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Grey Lynn Toy Library
The Open Toy Box, often also called “the Grey Lynn Toy Library” was set up in 1995 by a group of parents.
The Toy Library is a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status and are a part of the Toy Library Federation of New Zealand. Our library is managed and staffed by our members, who work as volunteers, and by our paid librarians who run our lending sessions. Over the years membership has ranged between 90 and 140 families.
We are funded through our members subscription fees, fundraising activities and grants that we apply for to help raise any additional money we need to maintain and improve our selection of toys, pay for our librarians, our rent on the use of our premises and our other running costs.
There are three types of membership: rostered, full subscription or community services card (CSC).Rostered and CSC members work in
You can sign up online here. We only accept payment by cash or online banking (no EFTPOS).
Full Membership – $205 for a 12 month membership
Rostered Membership – $115 for a 12 month membership ($90 discount)
Rostered members musts complete three ‘rostered duties’ per year. This involves coming into the library during opening hours and helping us collect toy returns, organise shelves, and pack away toys. These duties are a fantastic way to see all the toys on offer and meet other people in your community. At the end of your year’s membership, if you’ve not completed these you will be charged at $30 per missed duty.
Community services card (CSC) Membership – $85 for a 12 month membership ($120 discount)
CSC members must also complete three rostered duties as per the Rostered Membership above. However, if you feel you would be unable to volunteer, there is an option to pay $110 for a year’s membership instead.
Temporary Membership – $10/week plus a $50 deposit is available for families who are only in Auckland for a short time, although only 3 toys can be borrowed at once.
St Columba Church Hall, 92 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, Auckland.
Wed 9.30am – 11am and Sat 9.30am – 11:30am.
Email: greylynn.toylibrary@gmail.com
Important Dates for 2025
We are closed on:
- Wed 16th, Sat 19th, Wed 23rd and Sat 26th April (Easter holidays and ANAZC weekend)
- Saturday 31st May (King’s birthday weekend)
- Saturday 21st June (Matariki weekend)
- Wed 2nd, Sat 5th, Wed 9th July (School holidays)
- Wed 24th, Sat 27th, 1st September (School holidays)
- Saturday 25th October (Labour day weekend)
The last day to return toys for the year is Saturday 29th November.
Summer toy hire day is Wed 3rd December, and our end of year stocktake is Sat 6th December.
Our full calendar of opening hours can be found in our Toy Library management system here. You can add our Google Calendar by clicking here.
