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Toy Library Awareness Week ran from March 2 to 9 celebrating the theme ‘Play for All’ – highlighting inclusivity across all ages, abilities, learning styles, communities, and budgets.
Shannon Groves, who runs the community toy library at Whangaparāoa Baptist Church, says families can access more than 1000 play resources for a low annual membership fee. The library operates on a borrow-and-return system, allowing families to regularly swap toys for something different.
“Current brain development research shows that play is the primary way that children, from birth to seven years old, learn. We are here to support your children to play,” she says. “From slides and ball pits to dollhouses, train sets, Duplo blocks, musical instruments, board games, puzzles, and beach toys – you’ll find them all at the toy library.”
A team of volunteers runs the library, with funding grants helping to cover operating costs and new resources. Shannon says the service isn’t just for young children, with play resources available for older primary schoolers as well.
“For less than $3 a week, families can access all our resources for a whole year.
The toy library is open on Wednesdays from 10am to 11.30am and Saturdays from 9am to 10.30am, downstairs at Whangaparāoa Baptist Church.
For more information, visit www.wgptoylibrary.org.nz/ , email toylibrary@wbc.org.nz, or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
