FAQ
WHERE IS THE TOY LIBRARY?
The Ponsonby Community Toy Library is at 19 Formby Ave, Pt Chevalier. The Toy Library is close to the Link bus stop on Pt Chev Rd & there is street parking on Formby Ave. (Please respect residents driveways when parking)
WHEN IS THE TOY LIBRARY OPEN?
During these weekly sessions:
Tuesday 9.30 – 11.45
Wednesday 2 – 4.30pm
Friday 9.30 – 11.45
Saturday 9 – 12 noon
HOW DOES IT WORK?
It works just like a regular book library except you borrow toys instead of books. Every few weeks you head down to the library, choose some toys and get them issued by the librarian. Your children play with them for up to three weeks and then you return them to the library and borrow some more.
We are open from the start of January until the end of November when we take a summer break. From mid November all toys are to be returned for stocktake and you may take out your Summer Toy Hire once your normal toys are all returned and any fines or Subs owing are paid.
HOW MANY TOYS CAN I BORROW & FOR HOW LONG?
You can borrow up to five toys of any category. Please note that two smaller puzzles can count as one toy. You may borrow the toys for up to three weeks before they need to be returned and new ones chosen. Toys can be renewed, please get in touch with the Librarian before the due date for return, or request a renewal on one or more of your toys when you drop the rest of at the library.
The Toy Library is not usually open Waitangi or Easter, but is open during school holidays except for December when we close for 6 weeks. This period is called Summer Toy Hire.
Summer Toy Hire: current members can take out 2 x STH toys during the 6 week break. Summer Toy hire toys include: Coupe cars, scooters, water tables, slides, gyms, roller coasters, exersaucers, large kitchens & BBQs, baby walkers, single piece trucks, Pikler climbing frames, lawnmowers. They are one piece toys only.
WHAT TOYS ARE ON OFFER?
The Toy Library has approx. 1,670 toys. There are so many of them that we organise them into thirteen different categories! They are: Baby/Infant, Theme Sets, Ride Ons, Role Play/Dress Up, Teaching, Musical, Construction, Puzzles, Road & Rail, Sand & Water, Electronic Games, Outdoor. We also hire out cake tins, party tables and chairs. Check out the Equipment Hire Page.
Check out Our Toys for more info!
HOW MUCH DOES MEMBERSHIP COST?
The one-off membership fee is $110 per year for a Duty Member and $215 for a Non-Duty Member. See the Membership Page for full information.
CAN I GET A DISCOUNT?
Yes! Community Service Card holders have a reduced membership rate. Check out the details on the Membership Page.
HOW DO I JOIN THE LIBRARY?
Most families prefer to come in and check out the library and see how it works in person. Payment is required to join, you can email the librarian to get confirmation of the payment amount, then either pay by bank transfer or you can pop into the library with cash when it’s open.
Our librarian Cara will get you to fill out an enrolment form and then give you a quick run down of the toy categories and where they can all be found. Then its time to start choosing toys to borrow and take home!
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BUY A MEMBERSHIP FOR A GIFT FOR A SPECIAL FAMILY OR CHILD I KNOW?
Yes! Please email the librarian and she will let you know the amount to pay. Once payment has been confirmed & the enrolment form filled in your family can come and start choosing toys to borrow.
HOW DO I PAY MY SUBSCRIPTION?
Either by cash or internet banking. If paying via internet banking please use your last name as a reference.
Our bank account details are:
Bank of New Zealand
The Ponsonby Community Toy Library Inc.
02 0248 0078864 00
Eftpos and credit cards facilities are not available.
WHO RUNS THE LIBRARY?
The library is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation run by its members. Its’ members elect a committee to look after the day-to-day running of the library. See more details about this on our Volunteer Committee Page The library also employs a librarian to help manage the library.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DUTY & NON-DUTY MEMBER?
Duty members do volunteer work at the library in exchange for a reduced subscription. Non-Duty Members have no obligation to help out at sessions. Check out the Membership page for more info.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN DOING DUTY?
You help check in the toys – counting the pieces with the member returning the toys to ensure they are all accounted for. You will also help return the toys to the correct shelves in the library.
Any un-answered questions can be directed to the librarian via email
Or you can come into the library during the sessions and ask in person!