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Page Last Modified
04/11/2011 12:28
office@toylibrary.co.nz
toyexpress@toylibrary.co.nz
TOY LIBRARY
INFORMATION
 What is a Toy Library
History
NZ Toy Libraries
TLFNZ
Board
Area Networkers
Toy Library Awareness
Toy Recalls
Game
& Construction Instructions
TRAINING
Committee
Resources
National Volunteer Training
Weekend 2012
MARKET PLACE
Buy & Sell
Fundraising
COMMITTEE
RESOURCES
Toy
Box Loan
Toy
Library Stationery
Toy
Library Profile Form
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WHAT IS A
TOY LIBRARY?
Play is important to
all children and toys are a major element in helping to play
and learn. A toy library welcomes children, their families
and caregivers to come and to borrow well designed toys,
games, puzzles and equipment, which are made available at
minimal cost.
Toy Libraries operate along similar lines to public
libraries. Members borrow toys for a fixed time period. Fees
vary from library to library. Toy libraries cater mainly for
pre-school children and generally have a limit on the number
of toys that can be borrowed at each visit.
Quality toys are expensive and children quickly become bored
with a toy once its play value has been exhausted. By
providing new play materials every week or two, parents can
save money and significantly contribute towards the
development and education of their children.
Toy libraries vary from library to library. They may be
located in the local church hall school hall, or within
community centres; they may have 20 families who are members
or 250 families; they may employ a staff member or rely
totally on their members doing roster duty. Toy Libraries in
New Zealand do have some essential characteristics.
* They provide quality educational items for loan.
* Are not expensive (usually an annual subscription is
charged).
* Principally cater for pre-school children.
* Have a range of items covering all stages of growth and
development.
* Provide an opportunity to meet other caregivers to share
concerns, interact with others and make new friends.
* Usually open set days and hours.
Toy libraries are not necessarily for children only.
Families can borrow toys or games suitable for them all to
play with. (Who can resist "helping" their kids build with
Duplo blocks?). People confined to bed or home, whether
young or old enjoy jigsaw puzzles, and many adults find
enjoyment and employment in working with a toy library. For
parents, the library can be a place where they can share
experiences with staff and other parents.
A toy library can offer friendship as well as toys.
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