A shared statement from Carterton Community Toy Library and Carterton District Council timeline, and questions and answers on the Toy Library.
Statement
As Carterton Library transitions to independent operations following the disestablishment of the Wairarapa Library Service, and the separation of Carterton’s Library Management System from South Wairarapa, the Toy Library is reviewing its practices to ensure efficient use of resources.
As part of this review, we are considering the future of the partnership between the Carterton Toy Library, Carterton Library, and Carterton District Council [CDC], whose Memorandum of Understanding expired in November 2023.
Currently, Council staff undertake a range of tasks on behalf of the Toy Library, including:
- cataloguing stock
- maintaining the physical library area
- managing memberships
- handling returns
- processing payments
- and providing financial reports
These responsibilities require significant staff time and cost and increasingly impact our Library staff’s ability to deliver core library services, especially as patron numbers grow and new commitments, such as those from our SMART consortium membership, demand more attention.
Since 2018, Carterton Library’s catalogue and patronage have grown significantly, and the current level of administration Council staff provides to the Toy Library is no longer sustainable.
Earlier this month [October 2025], representatives from Council and the Toy Library met to discuss a collaborative approach to establishing a new cataloguing system. This included the Toy Library picking up the delivery and administration of the Toy Library, there was also discussion regarding a longer-term plan for relocation.
The Toy Library committee met on Friday, 10 October and decided to close the service, following consultation with the community.
If you would like to provide feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact the committee at carterton.toy.library@gmail.com or message us via their Facebook page.
CDC acknowledges the Toy Library is a much-loved community asset and is willing to support the Toy Library through this transition.
CDC encourages those who have voiced concerns to consider volunteering and helping this service continue.
Timeline
13 October
- Lending of Toy Library items from Carterton Library ceased.
24 October
- Toy Library items will be removed from Carterton Library premises.
Late October–November 2025
- Toy Library committee will gather and consider community feedback and begin planning for future operations and location.
November 2025 onward
- Toy Library representatives will continue discussions on the continuation of the Toy Library.
Questions & Answers
Why is the Toy Library service changing?
- The current level of administration Council provides to the Toy Library is no longer sustainable. The Toy Library committee do not have the capacity to operate the library at the level the community is used to and chose to raise the option to consult on closure. Council has not influenced this decision.
Is the Toy Library closing?
- The Toy Library will be on hiatus while the committee undertake consultation with the community about its continuation.
Can I help?
- Yes! Volunteers are welcome and needed. Contact the Toy Library committee to express interest. Contact the committee at carterton.toy.library@gmail.com or message us via their Facebook page.
Will there be a gap in service?
- There will be a pause while the Toy Library transitions and considers its future.
Where will the Toy Library go?
- CDC will help the committee explore options with a physical location if they choose to continue.