The Ashburton Toy Library is looking for a new home after being given notice to move out of their current premises due to the building needing earthquake strengthening.
Toy Library president Anthea Moore said they need to move by the end of June.
‘‘We need to find another home, ideally a one level building with parking nearby – if parents are hiring large toys they need somewhere close to park,’’ she said.
Because they are a non-profit community organisation that relies on community grants they would like somewhere with minimal rent.
The library has rented a hall in the past and Anthea said that works as long as they had lockable storage, but having their own space would be ideal.
The toy library has been in its current location in The Triangle for five years and first opened in Ashburton in 1994.
Anthea said they need a good size space and estimates the current building is around 60-70sqm.
The library has over 900 toys including role playing imaginary toys, puzzles, board games, dress up, sensory toys and ride on toys.
‘‘It’s really important to foster children’s play and imaginations, rather than screen time all the time,’’ Anthea said.
It costs members $30 a year if they help in the library for four hours a year, and $60 a year if they don’t want to help.
‘‘By offering to help for four hours a year you meet so many cool families, and you make some awesome friends,’’ Anthea said.
With the cost of living on the rise joining the toy library gives members access to hundreds of toys at a reasonable price.
‘‘Some of these are really expensive toys that families don’t need to be spending money on, just hire them for a couple of weeks and bring them back for another family,’’ Anthea said.
If you can assist the library find a new home contact Anthea: [email protected] or 021 114 5009.
