Every Friday morning the pitter-patter of tiny feet can be heard running through the carpark of St Martin’s Anglican Church. Laughing and giggling with an anticipation that can only be compared to Christmas morning. They are heading towards the Toy Library.
Operating since October 2012, Toy Library has recently celebrated its fourth birthday.
Organiser Becky Emans said she started the service to give parents access to a wide variety of quality, educational toys at cheap rental prices.
“They had this office space available under the church and we approached them to do a community outreach, rather than us it for an office,” Becky said.
“Grant, my husband, was thinking of an op-shop but there are so many here already that we thought we should do something different.
“I heard of a toy library operating in Batemans Bay, so I went down and had a visit, approached the church with the idea and they said yes.”
The library is stocked wall to wall with everything from wooden toys to large outdoor play equipment for children aged 0-6 years. It operates every Friday of the school term from 10am – 12pm, or by appointment for hire only.
“Toy Library provides a service to those who wish to rent toys. It appeals to those wanting to save money, save space, outfit birthday parties and provide a variety of toys without cost,” Becky said.
“Also, it provides rentals for holidaymakers visiting the area. Or for grandparents and carers if they have children coming to stay.”
Toy Library membership costs $11 per year and is open to the entire community. Toy rental prices range from $1.10-$5.50 per item, per fortnight.
“The church provide the space free which allows us to offer this service for the community at an affordable price,” Becky said.
“Everything we make all goes back into the Toy Library. It goes into buying batteries, replacement parts or new toys.”
Toy Library is open to anyone to attend and you don't have to be a member. Families are welcome to come play with the more than 350 toys and enjoy morning tea without having to hire.
For more information on Ulladulla Toy Library please visit www.facebook.com/toysulladulla, email toysulladulla@gmail.com or phone Becky Emans on 0424 653 292.
Toy Library operates each Friday during school term from 10am-12pm at St Martin’s Anglican Church Ulladulla. Entry is via the Civic Centre carpark. Or by appointment for hire only.
