May 2010 Issue 134 - Toy Library Federation NZ

Toy Library Federation news, events and information
May 2010
Issue 134
THE TOY LIBRARY LINK
Lottery Grant
Application
Let The Children Play
AGM
Information
www.toylibrary.co.nz
TOY LIBRARY FEDERATION OF NZ
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2009-2010
NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING CHARGES
Advertising charges (excluding GST):
Full Page –
$200.00
Half Page $100.00
Quarter Page $50.00
Eighth Page $25.00
Inclusion of Flyer $100.00
Inclusion of 3 or more consecutive
advertisements attract a
10% discount.
Irene Mosley
National President
Joanne Sharp
National Treasurer
Tasha Black
ph (03)418-3152
[email protected]
ph (03)383-5024
[email protected]
ph (04)589-7717
Debbie Bowdler
ph (03)528-9214
Chris Chambers
ph (04)973-9250
Rebecca Easterbrook ph (04)234-1980
Please note;
Copy must be good quality and photocopy
ready i.e. fully designed
Teresa Martin
ph (09)279-9005
Diane Pitcaithly
ph (09)575-7376
Lisa Ross
ph (03)418-2097
STAFF
Christine Jelley
Office Manager,
The editor reserves the right to adjust
submitted material.
Newsletter Editor
Deadline for next Newsletter is
1 August 2010
03 388 9743
0800-148-697
[email protected]
Lisa Taylor
Toy Express
03 482-1370
0800-148-699
Toy Buyer
[email protected]
Toy Express Hours:
Monday – Thursday
10am-2pm
Office Hours:
The views expressed in this newsletter
are not necessarily those of the TLFNZ.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Friday
We recommend Toy Libraries seek
independent advice, particularly in regard
to legal issues.
Office Address:
11-3 pm
12-3pm
PO Box 27-146
Shirley
CHRISTCHURCH 8640
Website: www.toylibrary.co.nz
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Inside this Issue:
Page:
2
3
4
5
6
7
11
12
13
14
17
18
18
19
21
22
24
27
28
29
30
31
33
34
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Editorial:
The next few months will undoubtedly be
busy months for your libraries. From my
experience I’ve found that membership
increases over the winter months as
families look for toys to help entertain
their children who are less likely to be
out and about.
Contact Details
Contents, Editorial
Calendar of Upcoming Events
President’s Report
Notice of AGM
Board Nominee Profiles
Questions from the Website Forum
Why do Profile Sheets every year?
National Training Weekend
Regional News
Thank you Lotteries
What a Good Idea!
Constitution Update
Donations
Toy Boxes
Popular Toys for Children with
Disabilities
Toy Express
Recent Toy Purchases
Puzzles
Work Smarter not Harder
Toy Library Awareness Week
Toy Libraries in the News
Don’t Forget
Stickers Available
Housekeeping
Committees will also be busy with
fundraising and filling in funding
applications. Please ensure you keep an
eye on deadlines and get applications in
well ahead of the last day – it is
heartbreaking to find that you’ve missed
a deadline and will have to wait a whole
year before having another chance to
apply.
I’ve had a lot of queries from libraries
over the last couple of months regarding
the Lottery Grant, and requests for
letters of support for funding
applications – I hope you have all been
successful. With this issue you will find a
copy of this year’s Lottery Grant
application. Please ensure you get your
application back in time so you don’t miss
out, like several did last year.
Hopefully you are all looking forward to
the upcoming Training week, and for
those unable to come this year, maybe you
could open a savings account and put aside
a small regular amount so that you will
have enough saved for the next one in two
years time?
Christine
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Calendar of Upcoming Events:
Remember to check out Fundview for your local funders and their close-off dates.
31 May
subs should be paid by now.
Training Weekend Registrations should be in at the Office
Sun
Mon
~ June 2010 ~
Wed
Tue
Thu
Fri
Sat
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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25 National Training 26 National Training
27 National Training 28
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30 2009-10 Lottery
Notes:
Weekend
Weekend
Weekend and AGM
Accountability Due
Sun
Mon
4
~ July 2010 ~
Wed
Tue
5
6
Thu
7
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
8
9 Lottery Applications 10
due into Office
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12
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25
26
27
28
29
30 Insurance should 31
be paid to Office
Sun
Mon
1 Applications open for 2
Tue
5
Fri
Sat
7 Toy Library Awareness
Awareness Week- What Week- What is your library
is your library doing?
doing?
8 Toy Library
9 Toy Library
10 Toy Library
11 Toy Library
12 Toy Library
Awareness Week- What Awareness Week- What Awareness Week- What Awareness Week- What Awareness Week- What
is your library doing?
is your library doing?
is your library doing?
is your library doing?
is your library doing?
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14
15
20 TLFNZ Board
21 TLFNZ Board Meeting
17
4
Thu
NZ Post Community
Envelopes
16
3
~ August 2010 ~
Wed
18
19
6 Toy Library
Meeting
22
23
24
29
30
31 Community Post
25
26
Applications Close
September:
4
27
28
President’s Report
I have enjoyed the challenge that being President of TLFNZ in 2009 has given me and it
has been great to reacquaint old friendships and meet so many new people. The board has
worked really hard this year dealing with a lot of issues including changes of staff,
deficits, the need for office space and restructuring. I believe we have handled this
professionally and economically and have even had some time to develop some new
relationships which will help move Toy libraries forward for the future.
With nominations for the 2010 year now closed I am pleased I have been given the
opportunity by you all, to be president for another year as I feel that for the past twelve
months we have been just getting up to speed and dealing with a lot of immediate issues.
My goal for the next 12 months is to get out and visit the regions and really try and help
and support you, our members at grass roots level. It was great to meet some of the
Auckland people when I was up there in March. It is wonderful seeing the level of interest
there is in toy libraries and the passion that the committee members show towards the
cause.
