How can the right toy create new possibilities for play?

In Episode 4 of The Toy Library Effect, host Penny Johnston is joined by occupational therapist Cassie Doyle, speech pathologist Alice Crook, physiotherapist Nicole Pates and play therapist Dr Kate Renshaw to explore how toys can support communication, movement, sensory experiences, learning and participation for children with diverse developmental needs.

Together, they discuss looking beyond the instructions on the box, adapting play to suit individual children, following children's interests and using toy libraries to try different toys without the pressure of getting it "right". The episode also explores how adapted and switch-accessible toys can give children with physical disability greater independence and opportunities to participate in play.

The Toy Library Effect is a five-part podcast series from Toy Libraries Australia featuring conversations with families, toy library leaders, disability advocates and child development professionals. Together, they explore how play supports children's development, strengthens communities and helps families feel connected and supported.

Looking for more? Visit www.toylibraries.org.au to explore our free Play at Home resources, discover practical ideas for families and professionals, and find your local toy library.

Follow Toy Libraries Australia on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn for more play ideas, family stories and updates throughout the series.

Thank you for listening to The Toy Library Effect. Follow the podcast so you don't miss the final episode, and if you enjoyed listening, we'd love you to leave a rating or review and share it with a colleague, family member or friend.

Ever wondered who really knows a toy library inside and out?

In the newest episode of The Toy Library Effect, host Penny Johnston chats with the toy librarians and volunteers who welcome families through the door every week, the ones who know which toys get borrowed again and again, and quietly understand exactly what families need.

Every toy library looks a little different, but they all share the same purpose: helping families access quality play experiences.

Come meet some of the amazing humans from toy libraries across Australia 🎧

A huge thank you to this episode's guests:

• Eila from Kalamunda Toy Library
• Colleen from Knox Toy Library
• Kathryn at Wyndham Little Buddies
• Catherine from Kingston Toy Library
• Alisha from Grovedale Toy Library
• Heather from Burnside Toy Library

How can toy libraries become part of the support professionals provide to families?

In Episode 3 of The Toy Library Effect, host Penny Johnston is joined by occupational therapists Cassie Doyle and Brian Hoare, physiotherapist Nicole Pates, speech pathologist Alice Crook and play therapist Dr Kate Renshaw to explore how toy libraries can help extend therapy beyond the clinic and into everyday family life.

Together, they discuss playing with purpose, choosing toys to support individual goals, helping families build confidence and why stronger partnerships between allied health professionals and toy libraries can create more opportunities for children to learn, develop and play at home.

The Toy Library Effect is a five-part podcast series from Toy Libraries Australia featuring conversations with families, toy library leaders, disability advocates and child development professionals. Together, they explore how play supports children's development, strengthens communities and helps families feel connected and supported.

Looking for more? Visit www.toylibraries.org.au to explore our free Play at Home resources, discover practical ideas for families and professionals, and find your local toy library.

Follow Toy Libraries Australia on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn for more play ideas, family stories and updates throughout the series.

Thank you for listening to The Toy Library Effect. Follow the podcast so you don't miss future episodes, and if you enjoyed listening, we'd love you to leave a rating or review and share it with a colleague, family member or friend.

Supporting a child with developmental delay or disability often means juggling appointments, paperwork, therapies and the everyday realities of family life.

In this episode of The Toy Library Effect, host Penny Johnston is joined by Karen Dimmock, Kerry Dominish, Tofu Naitoko and Danni Menzies to explore how toy libraries help ease that load by making play more accessible, affordable and flexible. Together, they share honest conversations about the emotional and financial pressures families face, the importance of child-led play, and why welcoming community spaces can make a meaningful difference for the whole family.

The Toy Library Effect is a five-part podcast series from Toy Libraries Australia featuring conversations with families, toy library leaders, disability advocates and child development professionals. Together, they explore how play supports children's development, strengthens communities and helps families feel connected and supported.

Looking for more? Visit www.toylibraries.org.au to explore our free Play at Home resources, discover practical ideas for families and professionals, and find your local toy library.

Follow Toy Libraries Australia on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn for more play ideas, family stories and updates throughout the series.

Thank you for listening to The Toy Library Effect. Follow the podcast so you don't miss future episodes, and if you enjoyed listening, we'd love you to leave a rating or review and share it with a colleague, family member or friend.

What does a modern toy library actually look like?

In this first episode of The Toy Library Effect, host Penny Johnston is joined by Louise Bell and Renae Barker to explore how toy libraries have evolved into welcoming community spaces that help families access quality play experiences, support children's development, reduce the cost of raising children, and build stronger local connections.

The Toy Library Effect is a five-part podcast series from Toy Libraries Australia featuring conversations with families, toy library leaders, disability advocates and child development professionals. Together, they explore how play supports children's development, strengthens communities and helps families feel connected and supported.

Looking for more? Visit www.toylibraries.org.au to explore our free Play at Home resources, discover practical ideas for families and professionals, and find your local toy library.

Follow Toy Libraries Australia on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn for more play ideas, family stories and updates throughout the series.

Thank you for listening to The Toy Library Effect. Follow the podcast so you don't miss future episodes, and if you enjoyed listening, we'd love you to leave a rating or review and share it with a colleague, family member or friend.

The Toy Library Effect is a podcast by Toy Libraries Australia exploring the power of play and the difference it can make in the lives of children, families and communities.

Across this series, you'll hear from parents, allied health professionals and toy library volunteers as we unpack the science of play, share practical ideas for everyday life, and celebrate the many ways play helps children learn, connect and thrive.

Whether you're raising a young child, supporting families professionally, or simply curious about the role of play, these conversations will leave you with new ideas, fresh perspectives and reassurance that meaningful play doesn't have to be complicated.

New episodes released weekly beginning the 20th of July 2026.

Hosted by: Penny Johnston

Produced by: Toy Libraries Australia

Learn more about toy libraries, find your local toy library, and explore our free Play at Home resources at www.toylibraries.org.au