



Arrow on Swanston, 488 Swanston St, Melbourne, Australia
Why come to conference?

AMY, Australia
"It was amazing to attend the ITLA conference in 2017. It’s always so uplifting to spend time with people who are passionate about toy libraries and it really clarified for me what our toy library could become”

MONICA, South Africa
I leave ITLA's International Toy Library conferences inspired and more convinced than ever that every child and every family in the world must have a toy library within their reach. I take away new ideas, but most of all I get to know others who share my passion

JANA, New Zealand
I came from New Zealand to Australia to visit other toy libraries and learn from them. It was very inspiring, great to see how others operate and even better to hang out with lots of other toy librarians and people passionate about what we are all about!
Our program
Theme: Community at play
At the conference we will explore the role of toy libraries in encouraging playful communities including:
Growing your toy library community
Environmentally sustainable toy libraries
Toy libraries supporting child development through play
Toy libraries in the community

Friday 3 March, 7-9pm
WELCOME TO COUNTRY AND
OPENING CEREMONY
Aboriginal Elders from the Wurundjeri People will welcome us onto their land and perform a Smoking Ceremony to cleanse the space, allow peace, and recognise the importance of the conference.
The conference's opening ceremony will follow.
Saturday 4 March, 9am-4pm
GUEST SPEAKERS AND WORKSHOPS
Learn more about the world of toy libraries and play through presentations by expert speakers and smaller group workshops led by toy librarians from around the world, as well as playful hands-on activities
Evening social event: Dinner and
Awards Presentation at Captain Melville
Sunday 5 March, 9am-4pm
EXCURSIONS
Melbourne has over 50 toy libraries for us to visit. Some excursions will focus on the broad range of exceptional early years services in Melbourne, while other tours will focus on volunteer-run toy libraries.
Evening social event: Barefoot bowls and spit roast dinner (with vege options)
Monday 6 March, 9am-4pm
GUEST SPEAKERS AND WORKSHOPS
Explore the role of toy libraries in building strong and resilient communities and supporting an environmentally sustainable future.
Early evening social event: Indigenous landscapes or Street art and graffiti walking tour (1.5 hours)
TRANSLATION
Translation services may be provided at an additional cost if there is sufficient demand. Please email us to discuss this further.
Tuesday 7 March, 9am-4pm
VISIT THE AUSTRALIAN TOY FAIR

VENUE
Arrow on Swanston
488 Swanston St, Carlton, VIC 3053