A passion for play has led Louise Sheather on an unexpected journey, from the bustling streets of Sydney's CBD to the quaint halls of Blayney's toy library. But this isn't just a story of retail success; it's a tale of how one woman's love for toys has brought joy, community, and a unique perspective on child development to a small town.
Imagine a world where toys are more than just objects; they're a gateway to imagination, learning, and, most importantly, happiness. This is the vision Louise Sheather has brought to life.
The Retail Guru's Journey
Louise's story begins in the 1970s, when she was a management trainee at David Jones. Little did she know that her path would lead her to manage a toy department, a role that would spark a lifelong passion.
The toy department under Louise's watch became a sensation. It grew so popular that it took up a third of the floor space in Barrack Street. Shopping trolleys were rolled down from the main store on Elizabeth Street to keep up with demand. The department even featured live demonstrations by toy company representatives and a dedicated gift-wrapping team.
The Magic of Tested Toys
But what set Louise's toy department apart was her commitment to ensuring every toy worked perfectly. She recalls, "Every single child who received a toy knew it would work on Christmas Day." This was because every toy was tested, and if it had batteries, they were sold separately in the box.
A Toy Library for the Community
Fast forward four decades, and Louise is applying her retail expertise to the Blayney Toy Library. Her approach has once again proven successful, with customers like Kayla Melton singing her praises.
Kayla, a mum from Orange, says, "She's like family. She just wants the best for your child." Kayla's toy library membership has saved her thousands during a cost-of-living crisis. For just $80 a year, her family borrows six toys every fortnight.
A Community Effort
Louise's dedication to the community doesn't stop there. She spent a year convincing the Rotary Club of Blayney to support the toy library idea. She says, "They realized it was great for the community."
The library's success is also due to Louise's meticulous work. Every toy part is numbered by hand, and regular stocktakes ensure unpopular toys are sold to raise money for new acquisitions.
A Focus on Child Development
In August, the library hosted speech and occupational therapists who provided free advice to families on the role of toys in childhood, especially for children experiencing developmental delays. Louise explains, "Their brains are growing so quickly, they need constant stimulation."
Adelle Suitor, project officer at Toy Libraries Australia, adds, "The benefits of temporary toys go far beyond saving money. 113 million toys end up in landfill after one year, which is crazy. But it's also about the social connection."
A Personal Journey
For Louise, the toy library has been a source of focus and joy during a difficult year. She says, "I have an ill brother, and my best friend of 46 years died this year. It's probably been the toughest year of my life. Being able to bring a bit of joy has been a really nice thing."
So, what do you think? Is the concept of a toy library something that could benefit more communities? Do you see the value in temporary toys beyond just saving money? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
