Popular toy library reopens

JULIA WADE

Mangawhai's youngest residents will be happy to know they can once again add to their home entertainment collection now that the local toy library is once again free to play.

Reopening on June 17 after lockdown closed the doors, secretary Brittany Bray says its 'great to be back'.

"Just before lockdown we bought a whole lot of new toys which we then couldn't use," she says. "Included are a range of wooden toys and puzzles as well as natural climbing frame and a toy lawn mower, all bought from local businesses."

The new toys are thanks to a grant the organisation received from Mangawhai Heads Opportunity Factory earlier this year creating a circle of life for local money.

"So we're using money given to us through the community to buy toys from local businesses, so it’s going back into the community."

Returned toys are also separated and sanitised before heading back onto the shelves Bray says.

Members can choose from a wide variety of items, taking home up to three toys and two puzzles with no late fees. The reasonable $25 per term can also be reduced to only $5 by volunteering to stay after hours and help tidy up.

To date the library has over 50 children aged 0-6 years on their register and new members are most welcome president May Lynch says.

"For new parents it’s a great place to meet others as being able to have social connection when you're at home with a new baby is very important," she says. "Due to being closed over lockdown, old and new members will only need to pay for term three and the rest of term two will be included."

Mangawhai Toy Library, open every Wednesday and Sunday from 10-12pm including school holidays at Rose Madden Cottage by the Domain. A big thank you to Carters for supplying free paper towels for the reopening!

New members Nora Hage (left) and seven month old Jaxon, and Sarah Blainey with Elliott, nine months, enjoy the social atmosphere of the first day since lockdown, with toy library secretary Brittany Bray [centre]. PHOTO/JULIAWADE