Celebrating 25 Years of Play: Whitianga Toy Library’s Silver Anniversary

Written by Shannon Molloy on behalf of the Whitianga Toy Library Committee

For a quarter of a century, the Toy Library has been a cornerstone of our community, providing thousands of families with access to high-quality toys, games, and learning resources — and it’s all thanks to the passionate people behind the scenes.

Catalogue of 600+ Toys

From humble beginnings, Whitianga Toy Library has grown to offer an impressive catalogue of over 600 toys, ranging from classic wooden puzzles to imaginative role-play sets, ride-ons, character costumes, climbing frames and everything in between. Whether it’s rainy day fun or developmental play, the Toy Library has become a trusted resource for parents and caregivers who want variety and quality without the cost or clutter of constant new purchases.

This incredible milestone would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our past and present librarians, volunteers, and committee members. These dedicated individuals have given their time, energy, and creativity to build something truly special — a place where play and community thrive. 

Meet the Whitianga Toy Library Team

We’re proud to introduce some of the friendly faces currently helping to keep our Toy Library running: 

We warmly welcome our lovely new Librarian, Briar Woods, who has recently joined us and is settling into her role with enthusiasm and a smile. Please say hello next time you pop in!

A special mention must go to Clair Bainbridge, one of the Toy Library’s founding members, who is still an active committee member today, continuing to guide and support the Toy Library 25 years on — a true testament to the heart of this organisation.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the rest of the committee, whose dedication and commitment helps to keep the toy library running. These people include: Gabrielle West (Fundraising Coordinator & Toy Preserver), Carolyne Lewis (Secretary) and Shannon Molloy (Treasurer).

New Opening Hours

We're pleased to announce our updated opening hours:

• Monday & Wednesday: 9am – 1pm
• Friday: 12pm – 4pm

We appreciate your patience during recent weeks while we navigated some staffing changes — thank you for bearing with us through those inconsistencies.

Playing With Purpose: Eco-Conscious and Culturally Inclusive

Toy libraries are inherently sustainable, reducing waste by encouraging the reuse and sharing of quality toys rather than contributing to landfill through overconsumption. By borrowing instead of buying, families help create a more eco-conscious and mindful approach to play — and the positive environmental impact is something we’re incredibly proud of.

Whitianga Toy Library has also been working hard to reflect the diverse, multicultural nature of our community. We’ve made it a priority to expand our collection to include more te reo Māori resources, bilingual games, and culturally inclusive toys that celebrate the many identities of our tamariki. These additions are not just fun — they help foster a deeper sense of belonging, pride, and understanding from a young age.

Toy Sale: 16th & 17th August

We’re excited to announce a Toy Sale on 16th and 17th August, 12-2pm at the Toy Library. Thanks to generous donations and routine updates to our collection, we have a number of toys that are no longer suited for hire but still have plenty of play left in them. This is a great opportunity to pick up quality second-hand toys at affordable prices while supporting the library — all funds raised will go back into keeping the library running strong.

New Sponsorship Programme Launching

To help ensure the Toy Library can continue to serve our community for generations to come, we’re launching a new Community Sponsorship Programme. We’re seeking local businesses and individuals who want to make a meaningful impact by helping us cover ongoing costs such as toy replacement, maintenance, and operational expenses.

We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to the local businesses whose operations contribute to the community grant funds we rely on, as well as to the many wonderful businesses who have participated in our Sponsor a Toy programme over the years. Your generosity directly supports children's play, learning, and wellbeing — and we are truly grateful.

Volunteers Needed – Especially in Leadership Roles
Whitianga Toy Library is a volunteer-run organisation, and we’re currently in urgent need of support. We are especially seeking to fill three vital committee roles:

• Chairperson – to help guide the library into its next chapter
• Grants Coordinator – to help secure funding that keeps memberships affordable and the toy collection growing
• Treasurer – to manage the library’s finances and support long-term planning

These roles are essential for the continued success of the Toy Library. Full training and handover will be provided, and you’ll be supported by a warm, collaborative team. If you’ve ever benefited from the Toy Library or believe in the power of play, this is a wonderful way to give back.

Whether you can spare an hour a week, help out at occasional working bees, or step into a leadership role, your time will make a real difference.

Be Part of the Legacy

If you’re interested in volunteering, committee roles, or becoming a sponsor, please get in touch via whiti.toylibrary@gmail.com

Here's to more play, more connection, and more community spirit.  Let’s keep Whitianga Toy Library thriving for the next 25 years and beyond!

More information

For more information see the related link at the bottom of this page in the Community Group section of All About Whitianga.