Invercargill Toy and Puzzle Library

About

The Invercargill Toy Library is a registered charity that provides affordable access to good quality toys.

Story

Why be part of the Toy Library?

Play is a vital part of child development and toys help play and learning. The best thing about joining our toy library is the access you get to a huge number of good quality toys, games and puzzles without the enormous cost of buying them. We all know how babies and children tire of toys after a couple of weeks; our members simply take theirs back to the library and get new ones! In short, toy libraries are a great, budget friendly and environmentally sustainable way to keep your children entertained, active and learning.

How does the Toy Library work?

Our members pay a one-off annual fee that covers the hire of all our toys, including our party hire items. The only extra charge is for the hire of our bouncy castle and our cake tins. Items are issued for 2 weeks at a time. Each fortnight you can hire 1 or 2 large ride-on toys, 2 or 3 boxed toys plus unlimited puzzles and DVDs. After 2 weeks come back and hire some new toys.

Types of membership

There are three types of membership:

Standard Non Rostered Memberships - 12 Months $135 or 6 Months $80
Discounted Rostered Memberships – 12 Months $85 or 6 Months $55. For this heavily discounted membership, members are required to do a duty at our Saturday opening around 4 times a year.
Grandparent Membership - No requirements to do duties: 12 Months $30 for a maximum of five visits to the library over one year (no requirements to do duties).
Memberships are not transferable or refundable. We accept cash, cheque or internet banking for payment (no Eftpos at the library). Our account details are: Westpac 03-1746-0042105-00.

Can I renew and reserve toys?

You can renew each toy once (simply phone, text or email us your name and the toy number or login to our new online system and do it yourself!). Toys can be reserved including popular toys, party packs, the bouncy castle and cake tins.

Who runs the Toy Library?

A committee of volunteers runs the Toy Library. These volunteers take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the library, fundraising and planning for its future. If you are interested in joining the committee or helping us with fundraising, please let us know. The library depends on volunteers to function.

What do I need to know about the duties?

The librarian will let you know which Saturday you are rostered on duty well in advance and you will be emailed a copy of the roster. We need you at the Toy Library for the entire session (10am to midday). You may bring your children. If the date you are allocated does not suit you can swap with another member.
You will be given a range of jobs to do (for example, checking and cleaning toys being returned etc.). It is easy and a great chance to meet new people. Those members who do not turn up to their duty are liable to pay a $20 fine as the membership fee is discounted on the basis that the duties will be performed.

What do I need to know about fundraising?

You will be asked to contribute to fundraising activities during the year – this may be by donating goods or time or through selling goods and the like.

Party Hire

We have some fabulous party hire packs, a bouncy castle and cake tins available. Some of these are free for members and some have reduced hire costs.

What happens if toys are lost or damaged?

Members who return a toy with a missing piece can be charged a fine of up to $5 for each lost piece. This fine will be refunded on return of the missing piece/pieces. If the missing piece is vital to the toy and without it the toy cannot be played with then we may need to seek costs to replace the toy.
Each time you take out a toy you will need to check all the pieces are with the toy, ideally before you leave the library. If you do not do this you may be fined when you return the toy if pieces are missing so it is important you check your toys. Please contact us if you find pieces are missing when you get home or if the toy is damaged in any way.
We understand that toys can break in normal play. Please notify us of the broken parts when you return the toys. If a toy is destroyed or a vital piece is broken and cannot be replaced, you may be charged the replacement cost of the toy. The committee will assess the situation and you will be notified of any charges within 4 weeks.

Batteries

Some of our toys require batteries so we do supply these but you will need to replace these when they go flat.

Overdue toys

If your toy is overdue, you will be charged $2 per toy per week until they are returned. You will get reminder e-mails when toys are due and overdue and you will be able to renew online or contact our librarian. We understand that it is not always possible to return toys on time.