The Alexandra Toy Library (ATL) needs more volunteers to keep the toys flowing for the community’s smallest members.

ATL has been operating much like a public library for the past 30 years. In that time hundreds of kids have grown up borrowing its many toys. 

ATL committee member Libby Whyte said the group desperately needs three or four more committee members as well as volunteers.

“If you volunteer, a bonus is you get to try out the toys first… we would also welcome some handy dads to help us with doing maintenance on toys too.”

Unlike the regular book library, which is publicly funded, toy libraries are charities driven by a group of volunteers who love what they do.

Toys such as ride ons, slides, puzzles, dolls, baby toys, musical toys and educational games can be hired for two weeks at a time. 

Joining the toy library is an affordable option for most families at $60 a year.

Membership discounts are available for people who join the committee, or volunteer to help the library during it’s opening hours.

Toy Library Awareness week (March 5-11) is coming up and ATL is running a colouring in competition to celebrate. 

Young artists can pick up an entry form on site, or print it from the ATL Facebook page. Entries close on March 11. 

The ATL opening hours are on Saturdays from 10am - 11am and Wednesdays from 3.15pm - 4.15pm.

For more information contact: [email protected]

Other Central toy libraries operate in Cromwell, Maniototo and Omakau.