Taranaki Toy Library - Fitzroy

The Toy Library is run by a large number of volunteers and one paid part-time Coordinator. Additional to our committee and trustees, we have a handful of very committed permanent helpers, who over time, become fully trained in all aspects of the day to day running of the Toy Library. These helpers are extremely helpful for our Coordinator and valued members of our team. Without their support, drive and passion for our library and community we wouldn’t be able to run as successfully. See below how they feel about giving up a few hours every week….

Jana – Our Coordinator

Hi, I have been working at the Toy Library since 2013 and have made lots of great memories here over the years. I am always amazed at how supportive our community is. I love seeing the joy our toys bring and seeing families spend quality time together while playing. I know how much work has gone into setting up and improving our organisation in the past and am grateful for the difference I have been able to make over the years, with a lot of help!  However, to keep “with the times” it is important to make sure that we are just as successful in the future. This is what keeps me motivated! Having our permanent helpers coming weekly not only shares my load, they are also fabulous workmates that share my passion! In my free time, I love to explore the outdoors with my family, reading, board-gaming and gardening.

Patti – Assistant Coordinator

Hi, I’m really excited about taking on the role of assistant coordinator and getting to know all of our lovely Toy Library families! I am a mother to 3 busy boy’s aged 10, 6 and 2 so I feel know a fair amount about toys and how important play is to a child’s development.

In the summer my family spend every spare moment at the beach, we love New Plymouth and all of its beautiful beaches and walkways. Another of my interests is cooking and baking, I love trying new recipes and really love talking about food!

Tracy – permanent helper and relief coordinator

My name is Tracy Brooke and I volunteer at the Toy Library on Thursday mornings. I’m a mum of 3 teenage children. I love meeting the parents, grandparents and caregivers that use this wonderful facility – its great to see the children trying out the different toys and seeing what take home with them.  Its also fun to check out the new toys that we get in!

Pat – permanent helper

I enjoy volunteering at the Toy Library as I like the age group it involves, both the adults and the children. As my grandchildren are older now, I miss having an involvement with younger children. I also like the friendly atmosphere of the Toy Library, and the people I ‘work’ with. I look forward to my Saturday mornings and am proud to be associated with such a great community organisation.

Lorraine – permanent helper

Hi. I have been helping out at the Toy Library for over a year. It’s a real fun place to be and I look forward each week to meeting up with the children, their mums, dads, grandmas and grandads. It has become one of the highlights of my busy weeks. It’s great to see the delightful smiles on the little ones faces as they seek out new toys each time, and to see the way they all interact with each other. I look forward to helping out for a few more years yet.

Dawn – permanent helper

I started volunteering at the Toy Library at the beginning of 2019. As a retired teacher, I recognize the value, and importance of play in the development of young children, so when I saw a volunteer opportunity at the Toy Library, I knew that I wanted to help out – plus I get to meet all the lovely mums and toddlers who visit us on Tuesdays!! It’s really enjoyable working with Jana and her team at this fantastic community asset.

Judy – relief helper and “behind the scenes”

I have recently retired from a library career spanning 36 years working  in many different roles and have always gained satisfaction from assisting people. The toy library has given me the opportunity to carry on helping parents and children, gain knowledge and keep in contact with people.  I enjoy my two moko puna aged 3 and 6 as they grow and learn and have loved being able to spend more time with family and realise longed for travel aspirations.

Wuri – permanent helper

Hi. I’m Wuri Pinto and I’m from Jakarta, Indonesia. I have lived in Taranaki for 3 years now and I really enjoy volunteering here at the Toy Library as I have always been fascinated by the wonder of toys. I enjoy being able help other parents with toys for their kids as well as use the Toy Library for my own 3 year old who loves playing with new things. My family has moved around quite a bit over the years and across several continents and I have never seen anything like the Toy Library! It’s really a special part of New Zealand and New Plymouth.