I look forward to meeting a lot more of you at our training weekend in June. Our team of
volunteers is working really hard to ensure that this is a great weekend of learning and
hopefully there will be some time to relax and network as well as this is important.
On Toy Express front we welcome Lisa Taylor to the team. Lisa joined us in Mid April and
is getting up to speed with everything to do with Toy Express. Debbie Bowdler has been
running Toy Express for us on a volunteer basis since the start of the year and done a
great job of keeping things running and sourcing some great specials for you.
Do take the time to check out what Toy Express has to offer as we can advise you where
the best place to buy is and often save you money simply by recommending a different
company to buy from as several companies that we deal with have the same toys at
different prices.
A reminder to you that the application forms for Lottery funding are included in this
newsletter. Make sure you get your application in as if you do not apply on this form, you
will not receive any funding. Sadly some Toy Libraries had not realised this last year and
thought that the funds were automatically allocated. This is not the case. If you have any
questions or need help with the application please contact the office or any of the board
members we are happy to help you.
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Toy Libraries seem to be having ongoing problem attracting committee and volunteers and
we intend to run a series of articles over the next few issues which hopefully might give
you some ideas to help this situation. Again, if you have problems in your toy library do
contact any one of us. We all have a huge amount of experience with toy libraries and also
the wider knowledge of what is happening nationwide which can give you a broader
prospective.
Also included with this newsletter are proxy forms for our AGM. If you are not attending
the AGM I encourage you to use your proxy. You are able to appoint someone to act on
your behalf and can either indicate how you would like to vote or leave it to your proxy to
make that decision on your behalf. Your proxy can be any person who is attending the
meeting, a member of the board or the Chairperson of the meeting. It is your choice who
you decide to appoint. If you do not understand this process please contact Chris in the
office or myself and we can help you with the process.
I hope you can all stay warm as the colder months approach
Kind regards
Irene Mosley National
President
Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the
Toy Library Federation of New Zealand
To be held at Lincoln University
On Saturday 26th June 2010
Commencing at 10am.
All Welcome
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Board Nominee Profiles
With only 9 nominations received for Board positions, here are the
nominees who will be elected unopposed at the AGM.
Nominee for President:
Irene Mosley from Balclutha
I have been involved with toy libraries in some way for the last 19 years. My
involvement started when my son was 6 months old and I joined the committee
of my local toy library. From that beginning I became involved at National level
for 6 years starting in 1996 taking on the role of toy buyer and then National
President during that time. When my time on the board was over I continued to
help out by stepping in as toy buyer a couple of times when people resigned and
helping out by running seminars for regionals and conferences.
Last year I was asked to stand for President and I decided that maybe I could give something back
to Toy Libraries by getting involved, so here I am. I have two children Hamish and Sarah. Hamish is
a pilot for Mainland Air based in Dunedin and it only seems yesterday that we were hiring the Duplo
Airport for him to play with and now he is flying the real ones! It is a bit scarey how quickly time
has passed. Sarah is in year 12 and has had the opportunity to go to the USA this year for 6 months
to attend school over there, so I will be childless! I intend to fill some of the gap by getting stuck
in to Toy Library matters and hope to get round some regionals and meet some more of you and help
you with your day to day issues of running toy libraries.
I have had a few people email and phone this year with issues they would like help with, I am happy
to talk to any of you so please feel free to call if you would like some help and support
Nominee for Treasurer:
Chris Chambers from Lower Hutt
Hi, I became involved with the Lower Hutt Toy library for the last
six years. Four of those years I have served as the treasurer and
toy buyer. Now there is a conflict of interest for you! The toy
buyer hat wants to buy toys then I have to don my treasurer hat
and so no! I am stepping down from both positions at the AGM to
enable me to devote more time to the Board.
My husband Craig and I have two fantastic children Alexander who is seven and Gabriella who is
five. When I’m not transporting them to and from rugby, miniball, keas, ballet and swimming I work
for an accountancy firm in Lower Hutt. In my spare time (what’s that!) I like to get out on my road
bike for a spin. I decided that I could do the Taupo Challenge last year after watching Craig do it,
next thing I know I have a bike so I am slowly building up for that.
After spending the last year on the board and thoroughly enjoying it I decided to stand for
treasurer. I am looking forward to working with the board to build on what we have achieved in the
past year.
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Nominee for Board Positions:
Tasha Black from Lower Hutt
Hi, I have been a Board member for the past year, which I’ve
found to be very exciting whilst learning the ropes.
I have been an active member of the Lower Hutt Plunket Toy
Library for the past 7 years, 6 of which I’ve served on the
committee in various roles such as Plunket Liaison, 3 years as
Chair, and most recently a second round of being Grants Officer.
My husband Craig and I have 2 gorgeous daughters Laura (almost 8) and Rebecca (5), both of whom
have been brought up on toys borrowed from the Toy Library. As well as ferrying the kids to their
various activities, I also work part-time as a Research Assessor at the Marsden Fund.
Toy Libraries have an enormous amount to offer a community, especially in these times of economic
recession, where being able to afford a range of good quality toys is beyond the reach of many
families. As a Board member, I bring my skills in fund management, administration and
communications, but especially my passion and enthusiasm for Toy Libraries throughout New
Zealand.
Debbie Bowdler from Motueka
Hi, toy libraries are my passion. I joined the Motueka District Toy Library in
1998 and soon after joined the committee. I have done a variety roles
including secretary, rosters, fundraising, garden trail co-ordinator, toy
buyer/cataloguer and paid coordinator. I was also on the building committee
for our purpose-built premises which opened in 2005. I recently resigned
from my role to have some time for myself and my family. I have loved
being involved in such a great community organisation.
