Membership woes add to toy libraries? funds and games
By Tim O?Connell
Local toy libraries say they are coping with the level of funding they receive, although it seems that membership numbers are never surplus to requirements. The strains of modern life have extended to the toy libraries on both sides of the Belmont Hills, prompting a call for more helpers to assist the younger members of the community with their playtime experiences. While people still want the service to run and support it accordingly, Western Hills Toy Library coordinator Mel Eade says it is quite difficult for families to find the time to volunteer their time and energy. ?We can always take more people-it?s good to have someone come along who has some fresh ideas and bring something different to the table.? ?At the moment we?re looking to get a new Secretary as well as a new coordinator for the library-we?ve just appointed a new treasurer which is great because it?s probably the most important role of all,? she says. While membership is crucial to ensure the toy library stays afloat, the ever-present need for funding has meant the library has been a non-profit organisation in every sense of the word of late. ?We?ve been operating at a bit of a loss and probably charge a little bit less for hiring and membership fees just to keep the toys at an affordable rate for families. ?We have been applying for grants, and last year we received between $3000?$4000, however the grants don?t cover running costs.? Ms Eade says the need for new committee members, not to mention additional number of people using the library, ensures families can have access to quality toys and educational aids that they may not be able to buy otherwise. As well as providing a popular service to the people of Maungaraki and the Western Hills, there are social benefits to be gained for those looking to broaden their local contacts. ?It?s a great opportunity for first time mothers in terms of friendships made. ?When you volunteer here, pretty soon you will know everyone in the area who has a child under the age of five- which can be quite handy, especially if you?re new to town.? A similar sense of community exists in the northern suburbs, with the Newlands toy library enjoying a healthy membership and access to over 500 toys for the minimal cost enjoyed by Maungaraki members. Like their Western Hills counterparts, the library relies on funding to keep the Batchelor Street premises open and flourishing. Coordinator Miranda Browne says that the toy library had enjoyed a new lease of life since moving to new premises in the Newlands Community Centre. She added that the quest to get regular funding for the library has resulted in the appointment of a paid toy librarian at Newlands. "We advertised the position on TradeMe and got a huge response, but in the end one of our members got the job," she said.
