Toy Library Awareness Week will run 5-11 March, and so this month’s article is dedicated to all those who have helped make Martinborough Toy Library such a worthwhile community asset. The library was established here in 2008, and since then we hundreds of kids have grown up using our toys.
We aren’t like the regular book library, which is government funded. Instead, all the administration and work is carried out by a group of locals who volunteer their time and energy to keep the Toy Library running. Some of us have moved to Martinborough with young children, and have found volunteering to be a great way to get to know other families in the area. For others, it’s been a great reason to get out of the house and give back to the community. We are always looking for new volunteers, so if you are interested then come and have a chat with us. Volunteering also fulfils the requirements for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Service Section for any participants looking for an opportunity.
We encourage all families to come and join. Thanks to a grant from South Wairarapa District Council, a year’s membership is only $50, making it affordable and sustainable for people. We can also help with clutter… Joining a toy library is like having Christmas every 2 weeks. The delight of kids coming to pick new toys or toys they have borrowed 100 times is what motivates us to keep going.
Our toy library currently has over 200 toys suitable from 6 months to 6 years. No matter you’re your little ones enjoy, we can help by providing board games, toys for pretend play, dress-up, and outdoor equipment. Basically, anything a child can imagine. We invite families to drop by for a visit, and just to see what we offer. We can be found in the ambulance station at 9-13 Texas Street every Saturday morning from 10am-noon.