I am married to Neil, a primary school teacher, and we have 3 children – Emma 13, Jacob 11 and
Laura 8. They keep us busy with their activities including sport, music and spending time with
friends. I work part time for a fishing company doing accounts and wages, and also do accounts for
a cleaning company. Both jobs are flexible which means I can still go on class trips and attend school
events. We attend the local Anglican Church, and I am on our church committee and finance team.
In my spare time I enjoy gardening, genealogy, and catching up with friends.
I have enjoyed being on the TLFNZ board for the past year. It is great to be involved with an
organisation that exists to help and support toy libraries. My role has been to support our area
networkers, and have facilitated 2 regional events, as well as provided ongoing support to a
struggling toy library. I have been involved in reviewing Toy Express, and filled in temporarily as
toy buyer for 3 months until we appointed our new toy buyer.
I am standing for re-election as I would like to continue to provide support and encouragement to
toy libraries in the wonderful role they play in our communities. I believe the Board should have
representation from libraries throughout New Zealand.
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Teressa Martin from Auckland
Hi, I’m a mother of 2 boys Ryan 10 and Regan 9.
I have been involved in Manukau Central Toy Library for 9 years the
last 7 as chairperson. During this period I have been toy buyer,
librarian, treasurer and chair. I have been involved in major
renovations of our library together with Manukau City Council. This resulted with us having a brand
new purpose built Toy Library.
I have a passion for the Toy Library principle and believe children benefit from the variety of toys
we can supply and a valuable learning curve on how to share and respect others toys.
Di Pitcaithly from Auckland
My involvement with Eastern Bays Toy Library began 1996 as the librarian when the library first
opened. I am now the toy buyer (best job I think) and also the administrator/fill in librarian. I am
totally involved with our library – going the extra mile for our members even if it means picking up
of toys from them due to problems, ill health, and then delivering more to them. This for me is an
important part of being involved with our community library.
I am married to Peter - we have two sons Cameron a pilot and Blair finishing his building
apprenticeship and living back at home. Our household always has children visiting, and toys galore
about the place, even older style Fisher Price toys. My family has always helped to construct the
toys for our library and of course have a wee play at the same time!! We are never too old to
explore a toy! For me the satisfaction of seeing happy children playing and learning thru play is
excitement in itself. To see parents with their children leave the library smiling is another bonus
of what a toy library stands for.
It is such a privilege to be a trustee on the board of TLFNZ and to feel that one is making a
difference to this organisation and being part of a dedicated team working for Toy Libraries. Since
being elected to the board last August it has been a very busy time working through various areas
and now starting to see rewards within the TLFNZ. I consider regional seminars an important part
of networking where we all share and gain valuable information on running a toy library. For me it is
very exciting to be involved with libraries at grass roots level particularly Auckland and Northland.
Lisa Ross from Balclutha
Hi, I am married to Gary who manages an electrical firm. We have three
children, Stephanie-Anne 12, Bradley 10 & Daniel 5.
I am currently employed at Ray White in Balclutha as an office manager
and am lucky to work four days a week 9 – 3 which is great with school age
children, though I don’t know what happens to what I call my “free day”.
In the summer we spend quite a bit of time in Central Otago doing boating, cycling, walking,
swimming and generally having some family time. In the winter our two oldest children are playing
Netball and Rugby, and I play Netball in the afternoon, so most Winter Saturdays are taken up with
sport. In my “free time” I like to read, catch up with friends and spend time with family.
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I was voted on to the TLFNZ in 2009, and have found this to be a very rewarding experience. My
involvement has mainly been looking after the financial side of Toy Express which has been very
time consuming over the last six months. I am looking forward to the training weekend in
Christchurch. I see it as a chance to put a face to the names of the many people whom I have
spoken to over the last couple of years. I enjoy hearing stories from other toy libraries and having
enjoyed a couple of these weekends during my time on my toy library committee and think that
these are a wonderful way for Toy Libraries to network. This last year has involved many decisions
for the current board and I am so lucky to be involved with a great group of people who have the
best interests of Toy Libraries at heart. I would like to continue on the path that the current
board has started and get back to the grass roots of supporting all our toy library members.
Vanessa Robertson from Canterbury
Hi my name is Vanessa, I am married to Nigel and have 3 lovely children
aged 5, 3 and 1. I work part-time for a network services company as a PA
which is varied and challenging.
I am currently the Secretary for the Ellesmere Toy Library and I am also a
librarian, both positions I have held for 4 years. I am also currently on the organising committee
for the Membership Training weekend being held at Lincoln University this year.
I am passionate about toy libraries and the philosophy of teaching children through play. I would
bring to the board an organised, energetic and enthusiastic attitude that I think would benefit the
organisation. I would love the opportunity to represent Christchurch on the board.
Kim Siemonek from Masterton
(pictured here with fellow toy library/NZ’s next top model Pam Blackburn )
Hello I am married to Stephen with 4 1/2year old son Jacob.
I have really enjoyed my time with the Masterton Community Toy library as
Librarian and committee member, my current role is promotions. Being able
to have access to a great range of toys has been an integral part of my
son's life, the learning experiences have been fantastic. My biggest success
has been finding new premises for the Toy Library 3 years ago, within our budget levels.
I enjoy being part of the community, and am a committee member and programme editor for the
Golden Shears International Shearing Competition, just completed our 50th celebration programme
of 80pages of editorial and advertising. Many thanks to my train and steam enthusiast husband; I
have taken on promotions and rejuvenation of the Island that the train is situated on into native
area.
I have put my name forward as I would like to see more interaction between libraries so that there
is advice and support to all libraries out there and always good to share success stories. I am very
much a hands on person and always willing to go the extra mile to see results.
