Toy library offers more play, less pay

From Superman costumes to singalong DVDs to tricycles and more, the Papamoa Toy Library has enough toys to cater for children of any age.
The toy library is a community-based initiative that is predominantly volunteer-run.
It is a place where parents can access toys for their children at a fraction of retail cost.
The library has more than 1000 toys, which can be borrowed for between 50c to $10 per item, and there is sure to be something for everyone, said club president Rochelle Williams-Price.
She took up the role in June and, since then, Mrs Williams-Price has played a significant role in the club.
She volunteers at the library, alongside the librarian, to help maintain the incoming and outgoing toys.
She often takes her 1-year-old daughter, Kaea, along with her - and for Kaea, being in a room that is full of hundreds of toys is a dream.
Mrs Williams-Price got involved with the Papamoa Toy Library after she tried to find an exersaucer for her daughter.
She came across the library and, since then, she has been hooked.
"An exersaucer can cost $200-$300 dollars, whereas here it costs $4 for two weeks, so this is real value for money," she said.
"The toy library promotes such a good service and [it's] really exciting to be able to find toys for Kaea at such a reasonable price."
As well as saving money, Mrs Williams-Price was passionate about the "green" image of the organisation.
"This is such a sustainable approach because you're not buying toys, you're re-using toys, and I love that element as well."
About 100 people come through the doors each week and without support from volunteers, the library could not continue.
Jo McCarty is another woman who has made a positive impact on the club.
She has been a librarian at the Papamoa Toy Library for three years and, for her, being involved is a way of giving back to the community.
"My kids have grown up and left the nest, so this is a nice way to meet new people that live in the area and I can pass on my knowledge to new mums," she said.
Papamoa Toy Library is one of about five toy libraries in the Western Bay of Plenty that are volunteer-run.
The Papamoa Toy Library qualifies for grants, which go towards the purchase of new toys, but it was a constant struggle to find enough money for the club, Mrs Williams-Price said.
Some of the fundraising activities the club members take part in include a wine-and-cheese evening, movie nights, raffles and the sale of chocolates.
Members also took part in Christmas-wrapping at Bayfair.
Mrs Williams-Price said one s special thing about the club was the enthusiasm of the members.
"Yes, it can get time-consuming, but we are all volunteers and the people are involved because they really want to be here," she said.
"Everyone is here for the same thing and that helps us function effectively and have good fun at the same time."
Club member Lee Simeon has been involved with the Papamoa Toy Library for a few weeks.
"I wanted to get some of the bigger toys for Zac, because it's the bigger stuff that he can use to develop his skills," she said.
"Being able to have access to these toys at such a reasonable rate has been absolutely fantastic.
"There's such a variety of toys here, but when Zac's finished with them, we can return them and grab something different."
The Papamoa Toy Library is located inside the Papamoa Library on Gravatt Rd, and caters for children aged 0-8. The toy library is celebrating its ninth anniversary on August 10. This coincides with Toy Library Awareness Week, August 9-15.
For people wanting to be a part of the Papamoa Toy Library, there are a range of membership options available.
For more information about membership or opening hours, visit Papamoa Toy Library's Facebook page, or phone (07) 575 3011.
THE DETAILS
Name: Papamoa Toy Library
Number of members: About 425
How long it's been going: Nine years
How often it meets: Various
If interested in joining: Phone the club on 575 3011 during opening hours