Our team

Our library is run by a committee of volunteers, with the support of paid librarians. The faces behind the scenes keep us running and enable us to serve our community.

We are always looking for new committee members. Please reach out if this sounds like something you would be interested in!

Chris Greenlow

President

Hi there, I’m Chris Greenlow. I have 2 boys who love the toy library, even after over 5 years of use. Their favourite toys are the large dinosaurs, the pyramid board game, and anything Batman. When I was a kid my favourite toys were the large pedal cars and electric-powered cars – so of course they were the first toys I got out for my kids! I am currently volunteering on the committee as President. You can find me out at most of our field event days, but also feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Kate Rayner

Secretary

Hi there. I'm Kate and I have one wee boy. We joined the Toy Library over 5 years ago after visiting a friend of ours who was a member. My son spent the whole time playing with a rocket ship that they had borrowed. I had never heard of a Toy Library before but we went down and signed up the very next week and we have never looked back. It became one of our weekly excursions and he was and still is so excited to come in and choose new and different toys on a regular basis. The Toy Library has been such a fantastic facility for us and from a sustainability point of view, I love the idea that toys are borrowed and shared rather than purchased. I am currently volunteering as Secretary which involves taking the minutes for our meetings.

Kate Williams

Treasurer

I'm a Chartered Accountant and a mum of three young girls. Our family joined Shirley Toy Library in 2019 and we just love it. Every time we visit the library it is like Christmas day! As the treasurer on the Shirley Toy Library committee I handle the cash flow, keeping tabs on incoming and outgoing funds. My job involves paying the bills, running payroll, preparing financial reports and managing the budget to ensure the toy library's financial well-being.

Rob Knowles

Grants

Kia ora everyone, I'm Rob Knowles and welcome to the Shirley Toy Library! I have 3 kids (7,5 and 3) 2 girls and a boy who all love our Toy Library. We first joined in 2020, my wife was on the committee first, before I took over the role in 2023. The kids are just as excited about rocking up to the toy library on a Saturday as they were the first time we visited! We have such a fantastic range of toys, catering for all ages of children. I am the grants officer for the Shirley Toy Library. As we are a not-for-profit organsiation registered at the charities office, this is an important role - I apply for funding to help keep the library running! Everything from librarian wages, to insurance, power and of course new toys! I look forward to seeing you about.

Ling Xu

Fundraising

Hey, I'm Ling and a Mum of a wee boy. My son loves to hire all different kinds of toys and it keeps him busy as he explores new toys every two weeks. This is where the Toy Library comes in handy! I became a member in 2023 and have enjoyed the many benefits it provides. In 2024, I will be taking on the role of fundraising to help support this amazing organizations growth.

Jen Shields

Librarian Supervisor

Hiya! I'm Jen and I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Child and Family Psychology at the University of Canterbury. While I don't have any children yet, I have a deep passion for children's development (especially through learning and play), so I find great joy in working at the Toy Library. In my role, I oversee the day-to-day running of the library alongside Amelia. We are here for all of your queries or concerns, with support from our amazing committee.

Amelia Olding

Librarian

Hey, I'm Amelia! I am currently working in Childcare as a Preschool Reliever during the week. I have a passion for the well-being of children and I enjoy seeing the little faces coming to pick out new toys each fortnight. This is my third year working at the Toy Library as a librarian. Alongside Jen, I run the library each session, ensuring that new toys are always flowing and the media is kept up to date! I love conversations with our members and we are always here for new ideas.