The threat of closure looms ever closer for toy libraries nationwide due to a shortage of volunteers and funds, and the Masterton Toy Library is no different.
Chairperson Fleur Chapman said the Masterton library was in the same boat as others around New Zealand and always short of volunteers.
“We are at the mercy of our funders and being able to source reliable, long-term volunteers,” Chapman said.
Reports suggest that the number of toy libraries has reduced during the last 10 years, with 200 toy libraries operating in 2013. That number had dropped to 165 in 2023.
“We require all manner of volunteers, from people to work in the toy library, committee members, people who can repair toys, people to repair and wash costumes and people to help with fundraising,” Chapman said.
The library aims to spend about $5,000 to $6,000 a year on replacing and upgrading toys but Chapman said this is entirely dependent on community funding.
Masterton’s toy library holds about 2000 toys in its collection and raises additional funds by selling them before replacing them with newer options.
“We would be keen to hear from anyone who has an hour or two to give once a week, fortnight, or even once a month,” Chapman said.
Toy libraries recognise that toys for younger children can be expensive, and children will often only enjoy them for a short period of time before out-growing them.
The operating model adopted by toy libraries nationwide allows for parents and caregivers to borrow items for a small fee rather than buying new toys for each developmental stage.
According to Figure NZ statistics from 2021, the biggest barrier to volunteering was people not having enough time.
