Being a member
Ngaio Toy Library has over 100 member families. Our members are what makes our toy library a special place, and we welcome families from any suburb in Wellington.
Members are the driving force behind the toy library
We are a community owned and run organisation, which means we cannot function without the assistance of our members and community volunteers. Duty members volunteer about twice a year for an hour at one of the sessions, and committee members takes on more administrative tasks and of course toy buying.
Whether you are keen to join the committee or just volunteer your time for certain tasks, any time you can give makes a big difference. Getting involved with the toy library is a great opportunity to use your personal skills - we always need people with interests in accounting, marketing, communications, coordinating volunteers, administration, purchasing and fundraising.
We also have a non-duty membership option.
A typical member experience at Ngaio Toy Library
It's always nice to know what to expect when you start a new service.
Getting ready to visit
Before you visit the toy library, you will need to find any toys you have loaned, including the bags and containers you got them in. This is by far the most stressful time for us - where did all those toy pieces go?!
Use your Loan Receipt email to check that you have all the toys ready.
Please ensure toys are clean and dry before you return them. If toys are wet, rather keep them at home until they are dry and return the dry ones.
Getting to the toy library
We are based at the Ngaio Community Hall at 1 Ottawa Rd, Ngaio. There are plenty of parking at the hall, as well as across the road next to the train station.
If you prefer public transport, the train station is across the road, as is a bus stop.
We do recommend making sure you have a way of getting all your toys safely to and from the toy library.
A typical member experience at Ngaio Toy Library
It's always nice to know what to expect when you start a new service.
A typical member experience at Ngaio Toy Library
It's always nice to know what to expect when you start a new service.
Returning toys you have had on loan
Report to the returns table in the hall, where our friendly volunteers will accept the returned toys from you. You can let them know about any missing pieces - we don't like to do fines as we know things turn up later.
Loaning new toys
You may choose up to 7 toys from across all our toy categories to loan and take home. We have a toy cupboard that you can explore, and also have bigger toys out on the floor in the hall.
While you are browsing for toys, your little ones can try out any toys they like while in the hall. This creates an amazing play area with lots of similar aged children, in a safe and dry space.
When you are ready, our toy librarian will check out your toys for you at the Loans table. After this, you are free to return home and enjoy the new toys for 2 or 4 weeks.