Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN IS THE TOY LIBRARY OPEN?

The toy library is open from February until early December, including school holidays. We are open for one session:

Thursday 7:00-8:30pm

Saturday  9.30am – 11.30am*

  • We close the door for returns 15 minutes before the actual closing time. This allows time for your returned toys to be counted and for new toys to be issued before the final closing time, allowing those on duty to get away on time.

Due to a change in location, we are currently only open for collect & collect on Saturday mornings. We will resume regular services in December

DO YOU HAVE A SOCIAL MEDIA?

Yes, we have both Facebook and Instagram.

WILL I HAVE TO DO DUTIES?

All members are required to complete duties. Members can log in via a members portal through MiBase, our toy library’s database, and from there they are able to choose which sessions suit them best for a rostered duty.

HOW MANY DUTIES WILL I DO?

Expect to be rostered on between 4 and 6 times per year, depending on the number of members in the toy library.

You need to arrive for your duty 15 minutes before your session is due to commence.

DO COMMITTEE MEMBERS DO DUTY?

No, committee members are not required to be on the roster for duty. The main task for committee members is to help run the library behind the scenes doing jobs outside of library house, like packing toys, grant applications and fundraisers.  However, they are often asked at very short notice to cover for sick duty members and the occasional member who fails to show up for their rostered session.

WHAT DOES BEING ON DUTY ENTAIL?

Being on duty means helping run the toy library during the session time.

In the returns area you count in each toy against its packaging and return the toys from the member’s file using the returns computer – a click of a button.

Duties can be fun. You meet people with children of similar ages and stages, and you have the chance to choose from the great toys being returned while you’re doing it!

WHAT IF I CAN’T DO DUTY ON THE DAY I AM ROSTERED?

If the day you are rostered is unsuitable, you will need to exchange duties with another member, or send along a replacement. If you change your duty, or use a duty member for hire, you need to contact the toy library on 022 451 7886 (please txt) or email waimairitoylibrary@gmail.com so the main roster can be altered.

We have a list in the toy library of duty members for hire. These members will do your duty for $40. You make the arrangements directly with them.

If in the case of a last minute emergency you cannot attend, please contact the librarian as soon as possible.

Failure to meet your rostered duty obligation will result in a $40.00 fine for every duty you miss.

WHAT IF I’M PREGNANT?

Families expecting a baby are extended the courtesy of a three month hiatus from the roster around the due date of the baby. The committee should be informed by the family of the pregnancy at least four months before the baby is due so this can be taken into account when preparing the next roster. The best way to do this is to e-mail the library at waimairitoylibrary@gmail.com.

HOW MANY TOYS CAN I HAVE OUT?

The allocation for the beginning of the year is 8 toys with a maximum of 4 red spot toys. This may change during the year depending on the number of toys and members in the toy library.

HOW LONG CAN I KEEP THE TOYS?

Toys are issued for a fortnight but you may return them earlier if you wish. Toys may be renewed once for a further fortnight by ringing the library. Leave a message with your name, phone number, toy numbers and due dates. If you have any red spot toys, the $2 hire per toy will be charged for the renewal period.

WHERE DO I RETURN TOYS?

Toys are returned to the desk as you come in the door. Most toys are packaged either into bags or boxes. Please return all the packaging with the toy.

If you are returning a toy and you know it has missing pieces please mention this to the person on duty who is counting your toys. This saves time for everyone.

Before returning toys, please clean and dry them thoroughly. Cleaning materials are held at the toy library. You will be asked to clean your toys at the toy library if they are dirty and are therefore unable to be re-shelved. Keeping toys clean ensures longevity of the toys, and good health for our children.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE OR BREAK A PIECE?

If a toy or its packaging is damaged during your hire, please phone us. There may be a charge made to help cover the cost of replacing the item.

If part of a toy gets lost we suggest you renew the toy for a further fortnight to enable you to find the piece. If the piece is “gone for good”, a $2-$10 (depending on how essential the missing piece is to the toy) fine is charged and a missing piece form is completed. If you return the piece within a month, you will receive a partial refund. We always welcome the return of pieces, even if they have been missing for a long time!

If a piece is missing or damaged, rendering the toy unusable, you may be requested to pay a portion of the replacement cost and have the option of purchasing the toy.

WHAT IF I BREAK OR LOSE THE PACKAGING BOX/BAG?

The plastic containers and bags are counted as part of the toy and cost the toy library to replace. There will be a charge made if the box/bag is broken while you have the toy or if you misplace an accessory bag.

We are situated in the school hall in Burnside Primary School, Memorial Ave. On fine days you will see our rainbow flag at the roadside.