Katanning Toy Library on the lookout for volunteers as membership numbers decline

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the Katanning Toy Library, with membership more than halving this year, leaving the service without volunteers to fill its rosters.

Katanning Toy Library president Amy Richardson said numbers had never been so low.

The library usually has 20-30 members but is down to 12.

Ms Richardson said while COVID-19 restrictions were in place, the service, which operates out of the Katanning Library, had lost valuable contact with the community and referrals from local playgroups.

Despite having low running costs, the toy library relied on members pitching in as volunteers in exchange for membership discounts.

“When the library shut due to COVID-19 restrictions we had to shut too,” she said.

“Since they have reopened we have had to move to a sort of click-and-collect model, which means we can’t show new members around, and all the playgroups and library groups shut so we weren’t getting referrals.”

Ms Richardson encouraged people to visit the library on Tuesday or Saturday from 10am-11.30am.

“Learn about what we do and what we have and be open-minded about giving it a go,” she said.

“We have hundreds of toys, and because the developmental needs of children change so quickly you can borrow the toys you need for your child and then return them instead of having to buy new ones.”

For details see the Katanning Toy Library’s Facebook page.