Another toy library member's view

Another of our members has sent in a review of the service we provide - read what she says below...

"I would just like to say how thrilled I am that I found the toy library at Shepshed. I live in Leicester and the library is 3/4 hour away but it's well worth the round trip and i am always amazed at the variety and the every increasing amount of toys that can be fitted into the mobile.

Before the summer break I hired more toys than normal thinking that my son could have the whole of the summer to enjoy the variety of things that I had hired. Wrong again!!! for all of you that have children you will know what I'm talking about. He has gradually worked his way through everything picking one favourite item that given the opportunity he would play with night and day. This item is the vtec bus which comes in the book bag.... the wheels on the bus. The batteries have lasted and lasted and lasted!!!! It seems to do everything very loud but he en joy's it so much I haven't got the heart to turn it off. thinking that maybe I would purchase one of my own i looked up the price on the Internet only to find it was £20 which I'm afraid is far to expensive. As a result I'm doubly thrilled and thankful that i have the opportunity to use the toy library and hire things that my son would probably never get to play with. Thanks also to the staff who I have always found very helpful especially when I've sent through cryptic e-mails asking for a particular toy with only a description and not a name. I've never been disappointed they have always got the right toy."

Borrowers get their say too!

Over the summer we have been featuring the words of volunteers who have described their experiences at the toy library. We have also been asking borrowers to let us know how they feel. Here is what one said:

"As a member of the Toy Library I have become familiar with the wide range of toys available for loan and have enjoyed reminiscing about toys I remember from my youth.

My two favourite items for loan are the ball pit, which is just pure fun, and the story sacks. The story sacks have great scope for play. Children can read the books alone or with friends or family, and can then use the props inside the sack to act out the play, adding to the story from their own imagination and bringing the characters to life.

As for the ball pit, I only wish it were bigger…or I were smaller!"

Why not let us know what you like to borrow?

Another volunteer speaks about her experiences

Volunteering at the toy library has opened up lots of new experiences such as meeting lots of new mums who have been through, or are going through, situations I thought I was alone in.

My son has learnt lots of social skills through play, giving him vital skills for his future.

The views of another volunteer:

My introduction to Shepshed Toy Library began one day while I was visiting my grandson, who lives in the town.

A group of mothers and their children met at the Toy Library and while chatting, selected the task that they would like to help with on that day.

Although it was a cold and over cast day out side, the Toy Library was bright and cheerful, the atmosphere being both warm and inviting. People I did not know smiled at me and made me feel so welcome.

The children were happy and soon selected the games they would like to play with.

Mothers and volunteers moved to the various sections of the Toy Library and began the play sessions with the children. Other parents or volunteers were getting refreshments ready.

Learning through play operates in the library. Story Sacks are a favourite past time. A story enjoyed can be read and enjoyed, over and over again.

Volunteers started checking in returned toys or games then booking out the following weeks items.Or dealing with other administrative tasks.

My own voluntary work for the Toy Library, takes the form of assisting in fund raising. Valuable in this economic climate. I make toys or knitted or crocheted clothing for popular dolls. These items have proved popular at the open events, or pamper evenings arranged by the Toy Library staff.

I feel I am contributing something of value for the Toy Library. My efforts are giving pleasure to parents and their children. While raising funds for such a wonderful organisation as Shepshed Toy Library. There is a feeling of being valued by the Toy Library, noticeable by myself and other volunteers.

A word from our chairperson

I'm Louise, and I am the chairperson of the toy library. I help make decisions on the day to day running of the toy library and also some of the fundraising events that we hold. I have two children, 5 and 3 years old, I also look after my 2 year old nephew. They all enjoy coming to the toy library and I bring the younger ones to my volunteer session on a Wednesday.

We strive to make the toy library interesting and friendly to adults and children alike, and we are constantly looking for new ideas and input. Why not join us.

Another volunteer review

I was looking for something to fill some free time that I had after finishing full-time work. I wanted to feel that I was giving something to the community of Shepshed.

I had a trial period helping at the Toy Library. The work of the Library was explained and I could choose what I wanted to help with after I had been given an overview of the different tasks that were available. These included supporting the children in their play, making cups of tea and coffee for parents and squash for the children, helping with the administration.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 6 months that I have been helping out. It has given me a purpose for two mornings a week but at the same time given me flexibility if I need to take some time away for childcare and holidays. You are never pressurised to be there but they are pleased for any help given. It has helped to keep me active and I have learnt some new skills.

I have met some really nice people; they are a friendly team and very welcoming who work very hard to provide this facility.

Member and Volunteer Reviews

Over the summer, we will be featuring reviews of the toy library from our members and volunteers. If you would like to add your views of the service and facilities we provide, your experience as a volunteer or your experience of borrowing toys, then please feel free to leave a comment or email us at shepshedtoylib@tiscali.co.uk.

To start it off here is a review from one of our "occasional" volunteers i.e. someone who helps out occasionally at special events.

Working as a volunteer for Shepshed Toy Library

I have this year been involved in working with Shepshed Toy Library as a volunteer and although my involvement has been limited it has been a very good experience.

Shepshed Toy Library is an organisation I am proud to be associated with and I am grateful to the staff for their support to me and my business as a volunteer. The Toy Library is a valuable asset to the community providing safe learning and play for children of all ages, and support and guidance for families.

This year I took part in the Ladies Pamper Night, setting up a stall at the event, and every effort was made to ensure I had the space and resources that I needed. Additionally credit to my website was given on the toy library blog after the event.

I found the evening to be very enjoyable and look forward to being involved in future projects and working again with the toy library staff and other volunteers.