The Manawatu Toy Library is a not-for-profit charity organisation proudly run by a member of staff and a team of dedicated Committee Members and a supportive group of volunteers. The Manawatu Toy Library is known as the "Palmy Playroom " which lends toys, puzzles and games to support children in our community to grow and learn through play. Aimed at children with different abilities between babyhood and around 10 years old, including those with special needs. With an average 200 members the Manawatu Toy Library has an impressive collection of 1800 toys and these are arranged in easily identifiable sections, which include toys for babies, toddlers, early childhood and primary. These include music, large active toys, coordination, construction, fantasy and imaginative play, STEM toys, puzzles and family games. We also provide learning resources for our home-schooling community, Early Childhood Centres, In Home Care providers and primary schools providing services to our Special Needs Community.
OUR HISTORY:
Toys can be expensive! The Manawatu Toy Library was established in 1976 to help counter these costs of educating children. A group of Occupational Therapists originally set up the toy library for children with special needs, and it grew from there. Now the service is available for everyone. Nowadays the Manawatu Toy Library has a spacious premises in the retail precinct on the corner of Church and Cook streets across from the Central Fire Station. With plenty of free, safe off-street parking, it ticks plenty of boxes for our members.