If your question isn't answered here it can be directed to the librarian via email
Or you can come into the library during the sessions and ask in person!
Tuesday & Fridays 9.30 - 11.45am
Wednesday 2 - 4.30pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm
We open early January through to late November when we take a 6 week break. During the break members can borrow 3 Summer Toy hire large single piece toys.
We are closed from 26th November 2024 & re-open 7th January 2025.
We are also closed for Waitangi weekend, Easter Friday, Anzac Day & Matariki weekend during 2025.
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.
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 online using our member website, 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 approximately 6 weeks. This period is called Summer Toy Hire.
Over our 6 week break we lend out 3 large single piece toys to our paid up members.
This includes all outdoor toys, scooters, balance bikes, ride-ons, water tables, slides, play gyms, trucks & indoor toys without pieces included such as kitchens, BBQs, high chairs, baby walkers, exersaucers, baby tables, soft play sets, pikler triangles, piker climbing arch, vacuum cleaners, hedge trimmer, car carriers, shopping trolleys, teepee, doll stroller, doll carrier, bead frames.
The Toy Library has approx. 1,700 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.
See the Toys menu at the top of each page for browsing new, popular, or just any toys!
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.
Yes! Community Service Card holders have a reduced membership rate. Check out the details on the Membership Page.
You can do it all online using our Join Now form.
Alternatively, if you prefer to come in and check out the library first and see how it works in person you are most welcome. Our librarian Cara will get you to fill out an enrolment form.
Either way, payment is required to join, which is paid by by bank transfer.
Come into the library and get a quick run down of the toy categories from us and where they can all be found. Then it''s time to start choosing toys to borrow and take home!
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.
Either by cash or internet banking. If paying via internet banking please use your last name (and membership number, if known) 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.
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 Team page The library also employs a librarian to help manage the library.
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.
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.