Te Awamutu Toy Library operating with a skeleton team, needs support

The Te Awamutu Library was able to open again with Amanda Wilson (left) joining as a librarian but Michelle Richardson (right) says they still need more committee members. Photo / Caitlan Johnston.

The Te Awamutu Toy Library has been used by local families for 30 years, but now a lack of support on its committee could jeopardise its survival.

The toy library relies on a solid volunteer committee, which meets quarterly, and paid librarians.

Recently it lost its president and sole librarian leaving just secretary and grants officer Michelle Richardson and treasurer William Cuttance. Their families use the toy library frequently.

For a period of time the library's doors were shut and they were only just reopened a week and a half ago thanks to new librarian, Amanda Wilson, stepping up.

Ideally though, they would also like at least eight people to join the committee.

"There's so much skill in the community that could be brought in quite easily just to help continue it because without the support it can't. Right now it's relying on just a couple of people, which is not quite right," says Michelle.

She says skills that would greatly benefit the toy library include marketing, social media, toy maintenance, organisation, financial, health and safety and admin.

People can also just sit in on the committee without holding a specific role.

Michelle says the toy library takes the expense out of buying toys for children and is helping to reduce waste.

"Kids can play with a toy for a short time and toys end up all through the house," says Michelle.

Her own children enjoy using the toy library.

"It's like a real outing for them," says Michelle.

The toy library operates on a membership basis with a small additional loan fee ranging from 0.50c to $2.50 depending on the type and size of the toy.

Annual memberships include a family pass for $45, $30 for those who hold a community services card and $20 for members of the committee.

Grandparents can also take out a membership for $15, which gets them five visits a year.

The toys featured in the library are suitable for children aged from 6 months to 6 years and the toys can hired out for two weeks at a time.

The committee is responsible for buying new toys and hopes a member to join will be able to ensure broken toys get fixed.

The toy library is financed through grants such as the Community Organisations Grant Scheme and the Lotteries Grant as well as some donations made from the community.

In a final message to the community, Michelle simply says "we need help".

To find out more information about being involved with the committee of the Te Awamutu Toy Library email Tac.toylibrary@yahoo.com.