How can I join the Berwick Toy Library?

Unfortunately, our toy library is presently at capacity and we have a waitlist in place. We are unable to accept new members directly. While you are always welcome to pop in for a tour, you will be unable to join until you reach the top of the waitlist. You can join the waitlist by clicking on this link https://berwicktoylibrary.com.au/waitlist/. 

 

 

Why has it been necessary to introdue a waitlist?

Over the past 5 years the Berwick Toy Library has experienced a significant increase in members (we have more than doubled in number), as a result of increased membership retention and interest from prospective members. The committee is responsible for ensuring the proper management of our service and we need to conside a variety of factors including toy availability, session flow, committee and volunteer workload, finances and access to the space we hire. It would not be proper to have more members than we can cater for as it would result in a lesser service and reduction in quality for everyone. Having a waitlist allows us to gradually add new members as other leave or increase the number of members we have when we have the structures and toys to support them.

 

How is the waitlist offer order decided?

When people join the waitlist they are added by date joined. Those who joined earlier are offered memberships first. Members have 48 hours to accept a position when offered, before the offer is sent to the next person in line. In addition, when completing the waitlist form members have the option of indicating whether they would be interested in joining the committee or vounteering extra. A sidelist is then created and should we be in need of committee or session assistants that we cannot fill from our current base, we can draw from this list providing they have Working With Children Checks, pay their joining fee and can commit to additional duties. Anyone who joins under this model, needs to stay with increased volunteering requirements until the point they reach the top of the standard waitlist.

How does membership work?

You will pay a joining fee to become a member of our toy library (association).  This entitles you to borrow toys at borrowing sessions (4 per child) and attend/vote at our Annual General Meeting. You have up to 4 weeks to play with your toys, or you can renew for a further period. After 12 months you will have your renewal fee due. Members complete two 3 hour duties per 12 months. Some members may elect to join the Committee or Volunteers+ and help out at two sessions per term. This may entitle them to reduced renewal fees depending on whether they meet the criteria.

 

Are there any additional charges?

Yes. There are additional charges if you lose pieces of a toy, damage or lose a toy or do not complete minimum duty requirements. Overdue fees may also apply in some circumstances.

 

How long can I remain a member?

Your joining fee provides you with membership for 12 months. When your expry date is approaching you will receive information as to how to pay for the next 12 months. Your membership will automatically resign if the payment is not made within 30 days of expiry. You would then need to join the waitlist if you wished to return. There is no limit to the amount of times you can renew your membership.

What type of organisation is the Berwick Toy Library?

Our toy library is an Incorporated Association Registered with Consumer Affairs. We have an ABN and are members of Toy Libraries Australia. This is the body who we receive insurance through and who advocates and supports toy libraries. Each toy library is generally an independent community group with their own constitution, policies and procedures. All members are invited to our Annual General Meeting each year where the Committee presents the Annual Report, Statement of Finances and elects the new committee for the following financial year.

Who manages the toy library?
Our toy library is completey volunteer run and we have no paid staff. The Committee of Management comprises of members who have nominated to help run it at the Annual General Meeting. The Committee of Management includes the Office Holders President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer and Ordinary Committee members. We have a range of roles our Ordinary Committee members underake including Risk Management Coordinator, Fundraising Coordinator Toy Management Coordinator and Purchasing Coordinator.