The Grey Lynn Toy Library (The Open Toy Box Inc.) is a local community toy library for Grey Lynn, Westmere, Point Chevalier and surrounding neighbourhoods. It is run and funded by volunteers from local families, for local families. We strive to give you and your children access to a wide range of stimulating educational toys and equipment.

How it works

  • You pay one subscription fee for a year’s membership with no additional costs to hire toys regardless of size.
  • You can borrow up to six toys at a time.
  • You can borrow the toys for three weeks at a time. You can also renew toys once for another 3 weeks by logging into your online account
  • You join as either a ‘rostered’ or ‘full’ member. Rostered members do 3 volunteer duties over the course of your year’s membership in return for a $90 discount off the membership fee.  Duties involve collecting toy returns, organising shelves, and helping pack away toys at the end of the session.
  • You are able to place toys on hold by logging into your account online.

At home

  • Please check the toy condition and count toy pieces against the bag label BEFORE you check them out of the Library or before playing with the toy at home. If the toy does not match the label, please inform/email the Librarian so they can update the computer and your receipt.
  • You will be charged between $2 and $10 for any missing or damaged pieces that are not recorded by the library before you play with the toy.
  • Please take care of the Toy Library toys so that other children can enjoy them, and discuss with your children the importance of taking care of these shared resources.
  • Always clean and dry your toys before returning, especially outdoor toys.
  • Ask if you are unsure about whether a toy is appropriate for your child, and ensure your children know how to use each toy safely.
  • Never leave Toy Library toys outside (unless they are designated as ‘outdoor’ toys)
  • Never lend Toy Library toys to friends.

Rostered Duties

  • The roster can be seen in the SETLS calender here
  • It is your responsibility to put yourself down for dates that suit you. Please try not to leave your duties to the very end of your membership.
  • We encourage members to not bring their children along when doing duties where possible.
  • We charge $30 for each duty missed, so if you fail to complete any of your 3 rostered duties you’ll need to pay $90 which brings your membership fee up to that of a standard full membership.

Fines

  • Overdue toys: $2 per toy, per week is charged for toys not returned on time. Remember you can renew online!
  • Missing or damaged pieces: $2-10 charged per piece, depending on size. However, we reserve the right to charge for more expensive pieces (e.g. Thomas trains, Schleich figurines). This is refunded if the piece is returned within one month.
  • Broken toys:
    • Normal wear and tear is understandable, and if an old toy wears out or breaks down through normal use while in your care please let the librarian know so we can replace it.
    • If a toy is used inappropriately and damaged – eg is smashed into the floor, or played with in the bath, or left outside to go mouldy (especially wooden toys), or gets chewed by your dog, you will be charged replacement cost relative to the age and condition of the toy. The Librarian will notify the Toy Library Committee who will determine an appropriate amount – each case is treated individually.
    • If you lose or damage one of the Zippit toy storage bags you will be asked to pay their replacement cost (minimum $10 and up to $100 for large custom-made bags).
  • The Librarian may advise that you cannot take out additional toys while you have unpaid fines.