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QUESTIONS FROM THE WEBSITE FORUM
Have you checked the forum out lately? Here is a selection of
questions currently being discussed – please share your thoughts with
others, either through the forum, or send them into the Office for inclusion in
the next issue. These questions are likely to be discussed at the upcoming Training
Weekend as well!
o Overdue Toys
We were just wondering what other libraries do in regards to overdue toys.
Do you fine? How much per toy?
Do you have a 'grace period' after toy was due for them to return it before fining, etc?
Do you phone/txt/email them to remind them the toy is overdue?
What's your libraries system for overdues?
“Hi, we have one session grace period and then fine 50c per session per toy.
We have 2 sessions a week so e.g. if a toy is one week late then it would be 50c per
toy and then each week after would be $1. If people have genuine excuse for late
toys I can waive the fine. We don't have many problems with overdue toys so I keep
an eye on the list and if there are too many or people who are overdue by 3 weeks
or so I will send out emails or give them a call”
“If
people phone to renew toys we charge the normal rate. If people don't phone then we charge
double the normal rate. This seems to work for us and if there is a genuine reason like birth
in a family, death or sickness then the normal rate is charged.”
“We have previously had a 6 day grace and then a $1 a week charge per toy after
that but have just changed this to fit in with what our local book library charges
where there is no grace period and a 20c fine per toy per session overdue is
charged. Members are given the opportunity to text, ring or e-mail to renew toys
otherwise overdues are charged“
o Does anyone know how to find cheap premises or get sponsorship for rent?
We struck lucky in our premises with our local YMCA. Rent is hard for sponsership
and we only manage Rent and librarian wages through COGS, Eastern Central
Community Trust and sponsership from NZCU Baywide so could be worth
approaching some businesses.
o What makes for a good toy library website?
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Why do profile sheets every year?
The information you provide on the profile sheets (which should
be returned with your subs) is used to update our database.
From this, we are then in a better position to answer queries
received by other libraries or the public, and information is
used to help the Board with planning and lobbying.
Every day the Office gets at least a couple of phonecalls from people wanting to
know where their nearest toy library is, when it is open, how much it costs…… I am
able to help answer these questions from the information provided by you in your
profile sheets.
In addition to passing on information to the public, other information received
from the profile sheets helps the Board to build a picture of toy libraries
throughout the country. Information is used to help with funding applications,
lobbying, providing workshops,….
This year, we included a few new questions – the office has been fielding a number
of calls from people wanting to know if toy libraries in their area provide bouncy
castles or cater for special needs children. We have also had a number of queries
from libraries wanting to get some sort of idea on how much to pay their librarians,
and how other libraries manage to fund them.
Details of president, and treasurer, and toy buyer are useful if we need to target
certain information to the relevant person quickly and more effectively than just a
general mailing.
A big thank you to those libraries who have sent in their completed sheets with
their subs, to the others who may have overlooked sending them in, please take the
sheet (or download a new one from our website if you’ve misplaced it) to your next
committee meeting to fill in.
So please, keep on filling them in and send them in to me so I can give people
accurate information. And if your contact details, hours, etc change during the
year, please do let the office know.
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National Training Weekend – Update
Lincoln University 25 – 27 June 2010
The Christchurch Organising Group is looking forward to greeting all delegates
next month. Plans are progressing well and with a stimulating and informative line
up of speakers, all delegates should be returning home with new ideas and feeling
better informed as to how to tailor the management and organisation of their Toy
Libraries.
We know that some Toy Libraries are waiting for funding, but we need a prompt
return of the registrations so that we can finalise the planning, particularly for the
workshops. As you will appreciate, organising workshop speakers and numbers of
delegates to each of the workshops is not a job that can be done over night.
Registrations close on Monday 31 May 2010 before incurring a penalty, and the
booked pre-registered spots will become available to everyone, so please get in
touch with the Office immediately if you have not fully registered.
We will be in touch with the contact person on the pre-registration form prior to
the weekend, with various details on what to bring with you, instructions for
getting there, etc.
A large redevelopment programme is going on at the airport and the usual places of
meet and greet keep changing. As the buses for the Toy Library tours will be
leaving from the International end of the airport, we would like all delegates after
they have claimed their luggage to make their way to the International meet and
greet area. Accessing the International Terminal area is a short walk from the
domestic arrival area to the other end, but is well signposted and you do not have
to leave the building. At 12.30pm, there will be an identifiable Christchurch Toy
Library person waiting to direct you to the bus area. The first Toy Library tour
will leave around 1pm. If you are arriving early in the morning, Christchurch has a
good bus service for you to use to get into town, and then out to Lincoln after you
have had a look around and done any shopping, etc.
The Saturday night dinner and disco theme is red and black – so remember to pack
those costumes. There will be a cash bar available. A fun night for all.
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Regional Area Contacts:
Northland & Auckland
Di Pitcaithly – Board
home 09 575-7376
email: [email protected]
Teresa Martin – Board
home 09 279-9005
Pacific Coast Highway
Presently vacancies for networkers in this area
– if interested please contact us.
Central North Island
Judith Bennett – Putaruru
home 07 883-5630
email: [email protected]
Lorraine Mears – Raetihi
home 06 385-3441
email: [email protected]
Lower North Island
Tasha Black – Board
home 04 589-7717
Chris Chambers – Board
home 04 973-9250
Bert Easterbrook- Board
home 04 234-1980
Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast
Debbie Bowdler – Board
home 03 528-9214
Central South Island
Joanne Sharp – Board
home 03 383-5024
Southern South Island
Lisa Ross – Board
Irene Mosley – President
Suzie Burnett – Otautau
home 03 418-2097
home 03 418-3152
home 03 225-8917
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email: [email protected]
If you like talking about toy libraries and have had experience with
toy libraries you can pass on to help other toy libraries, we would
love to hear from you.
