We would love to do a fundraising event in October using a pop-in photo studio for families to get Christmas photos done. We’re purchasing a professional background, but we would love to have the lighting set-up and skills of a professional photographer. Do you think you can help out? If so then get in touch at martytoylibrary@gmail.com.
Someone recently asked ‘what’s involved in running a Toy Library?’ and they were astonished at the amount of work that goes into us being able to open for a couple of hours a week. It therefore seems timely to explain who we are and how we are set up.
Martinborough Toy Library is a registered charity. We currently have 15 volunteers (several of whom also make up the committee), and one paid part-time librarian. This is the first year we’ve had a paid position, and it is only thanks to the generosity of Trust House that we are able to fund it.
Nicole Chadderton started working for Toy Library in July and has duties ranging from running the library on our weekday session (Wednesday 0930-1030), to updating our stock systems, to organising committee meetings, and basically running with whichever task most urgently needs done. Welcome onboard Nicole, it’s great to have you!
Our volunteers are responsible for running the library on Saturday mornings. Every week two people are rostered on, to ensure our members are provided with a great service. Being a charity, we rely on donations and members fees for the purchase of new toys/rent/accountant fees/etc.
Our committee members work hard to ensure that not only are our members getting access to great toys, but also that all the legal requirements of running a committee are being met.
The current chair is Lauren Romanos. She is dual-hatted as the lead person for grants applications and roster-writing. Nicola Rӧckinger is our treasurer, Sara Jackson the lead for toy purchases, Rachel Griffins is our secretary, and Hayley Bartholomeaus is in charge of fundraising.
Sophie Simonucci, Shirvana Edmonds and myself (Donna McQuaid) make up the rest of the committee. Not all volunteers serve on the committee, as it’s an extra time commitment beyond our regular hours. Committee meetings are all about discussing new toy additions, figuring out which toys need repaired or replaced, and brainstorming ways to provide better value and improved service for our members.
If you’re keen to find out more, then we’re holding our AGM on Sunday 10 September at 3 p.m. More info? Email: martytoylibary@gmail.com
