PORTARLINGTON Toy Library co-ordinator Ann Wise says the volunteer-run not-for-profit has “turned a corner” providing more families with access to toys than ever before.<\/p>\n
Ms Wise said the library’s increase in volunteers and a generous donation from the local Lions club has breathed new life into the organisation.<\/p>\n
“We have had a few exciting things happen to our library in recent months, namely some additional volunteers helping out where they can, but it has had a huge impact on how the library has operated in recent months,” Ms Wise said.<\/p>\n
Located on Newcombe Street next to Portarlington Pre-School, the library closed down in 2017 and reopened in early 2021 with 200 toys at its disposal.<\/p>\n
The library’s toy collection has doubled in the past two years to over 400 with new shelving and a new street banner, providing a more welcoming environment for local families and children.<\/p>\n
Ms Wise joined fellow coordinator Gabrielle Waller prior to the library’s reopening in 2020 providing a second pair of hands to assist with daily operations.<\/p>\n
Volunteers Jean Gaskin, Barbara Castles and Loretta, who has chosen to omit her surname, also joined library’s volunteer ranks this year.<\/p>\n
The library received a $3,000 donation from the Lions Club of Portarlington-Drysdale back in March, blowing away the library’s volunteers.<\/p>\n
“It was just fantastic when we found out the Lions club wanted to help,” Ms Wise said.<\/p>\n
“We’ve really tried advertising our services a lot this year, and we’re seeing the effect with more families walking through the door.<\/p>\n
“Because of that increase in demand and after community feedback, we have extended our operating hours.<\/p>\n
“Now we are open from 9am to 11am on Tuesday and Thursday during school terms.”<\/p>\n
Ms Wise says the library provides a valuable option to local families with cost of living pressures continuing to be felt across the region.<\/p>\n
“It allows parents to borrow items that they don’t have to purchase forever and have their houses cluttered with toys that eventually get discarded,” Ms Wise said.<\/p>\n
“We’re constantly adding new toys to our stock and tailoring our variety to what parents really want.”<\/p>\n
Portarlington Toy Library memberships only cost families $10 per term or $35 per calendar year.<\/p>\n
Those interested in joining the Toy Library as members can do so by visiting during operating hours or by emailing toyport@springdale.org.au<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PORTARLINGTON Toy Library co-ordinator Ann Wise says the volunteer-run not-for-profit has “turned a corner” providing more families with access to toys than ever before. Ms Wise said the library’s increase in volunteers and a generous donation from the local Lions club has breathed new life into the organisation. “We have had a few exciting things […]<\/p>\n