Children across the Northern Beaches will soon be able to borrow a range of fun and educational toys from their local library.

Council will support not-for-profit organisation EarlyEd to expand their Cubby House Toy Library service across the Northern Beaches.

Council has endorsed a plan to enter a 12-month trial partnership with Early Ed to support the Cubby House Toy Library and provide spaces in Manly and Mona Vale Libraries for toy ‘click and collect’ services.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the partnership will help more families to access high-quality toys and reduce toys ending up in landfill.

“Children learn through play and high-quality toys are an important way to support their development,” Mayor Regan said.

“Toy libraries are a great way for parents to offer their young kids the right toys and resources they need to learn and develop.

“They also reduce the amount of plastic toy waste ending up in landfill, as parents can borrow instead of buy toys for their growing kids.”

EarlyEd CEO Kerry Dominish said the partnership with Council would help more children to have the best possible start in life.

“We are proud to partner with Northern Beaches Council to expand our toy library service so that more families can access toys and resources to encourage healthy development,” Ms Dominish said.

“Toy libraries are a great way to support young children in their development, especially children with a disability or development delay.

“This new arrangement with Council will help expand our service, increase community awareness of our services and offer early intervention to children who need it.”

Cubby House Toy Library will set up click and collect services in Council libraries later this year.

The toy library has a wide range of toys, games, books, and gross motor equipment, with more than 2,000 toys in the online catalogue.

Council will also support the not-for-profit organisation to promote early literacy and early childhood education programs, and encourage members of the community to volunteer with Cubby House Toy Library.

Council consulted with the community late last year on ways to reduce plastic toy waste. Many respondents expressed an interest in borrowing quality educational toys through a toy library service. Respondents also praised EarlyEd Cubby House Toy Library and suggested it could be expanded.

For more information about EarlyEd Cubby House Toy Library visit their website.