If you have any questions please contact our Regional Networker –
Debbie on 03 528 9214 or [email protected] for more information.
Regional Roundup
Auckland Regional 18th March 2010
Thank you to Mt Albert for putting a lot of effort into setting up and hosting this regional for us.
Attendees were able to view Mt Albert toy library over tea/coffee and nibbles.
Lucky Draw Prize
Won by Mt Albert Toy Library - A Pinto fire engine with extra figures.
Speaker Irene
FUNDING – points to note:
 Write application in Black pen, have it submitted ahead of the close off date to give you time for
getting extra material in if you have missed it out.
 Create a funding folder. Place in all information re applications etc in it as well as copies of
Charities Commission certificate, any passwords to access Charities website , IRD Letter which
states „donee status and the Tax exemption certificate, Incorporated Society Certificate of
Incorporation (if an Incorporated Society). Copy of trust deed or constitution as most grant
organisations ask for copies of these to be sent with application.
 COGS do cover wages and overheads, most other grant organisations do not. However they will
cover project costs so could look at a wages component in this eg if you were upgrading to
computer. More information on this is available from the office or by contacting Irene.
 Always explain why you have a surplus in the bank if you have one. – e.g. The committee has
decided it would be prudent to have a full year‟s operating costs in reserve as a buffer against
future lack of funds.
 Google your area statistics – to help fill in the application as to why you are applying for money.
There must be a community benefit to your project eg – more members, providing a community
service etc
15
 Explain in any application why you need the money e.g. toy libraries are valuable because, many
children live in apartments with no outside playing areas – parents can borrow slides, cozy coupes
etc. they can borrow from the library and not have to worry about long term storage.
 Create a funding calendar for each year with where and when you can apply for funding.
Fundraising events
 If handling money protect your committee members and your library by having written
systems. Make sure that two people are there to count any received money, and sign that its
correct.
 Give envelopes to members with their name on it to hand any fundraising in to the librarian.
This makes it easier for people to remember to keep it separate and also for receipting.
 Shared success:

Pegs,” wee pegs” with faces on - New Lynn Toy Library

Knitwear sold as fundraising – Ellerslie

Summer toy hire- Ponsonby
 Toilet rolls – information was handed out about this fund raiser which is available only in
Auckland or Dunedin
Raffles
Good suggestions for successful raffles included theme packs such as:
 gardening -, gloves, tools, hand soap, a
few seeds, small bag soil
 Baby - lotions, face wash, powder, bibs etc
 Relaxation packs - magazine, coffee mug, packet coffee/tea on a small tray, voucher for foot
spa or hand manicure....
 Wet weather -, pens, pencils, stickers, play dough, activity books, scrapbooking,..
 Tickets, create own or purchase from $2.00 shop.
 You don‟t need police supervision if under $5000.00 value of the given/purchased goods for
raffle.
Subscription Reminders:
It was suggested that when sending out subscription reminders add a section under the printed
subscription amount ......
Donation $_______________ – leaving blank this to allow members to make a donation
if they choose to top up library funds.
Also include bank account details, as a lot of people like to pay by direct credit and you will get
your money sooner.
Hamilton Regional - 30th April
It was a great opportunity to introduce Lisa from Toy Express and also to have one of our area networkers
Judith Bennett there. We covered Toy Express, toy buying, networking and general nuts and bolts. It was
great success and was attended by 20 people from 11 libraries.
Northland Regional – 15th May
Thanks to Whangarei Toy library for hosting this regional and the lovely refreshments.
Prize to Paparoa. – selection of duplo pieces.
Whangarei have 185 families with membership fees scaled.
Paparoa- approximately 30members at $10 per term.
Toy library members from Whangarei attend sessions to help.
Paparoa have a team of ladies from the church at sessions.
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Funding – fundraising:
 Both libraries do offer to members the withdrawn toys for a small amount.
 Whangarei – now self funding and do apply for grants/funding. They are under the umbrella
of the Baptist church. They have been very successful in securing COGS grants. Chalk
fundraiser to be trialled this year. They loan out Green spot toys Large $10 & smaller $5.00
for the Xmas /January holiday period. The church has a garage sale that they pass on
withdrawn toys for them to sell. In return the toy library go to them for small funding
amounts.
 Paparoa – self funding but don‟t apply for grants/funding.
Late Returns:
The usual concerns about late return or even toys never returned. The best result was to
personally go to the address supplied to collect toys. It does happen that sometimes incorrect details are
given when membership is taken up or members move house and do not supply new details to the toy
library.
Toys:
 Battery operated Toys - Whangarei TL purchase 20AA for $5.00 from Harvey Norman and
finds them to be long lasting. Countdown for Panasonic size c also very good value. Both
libraries supply or replace batteries in toys.
 Repair of toys, members‟ husbands, grandfathers seem to be popular for this job.
 Toy buying from Toy express, The Warehouse, special deal with Toyworld, Edex.
 Discretionary funding, in place and used.
 Popular toys – ride ons, trains, slides, kitchen.
Advertising/marketing of library:
Apart from word of mouth, local paper, community notices in church, church website and sign
outside the building.
Postage:
Whangarei apply for Community Post envelopes and send on a child‟s birthday a voucher for a
free „green spot‟ toy
Thank you to Lotteries for providing funding towards
regional and national events. There will be other regional
events later this year. If you would like to host or suggest a
topic for your area, please contact the Office.
The Lottery National Community grant received this year gave us a contribution
towards community awareness, regional and national events, office wages, toy
boxes, and individual grants for 151 individual toy libraries.
Remember to complete and send in your application form before 9 July so we can
compile an application for funding on your behalf this year.
