The Toy Library is run by a large number of volunteers and 2 paid part-time Coordinators. Additional to our committee and trustees, we have a handful of very committed permanent helpers, who over time, become fully trained in all aspects of the day to day running of the Toy Library. These helpers are extremely helpful for our Coordinator and valued members of our team. Without their support, drive and passion for our library and community we wouldn’t be able to run as successfully. See below how they feel about giving up a few hours every week….

Patti – Coordinator

Hi, I’m really excited working here as a coordinator and getting to know all of our lovely Toy Library families! I am a mother to 3 busy school aged boys so I feel know a fair amount about toys and how important play is to a child’s development. In the summer my family spend every spare moment at the beach, we love New Plymouth and all of its beautiful beaches and walkways. Another of my interests is cooking and baking, I love trying new recipes and really love talking about food!

Lisa – Coordinator

Hi, I’m Lisa. I studied Nursing in Taranaki in the 90s and have been living aboard for 15years. Now back with my partner and young children, it’s wonderful to be part of the Toy library team. I love working in this role with the team, families and other organisations to continue the amazing work that has been created. Being part of this organisation to promote sustainable play is close to my heart. In my free time I love spending time at the beach, on our bikes and exploring Taranaki.

Tracy – permanent helper

My name is Tracy Brooke and I volunteer at the Toy Library on Thursday mornings. I’m a mum of 3 teenage children. I love meeting the parents, grandparents and caregivers that use this wonderful facility – its great to see the children trying out the different toys and seeing what take home with them.  Its also fun to check out the new toys that we get in!

Lorraine – permanent helper

Hi. I have been helping out at the Toy Library for over 8 years. It’s a real fun place to be and I look forward each week to meeting up with the children, their mums, dads, grandmas and grandads. It has become one of the highlights of my busy weeks. It’s great to see the delightful smiles on the little ones faces as they seek out new toys each time, and to see the way they all interact with each other. I look forward to helping out for a few more years yet.

Dawn – permanent helper

I started volunteering at the Toy Library at the beginning of 2019. As a retired teacher, I recognize the value, and importance of play in the development of young children, so when I saw a volunteer opportunity at the Toy Library, I knew that I wanted to help out – plus I get to meet all the lovely mums and toddlers who visit us on Tuesdays!! It’s really enjoyable working with Jana and her team at this fantastic community asset.

Judy – relief helper and “behind the scenes”

I have recently retired from a library career spanning 36 years working  in many different roles and have always gained satisfaction from assisting people. The toy library has given me the opportunity to carry on helping parents and children, gain knowledge and keep in contact with people.  I enjoy my two moko puna aged 3 and 6 as they grow and learn and have loved being able to spend more time with family and realise longed for travel aspirations.

Luca – permanent helper

Hi! My name is Luca and I started volunteering at the Toy Library near the beginning of 2024. Volunteering at the toy library has been a very rewarding and fun experience, as I get to interact with the children and parents who visit and help make sure everythings in the right spots so it’s easy for them to find what they are looking for. The toy library is a cheerful place that makes learning and exploring fun for children, and it’s wonderful to be volunteering in such a playful, engaging space within the community. In my spare time I love to play video games, so please feel free to chat to me if you need any assistance on what your kids are talking about! Hope to see you here :).

Robyn– permanent helper

I’m a mother and grandmother now retired from working fulltime.  I really enjoy the Toy Library and the great team I ‘work’ with on a Tuesday afternoon. In my spare time I like riding my bike, in 2020 I rode from Cape Reinga down 90 mile beach which was brilliant. Best of all I play the baritone saxophone in  2 musical groups in New Plymouth.

Sarah – permanent helper

Volunteering once a week is my third engagement with the Toy Library. The first was as a mother of toddlers 40 years ago. The second was as a grandmother. It’s a service I believe in, as it has the double benefits of bringing a rich diversity of play into children’s lives whilst reducing waste, especially plastic, in our environment.

As a teacher, I’ve always enjoyed managing learning resources and my role here is somewhat a continuation of that. It is inspiring to see the commitment of parents to their children’s learning through play.  I also enjoy the vitality that each family brings when they visit the Toy Library.