Kilmore Toy Library is inviting all families to become involved in its ‘Volunteer at your Toy Library this July’ and beyond.
Kilmore Toy Library president Simone Griffith said the group might have to close if it couldn’t attract new committee members.
“Most of our committee members have been on for quite a few years and we’re just really trying to create a new committee and get new members in,” she said.
“A few months ago we realised we’re going to have to close if we don’t get new committee members to join.
“We’ve had four families step up saying they want to join the committee. We’re hoping we can get a few more to join. We find about seven committee members allows the load to [be] spread.
“The committee members are the ones opening the library, and then a volunteer comes help count and clean the toys and that sort of thing.”
Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell volunteered at Kilmore Toy Library on Thursday for ‘Volunteer at your Toy Library this July’.
He said it was important to acknowledge the work of the committee.
“They’ve not only built the toy library up, but they’ve maintained it. That’s always the hard part of things – to keep them going,” he said.
“I think it’s exciting there’s going to be a change of faces, but the work will still be as good as it’s always been.”
Toy libraries allow families to engage with others in the community, and help ease increasing cost of living pressures by providing children access to different toys year round with minimal expense.
Members can borrow four toys fortnightly and the library has toys for babies through to children aged up to six, including dress ups, puzzles and Legos.
Ms Griffith said families access toys children might use only once or twice.
“You can keep things fresh and new. The whole idea of the library is sustainability, reducing waste and creating play opportunities for children here and at home [that] they may not get otherwise,” she said.
Mr Mitchell said toy libraries were important for children to access a range of toys but also to encourage children to play together and have fun.
“If you’ve got some time to help the kids it’s a great thing and it’s a bit of fun. You can see the kids have an absolute ball and it’s a pretty great way to spend the day,” he said.
The Kilmore Toy Library primarily relies on money raised at a yearly Bunnings barbecue fundraiser to purchase new toys.
Membership fees go to general day-to-day costings as well as purchasing new toys.
“We ask our members what they’re interested in and we try and purchase toys that could be a big expense for families to purchase themselves,” Ms Griffith said.
“We also purchase toys that can be used in a variety of ways and not just one dimensional to facilitate creative play.”
People interested in joining the toy library are invited to the annual general meeting on Tuesday, July 18 or visit the group on a Saturday morning at the Kilmore library.
Memberships are available online via kilmore.mibase.com.au or email kilmoretoylibrary@hotmail.com.