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What a Good Idea!
This is the page where you get the opportunity to share
all your good ideas and tips with everyone else!

Paul at Sinclair's Gymnastic Equipment was more than helpful about how to
repair a tear in gym mats that were in one toy library recently.

From Waimairi - Duty for hire – They have members who offer their time
under a “duty for hire” scheme which others who can’t arrange duty swaps
can take advantage of.

Many libraries may find it too easy to forget to send in returns to the

Charities Commission. What about making a policy “That the change of
officers be signed at the AGM.” and that the secretary checks the website
two months later to ensure that everything is updated, and the record is
printed off and included with the minutes.

www.vistaprint.co.nz - free business cards from this site. These can be good
id for committee or toy buyer when roaming and purchasing toys.
Constitution Update:
Included with this Link, is the Constitution for the new legal structure that the
Board have agreed upon and will be asking members to vote on joining at the
upcoming AGM.
Should you be unable to attend the AGM, we encourage you to use a proxy - a
proxy form is enclosed with this Link for your use.
If you have any questions, concerns, or other comments in regard to the proposed
changes please contact the Office, or any Board member.
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How Toy Libraries can help donors claim their tax credits –
From Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector
Anyone who makes a donation of $5 or more to an approved “donee”
organisation can claim a tax credit from Inland Revenue – provided the
claim is supported by a valid receipt.
If you‟re a donee organisation, how do your receipts measure up? Will your
contributors be able to quickly make a successful claim at the end of the
year?
You can help them by issuing valid receipts – like the example below:
Note:
You can find a list of
donee organisations at
www.ird.govt.nz,
keyword “donee”.
Most toy libraries
should find their names
on this list!
Please note what you must have on your receipt:






The date the receipt is issued
The donor‟s full name
The amount donated
Confirmation that the payment was a donation
The signature of an authorised person
The official stamp of the donee organisation. (Not needed if the
receipt is printed on the organisation‟s official letterhead.)
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Definition:
A payment is a
“donation” if the payer
receives no direct
benefit in return.
Now the ‘nice to haves’:
It‟s a good idea to make sure the name of your organisation appearing on your receipts matches
the name recorded in Inland Revenue‟s list of donee organisations.
Consistent use of your name will help Inland Revenue‟s checking process, and may result in
your contributor getting their tax credit sooner.
Including your organisation‟s IRD number and/or Charities Commission registration number on
the receipt will also help speed the process up.
Any questions?
You can find more information about the donations tax credit at www.ird.govt.nz, keyword
“donations”.
Please note there are different rules for donations made through payroll giving. There‟s more
information at www.ird.govt.nz, keyword “payroll giving”.
with toy libraries circle logo
* Fantastic for fundraising
* Perfect for publicity
* Essential for events
50 for $23.50 or 100 for $47.00 + p&p
Contact: Lisa Phone (07)8298862
e-mail: [email protected]
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Toy Boxes
THIS SERVICE IS AVAILABLE TO ALL MEMBER TOY LIBRARIES
If you are a small toy Library, borrowing the Toy Boxes will allow your members to
use the toys increasing their awareness and enjoyment of your Toy Library. It also
allows you to 'check out' different types of toys which may be suitable for your
library.
Your Toy Library has the use of toy boxes for THREE months.
There is a bond of $100 for the loan of these boxes, $75 is refunded when the
boxes are returned with all toys intact, clean and returned on time. Delivery is
FREE to Toy Libraries both ways.
All toys come complete with: Family issue cards, Contents list and description of
toys. Any rentals you charge your members can be retained by your Toy Library to
raise money to purchase new toys allowing your Toy Library to grow.
A letter will be sent to your approximately one month before their return is due to
remind you to begin rounding up the toys, ensuring they are given a good clean, and
for you to check the contents.
To book a Toy Box email [email protected]
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Popular toys for little ones with disabilities
Kathy Walsh from CCS Disability Action Toy Library (special needs) has kindly
prepared this list of toys she has found popular. They are
not in any order:
*Carousel Bells aka Round Bells, Battat and others
*Sound Puzzle Box, Battat and maybe others
*Baby's Laptop, VTech (this company is v.v.good)
*Bubble Maker, several manufacturers
*Vibrating Mouse
*Tower Slope, via MTA
*Spring Bug, no question!
* Discover Sounds Tool Box, LT
* Forest Activity Centre, Chicco
*Activity Garden, LT
And you may well find you have all or most of these, so well done!
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Toy Express
Hi
My name is Lisa Taylor and I am the new Toy Buyer
for Toy Express! I live in Waitati which is just
north of Dunedin. I have 4 daughters aged between
5 and 13 years. I have many years of experience in
the area of toys and toy libraries both here in
Waitati and in Gisborne.
I look forward to working with toy libraries around New Zealand. Please let me
know what toys are popular in your toy libraries and any other feedback you have
on toys.
Debbie Bowdler and I went to the Toy Fair in Hamilton on May 1st to meet with
Suppliers and to bring you some great specials.
I must thank Debbie Bowdler who has been managing the Toy Buying service
voluntarily in conjunction with Lisa Ross and Di Pitcaithly, and the other Board
members who have made me feel so welcome and supported.
In my role as Toy Buyer I am able to offer Toy Libraries:
 regular information including new products, specials and general toy news
 a supportive point of contact for members of TLFNZ regarding toys and toy
related issues
 quotes for grants
 ordering toys
My hours are 10am-2pm Monday to Thursday. You can phone 0800 148 699 or
email [email protected]. Please leave a message out of hours and I will
get back to you as soon as I can. Please send me an email if you would like to be on
the emailing list.
