By Alesha Capone
Little Buddies Toy Library, which has been operating in Wyndham for more than 20 years, has received a prestigious national award.
The not-for-profit organisation has been named the Australian Toy Library of the Year by Toy Libraries Australia.
Little Buddie’s toy librarian Jenny Baker received the Toy Librarian of the Year award.
President of the toy library’s committee, Kirsten Mrn said they were “overjoyed” by the award.
Ms Mrn said that a few years ago, the committee members – who are all volunteers – conducted research into how to increase the library’s membership. This has resulted in the Little Buddies’ membership base growing from 300 members to 600 members within two years.
“The award reflects the efforts people have put in to grow the toy library,” Ms Mrn said.
The library provides toys, games and puzzles for babies to eight-year-olds from local families, in return for a standard annual fee of $60.
Ms Mrn said the toys in the library’s collection included larger baby toys, construction-based toys, robotics, microscopes and STEM-related items.
“We have a vision that all children in Wyndham could have access to high-quality toys,” Ms Mrn said.
During the pandemic lockdown, when the toy library was forced to shut, the 10 committee members volunteered their time to drop off toys to children across Wyndham.
“The best part was seeing children waiting at the windows for their toys to be delivered,” Ms Mrn said.
Little Buddies will reopen at the Wyndham Park Community Centre in Werribee on Friday, November 13.
Details: littlebuddiestoylibrary.com.au
