THE Mount Gambier Toy Library has reopened its doors to the public with a bunch of new additions including fresh toys, strict hygiene protocols and a national award to boot.
Located at the John Frew Centre, the volunteer-run organisation was named Toy Libraries Australia’s small toy library of the year during its three month closure due to COVID-19.
Mount Gambier Toy Library president Sarah Ellis said it was a huge thrill to claim the title presented via online platform Zoom.
“I guess there are at least 200 toy libraries (in contention) so we were really rapt to win it.”
The accolade came in response to numerous changes made at the Mount Gambier facility over the last 12 months.
New toys such as wooden objects and sports equipment arrived thick and fast as grants allowed the group to improve almost all aspects of library.
Membership numbers grew as a result and Ms Ellis said the grants were pivotal to the success.
“It would not have been possible without the grants,” she said.
“We added around over $7000 worth of new toys and our normal budget is around $1500.
“We changed our shelving and signage alongside heaps of improvements to make it better for our volunteers and members.
“It was amazing how the library has been refreshed.”
The award has given the library a boost to overcome the challenge of reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Previously the library opened every Monday and Saturday, but now welcomes visitors each Saturday from 10am to 11.30am.
The seven-day break allows the volunteers to quarantine all of the toys to make sure they are sanitised and cleaned ready for customers the following week.
Borrowers must also clean the loaned toys before return.
Ms Ellis said the group had received a warm welcome since the library reopened last month.
“People have gradually started to borrow again,” she said.
“A lot of people are happy because things like play groups are still closed, so people are wanting access to new toys without spending a lot of money.
“We are just happy to reopen in some capacity.”