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[email protected]
Ph 0800148 699 or 03 4821 370
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm
Toy Express acts as an independent broker providing toy libraries with access to a
huge range of quality toys. We offer help and advice in choosing toys, advice on
where to get the best value for money, quotes for your grant applications and a
spare parts service. Our business is helping toy libraries, not making money,
although we need to make a small margin to keep the service operational.
For all your toy buying needs, please contact us at [email protected]
advising your toy library’s name and if ordering, delivery and invoice addresses.
Purchasing toys
Many catalogues carry the same products, however the prices can be very
different. Toy Express keeps up with the changes and generally knows where to
source toys for you at the best prices. Once you have made a list of the items you
would like to buy, contact Toy Express and we will do the sourcing, ordering and
delivery to your doorstep. If it is better for you to deal direct with a supplier
(eg. Teacher Direct and Every Educaid), we will advise you.
Toy Express has direct access to many wholesalers which means our prices are
often well below retail. We work with many of the toy companies in New Zealand
(and some in Australia) to access high quality toys at reasonable prices for you. We
are able to source most major brands that are available in NZ and if we cannot
source them we can probably tell you where you might be able to get them. Toy
Express can place orders for you from many suppliers including Modern Teaching
Aids and Play n Learn.
We have recently negotiated deals with Teacher Direct and Every Educaid. Toy
Libraries can order direct from both these suppliers and will receive a discount. On
all orders from Teacher Direct you will receive a 10% discount, and orders from
Every Educaid will receive a 10% discount on orders over $100.00. Toy Express will
receive a rebate on all orders placed with these suppliers.
Please contact Toy Express first as we can often find the same toy at a
better price.
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Quotes
Toy express is happy to do quotes for you. To obtain a quote from us please give a
catalogue reference, page number, code and toy description. There is a form you
can download from the Toy Library Federation of New Zealand website. Please
allow at least 7 days for quotes to be completed. They are often completed sooner.
Please advise if there is a deadline so workloads can be prioritised. A freight
component will be added.
Freight
Some suppliers will only send to Toy Express. We wait until we have a number of
orders before placing a bulk order with the supplier. By doing this we can often get
freight free to Toy Express, or spread the freight between a number of libraries.
We have great freight rates with a nationwide courier and do our best to keep the
freight as cheap as possible for you. Some suppliers send direct to toy libraries
and most seem to have reasonable freight costs. We will only ever charge you what
it costs us.
Some of the brands available through Toy Express:
Ambi
Jolly Baby
Adventureland Playmats
Kettler
Aquaplay
K’nex
Baby First
Kobba
Big Jigs
Lamaze
Boikido
Le Toy Van
Brio
Learning Journey
Budkins
Leapfrog
Chelona
Lego
Corolle
Little Tikes
Cranium
Maclaren
Djeco
Meccano
Duplo
Maxamec
Educo
Melissa and Doug
Eric Carle
Miracle toys
Eurotrikes
Mookie
Evenflo
National Geographic
Ezyroller
Okiedog
Fisher Price
Orchard Toys
Fun Factory
Papo
Galt
Pintoy
John Deere
Plan Toys
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Playmobil
Pop Up Co
Quercetti
Radio Flyer
Ravensburger
Schleich
Siku
Step 2
Sylvanian Families
The Toy Workshop
Think Fun
Thomas Wooden Railway
Tolo
Triang
Viking Toys
VTech
Voila
Wawa
Weplay
Wheely bugs
Wonderworld
Wow
Some of the toys purchased through Toy Express in April/May:
LT Easy Store Large Slide
LT Endless Adventures Junior Playslide
Festival Kitchen
Vtech my laptop
Gears and Gizmos
Pintoy Fairytale Palace
Crazy Forts
Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Hand Puppets
Baby Piano
Marble Run
Kangaroo Climber
Professional Digger on Wheels
Doll and dolls clothes
Popoids
Little Tikes 2-in-1 Workshop
Aquaplay - Aquabox
LT Totsports Golf Set
Easy Score Basketball Set
Okiedog Fropper
Wigwam
Crocodile Ball Thrower
New Engineer Ball Track
Step 2 Fun Flow Sink
Weplay Creative Links
Educo Switchback Racetrack
Klikko Construction Set
Schleich Elf Boat
Ravensburger puzzles
Thomas Busy Day at the Quarry
First Octons
Jumbo Dinosaurs
Junior Trampoline
Hop and Scoot
Alphabet Bean Bags
Gears and Gizmos
Educo switchback
racetrack
Professional Digger on
wheels
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Pintoy fairytale Palace
Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles provide brain food for young minds. Eye movement and
eye-hand coordination help prepare children for reading. Experiences
between the ages of 0 and 3 help "lay the foundation children need for
lifelong self confidence and problem solving, and empowers them to
explore, make mistakes and learn." (Farrar)
Puzzles may be educational in content, helping children learn basic skills (colours, counting
alphabet), solve problems, compare patterns and learn about their world (animals,
transportation, careers). As children grow, their interest in puzzles may become more
focused on puzzle topics that hold their interest - sports, horses and space are popular
themes .Well made, quality products combine these educational values with fun.
The social aspect of working a puzzle may not be apparent at first, but in research done by
Marlene Barron, head of West Side Montessori School in New York, three and four year
olds were challenged with 100 - 300 piece puzzles, with surprising results. The "children
shared strategies with partners" such as isolating colours, searching for particular designs
or shapes. "Doing puzzles is a social literacy activity rich with conversations about the
process, about the story represented by the picture, about the children's personal
experiences connected to the picture" Barron noted. Nancy Joseph, owner of a store in
Florida, "notes that puzzles encourage concentration, aid in fostering coordination and
colour matching, and still are fun." (Schulman) What more could we want!
Toy Libraries are an ideal place to find puzzles
 Does your library stock a good variety of puzzles?
