General News
6 May, 2025
Toy library seeks members
After 40 years and many members the Maryborough Toy Library committee are once again seeking new faces and fresh ideas.
While the current committee aren’t leaving just yet, without new committee members the volunteer-run toy borrowing group could risk closure in years to come.
Maryborough Toy Library secretary, Megan Mullins, encoura-ges current members to come along to the AGM this Thursday.
“We’ve been there for a few years and we just need a few extra people to come in and learn the ropes so we can keep it going into the future,” she said.
“This is a really important resource that we’ve got for our town.”
After around seven years with the toy library Ms Mullins said the experience has been very fulfilling.
“I don’t know all the families coming in but the kids just grab toys and play, play with other kids they’ve never met before, and they socialise together. It’s so beautiful just to be here,” she said.
While committee members are volunteers first Ms Mullins said those who are interested in the committee, or just volunteering, should give it a go.
“For community volunteering this is the easiest gig you can get. It’s indoors, there’s aircon and heating, and it’s just fun kids playing. It’s all good. It’s not messy, it’s not hard work, it’s not arduous at all,” she said.
The toy library is open for around two hours, two days a week, with volunteers able to come in less than that. The group offers flexibility that can accommodate parents’ most unexpected days.
“That could be something anyone in the community could do. Come in and help with cleaning toys when they’re returned, counting that all the pieces are there, general running of the toy library, keeping it clean and tidy and making sure all the safety stuff is up to date,” Ms Mullins said.
Considering the toy library’s legacy Ms Mullins said it’s an important resource for the communities youngest to oldest residents.
“Some of our members now who are borrowing are grandparents — they are the original people who started up the toy library,” she said.
“Imagine if we keep it for another 40 years.”
The Maryborough Toy Library AGM will be held Thursday, May 8, at the Toy Library. A pizza dinner will be provided at 7 followed by a 7.30 pm meeting.
Those interested in volunteering at the toy library, or who want to know more about its service, can visit the group’s Facebook page or email them at maryboroughtoylib@gmail.com
