Since its launch in 2008, the Whaingaroa Community Toy Library has been a valued local resource, providing families with access to quality toys while fostering a strong sense of community. As the library enters a new chapter in 2025, we look back at its beginnings, the impact it has had, and the dedicated volunteers who have kept it running.
Can you tell us when and how the toy library was set up in Whaingaroa?
The Whaingaroa Community Toy Library first opened its doors in May 2008 in the old Plunket room at the Te Uku Hall. Prior to this, a small group of amazing mums had been working behind the scenes for almost a year fundraising, researching, and sorting all the admin and operational side of things before we even opened. This initial group of volunteer committee members formed after a toy library in Hamilton published an article in The Raglan Chronicle in 2007, wanting to know if there was anyone interested in trying to get a toy library up and running here in Raglan. We met for coffee, got inspired, and the rest is history!
What benefits do toy libraries bring communities?
A toy library is a place where parents or caregivers can go to borrow a large variety of quality toys, puzzles and games on a regular basis. It’s basically like having an (almost) free shop where you can just borrow whatever you like, play with them, then bring them back and start over. Quality toys can be expensive and children can quickly become bored with a toy. By being able to provide new toys every week or two, saves the members in our community money and significantly contributes towards the development and education of their children through play. In an age of low waste intentions and limited budgets, it’s also a way to reduce landfill waste from discarded toys and packaging. Our toy library is also a great place to connect with other mums, dads and caregivers, bringing our community together.
Tell us about both your involvements with the service over the years.
Charlotte: I have been involved in the toy library since the very beginning, and have basically experienced every role you can think of over the years; treasurer, secretary, volunteer librarian, toy buyer, fundraising officer, grants officer, social media, but throughout the whole time, was the Chairperson/President. I can’t believe it’s been almost 18 years! It’s been very rewarding to be able to give back to the community over the years, and I’m so proud of the service I’ve helped to create.
Pauline: I took over as toy librarian/administrator four years ago and have seen the toy library continue to grow and expand to the point we now have 80 members. I have enjoyed my time immensely running the library however find it a weekly tie that I now wish to move on from. I will miss the friendly faces and getting to know so many mums and beautiful children. You have all helped me ‘find my place’ in raglan and settle into living here and I will be eternally grateful to everyone for that. I will continue to assist the new leaders in a relieving capacity when and if needed for now.
What is happening in 2025 with the service and who will be taking over management?
Charlotte is retiring from her roles within the toy library and Pauline is stepping down as the permanent librarian, but never fear, it will be business as usual! Two of our current members (Kat and Ilse) have put their hands up to take over in a job share capacity commencing this month. We all need to assist them in whatever way possible as it is only due to them that the toy library in Raglan will continue. In an age where so many mums work, it is hard to find people who can help and spare time to run such important organisations, especially in a small community. To this end, if anyone in the community would like to assist them, we have many ways you could do this so please feel free to email us and get in touch.
Where do you operate from and when?
We are now situated in the basement of the Raglan Community House at the top of Bow Street. Our opening hours are 9.15am until 11.15am Tuesday mornings. We offer a wide range of quality, educational toys for children aged from birth to five years. You need to be a member of our toy library in order to hire toys, and we have two types of membership options available, depending on your ability to help as a volunteer or not. It is important to us that we are as accessible as possible in our community, so our membership prices are some of the lowest in New Zealand.
How do parents get in touch if they want to access the library or help out?
The best way to access us is to come to a toy library session and see what it’s all about. Membership registrations are all filled out in person at the toy library. Alternatively, if you have questions or would be interested in helping out, but can’t make it to Tuesday morning session, you can email us at whaingaroatoylibrary@hotmail.com. The new committee would love to hear from anyone who would like to give back to their community – no amount of time you can spare or resources you can offer are too small!