 How do you promote their value and use to your members?
 What are some of your most popular puzzles? Least?
 Any tips for good display and storage?
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Something to ponder upon….
"2010 is the year for working smarter not harder. No matter
what industry you’re in, the same old principles of success
apply - you just need to apply them better!"
From Yellow Pages and Business mentor Dr Grahame Craig‟s Top 10 for 2010:
Smarten up your profile – Maintain
Smarten up your "front-of-house" –
a low-risk profile and avoid extending
First impressions count, so make sure
yourself with new financial
your first point of contact leaves a good
commitments, such as leases and
one. Try brightening up your reception
hire purchases, unless the benefits
area and ensuring your customers feel
are absolutely clear.
invited and wanted - through your decor
and people, right down to your
answerphone message.
Smarten up your time management
Smarten up your marketing – Know
– Keep a diary, have a weekly
why your customers buy from you and
meeting with yourself to set priorities.
why the others don’t. The easiest sales
Keep an Action List and live by it!
are to existing customers - when did you
Remember Pareto’s Law - 20% of
last talk to them? Do you even know who
what you do yields 80% of your
they are? How did they find out about
results. Focus on what really matters.
you? Collect customer information at
Manage distractions.
every point of contact, build a database then use it!
Smarten up your cash
Smarten up your product and/or
management –
service –
Get on the phone to those slow
When did you last ask a customer what
payers - if you don’t want to do it,
they really liked or disliked? When did
contract a skilled operator to do it for
you last compare your product/service
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you. Don’t waste time with letters.
with the competition’s? Spend some time
Look at moving more to cash terms,
each week looking at what your
or at least payment within seven
competitors are doing compared with
days.
you. What are they charging? What’s
their service like? Are they offering
anything new?
Smarten up your operations – How
Smarten up your purchasing – Critique
can you do things better? You and
every dollar you spend - is it REALLY
your staff are too close to the action -
necessary? Can you get it cheaper
so ask your family and friends. What
elsewhere? Ask your suppliers to
do they look for? What’s one thing
sharpen their pencils. They need to work
that they’ve experienced lately that
smarter too.
blew them away and how can you
relate that back to your business?
Smarten yourself up – Recognise
Smarten up your sense of humour –
your weaknesses and deal to them.
Have fun on the job - it’s the best stress
Know your strengths and play to
reliever.
them. Get a business mentor for an
outsider’s perspective on you.
Toy Library Awareness Week 6 – 12 August
What is your library going to do during this week?
Please put it on your committee agenda soon and plan
to do something to help promote toy library awareness
during this week. And please let the Office know.
Remember we do have some banners and publicity
packs available, but bookings are recommended.
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Toy Libraries in the News
Shirley and Burnham Toy
Libraries promoted toy
libraries during the popular
Childrens’ Day event held
at The Groynes in
Christchurch.
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These two articles sent in from Levonne
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 Share your news with the rest of us. Send your photos and
articles into the Office for inclusion.
 Lottery Applications NEED to be completed and returned to the
Office before 9 July. (and accountabilities from grant received
early this year need to be in by 30 June).
 Attend the AGM on Saturday 26th June (or use your proxy
form)
 Training Weekend Registrations should be in
 Toy Awareness Week planning should be happening now
 Keep the Office informed of any changes of contact details
33
Check out our website www.toylibray.co.nz for the full
stationery pricelist, or contact the Office for more
information and pricing.
34
Housekeeping
Have you sent in your Annual Return to the Charities Commission?
If your library has registered with the Charities Commission then you need to send in your Annual Return
within 3 months of your AGM. This return includes your financial report, along with any changes in
Committee. If you have change of Officers during the year, you should also file the changes.
Insurance:
Thank you to all the 160 Toy Libraries that have supported the Federation through the Insurance Scheme.
We are pleased we could help many toy libraries save money and make insurance cover simple to arrange.
Toy Libraries can join the scheme at any time. Please contact the office on 0800-148-697 if you have any
queries.
Toy Library Bulk Insurance cover runs from 1 August 2009 – 1 August 2010.
This means that you will soon receive notice of the rates for August 2010 to 2011.
It might be a good idea to spend some time looking at the amount of contents cover you currently have, and
consider whether you need to increase it for the upcoming year – if you have purchased a lot of new toys
then your total toy value will probably have increased!
Funding Applications & Letters of Support:
Remember to get your Funding Officer to check Fundview for possible funding sources and closing dates.
Most of the main funding providers have their own websites, so bookmark these and check them for closeoff dates. Contact the Office if you would like a letter of support for your funding applications.
Publicity Resources:
We have Publicity Kits, Banners, Tear Drop Flags, High Visibility Vests, and a Video Tape commercial
available from the Office for you to hire for your promotional events. For more details see the Resources
page on our Website or contact the Office.
Stationery:
We still stock a wide variety of stationery, labels, certificates, pens, posters and pamphlets. For more
details see the Resources page on our Website or contact the Office.
Toy Boxes:
Toy Boxes currently available for hire. A great way for small libraries to increase their toy stock. Great way
to have a change of toys to offer to your members! More details check out our website under the Toy
Library Resources pull down menu, or contact the Office.
Forum:
A great way to find out and share information with other toy libraries – access through our website, under
the toy library communication pull down box. Make sure you check it regularly.
Buy-Sell-Exchange:
All libraries, toy repairers & buyers especially, should try using this feature of our website. It’s easy to put
your own ad onto the site whether it is for a piece you need, or something you no longer need.
Check this section of the webpage regularly to see if there is anything there of interest to your library.
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NEWSLETTER CIRCULATION LIST
Date Received:
Please read, then circulate;
Name
_______________
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_______________
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_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
Sign as Read
Date
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NOTES OF INTEREST
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