it.
General:
Most toys can be washed with normal dishwashing liquid and with heavy duty cleaners for
more stubborn marks. Please remember to rinse and dry well.
Wooden Toys:
· Should be wiped with a damp sponge — do not soak them.
Rattles and Baby Toys:
· Must not be immersed in water as it can get inside and render the toy unusable. Wipe
thoroughly with hot water, or with a small amount of dishwashing liquid.
Ride-on Vehicles and Outdoor Toys:
· Take care not to leave them exposed to the elements as this reduces their lifespan.
· Please remove any dirt by wiping over before it is returned.
Puzzles and Games:
· Clean wooden puzzles as per ‘Wooden Toys’ above.
· Cardboard should be wiped over with a very lightly dampened cloth.
Please DO NOT allow pets to play with our toys.
SAFETY
Some toys contain small pieces. Please choose carefully if you have young children.
We recommend the use of helmets and other safety equipment with tricycles and other ride-on
toys. Competent supervision is always recommended with all toys.
Suggested ages are provided on the labels of many toys. These are a guide only. Members are
responsible for selecting appropriate toys for their children and only using them with suitable
supervision.
MEMBER DUTY
As our Toy Library is run for the members by the members, everyone is asked to do 4 duties per
year. One duty equals one toy library borrowing session of up to 2 hours.
Duty involves checking returned toys, recording toys being borrowed and tidying up the toy
library as required.
Members who are unable to commit to duty have the option to pay a non-duty levy which
negates the requirement for duty. This is currently set at $20 per term.
A roster is emailed to you at the start of each quarter. A copy of the roster is also available at
the toy library. All duty members will have to provide a contact phone number which will be
included on the roster. This will help with swapping and changing shifts with others.
New members will be coupled with an experienced member to guide them through the first
couple of duty sessions.
It is the member’s responsibility to be aware of their rostered duty. If you are unable to make
your scheduled duty, please try and swap with at least three other people before letting the
Duty Coordinator know you cannot make it.
Not turning up for duty without prior notice places extra burden on those on duty with you or
may mean that the toy library is not opened that day, so please show consideration and plan
ahead. Remember your help and support is what keeps this great toy library going for our
children.
Members who fail to meet their duty obligations will be issued with a fine ($20 per Term) and
borrowing rights will be suspended until the fine is paid.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
The Puffing Billy Toy Library is run by members like yourself. We all need to work together to
keep this library going. Simple ways you can help are:
· By returning all toys in a clean and in reasonable condition.
· By joining the Puffing Billy Toy Library committee. Without a committee the toy library
cannot operate.
· By supervising your children carefully in the toy library. If your children open a toy bag or
box, please ensure all the pieces are returned to their correct location.
The Puffing Billy Toy Library ("Provider") is pleased to make bicycles and scooters available to subscribers ("the Service").
As a subscriber to the Service you acknowledge that there are dangers and risks inherent with bicycle and scooter riding (the “Activity”) to which any child under your supervision ("Your Child") may be exposed. It is your responsibility to ensure that Your Child wears a helmet at all times and is otherwise appropriately attired when participating in the Activity. You agree that Your Child will participate in the Activity at your own risk. You also agree to voluntarily assume responsibility for supervising the Activity and any injury, death or property damage you or Your Child may suffer or cause as a result of participating in the Activity.
To the maximum extent possible at law, you (both in your personal capacity and on behalf of Your Child) agree to release, hold harmless and indemnify the Provider and its respective officers, employees, servants, agents and contractors (the “Indemnified Persons”) against all actions, claims, suits, costs, expenses, demands and damages suffered or incurred by the Indemnified Persons or any one or more of them by reason of, or in respect of, or in any manner whatsoever arising out of, or caused by, your use of the Service or Your Child's participation in the Activity.
You agree that you are subscribing to the Service on the express condition that the Provider:
(a) will, under no circumstances be liable or responsible in any manner whatsoever for any death, loss, accident, damage or injury to you, Your Child or any of your servants, agents, contractors, visitors or invitees or any other person whatsoever (“Related Party”) which may happen as a result of your use of the Service or Your Child participating in the Activity; and
(b) will not incur or be under any liability whatsoever to you, Your Child, or to any Related Party for any loss, damage or injury to or in respect of any of your property or of any Related Party’s property.
The Provider is not liable to you, Your Child or any Related Party in respect of any indirect or consequential loss. For the avoidance of doubt, ‘consequential loss’ means loss or damage arising from a breach of contract, tort (including negligence), under statute or any other basis in law or equity of an indirect or consequential nature including, but without limitation, loss of profits, loss of revenue, loss or denial of opportunity, loss of goodwill, loss of business reputation, future reputation or publicity, damage to credit rating and indirect, remote, abnormal or unforeseeable loss, or any similar loss whether or not in the reasonable contemplation of the parties.