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“Our BestWord Money Helps a Library – a Toy Library”

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Description: These images were taken for the August 20th 1978 edition of the Tribune weekly newspaper – the first of which was published with the caption: “Just why are you adults interrupting us when we've got more important things to do? Trying out their new toys are, from left, Leon Prenter (3), Cameron Bridewell (4), Margaret Alden (7) and Belinda Pedersen (3).

The article read: “Proceeds from the ‘Tribune' Bestword competitions are going to a good cause, as these children can testify. ese children can testify. Recently $100 from the Bestword's funds was donated to the Palmerston North Toy T Library, a voluntary organisation which has been operating for two years. The organisation's secretary, Mrs Pam Benson, said the "Tribune' money, plus funds from a service club, had enabled another batch of sturdy toys to be bought for the library.

These, like the 500 other toys the library already has, will be loaned out to children with special needs. The library serves children within the Palmerston North Hospital Board area. It loans the toys to children with physical and intellectual handicaps, as well as the children with learning difficulties, and to some other 'special' cases. About 50 children are on the borrowing list. Mrs Benson said the library provides a valuable service to them in their formative years, as well as relieving parents of the substantial outlays for their children.

Toy libraries operate throughout New Zealand, and are based on an English idea, she added. "Children need toys to help themselves develop intellectually and physically. And children with special needs need more toys because they stay at that stage of their development longer than other children." The library also has an extensive collection of 'short interest' toys like jigsaws.

Mrs Benson said children at home often grow tired of toys like jigsaw puzzles. But an organisation like the toy library can offer a pool of varied jigsaws so that this does not happen. The toys the library obtains are usually more expensive and stronger than ordinary toys, so that they will last longer and provide more stimulus for the children using them. Some are specially adapted - like pedal cars which are propelled by hand, so that Invalid children can use them.

Some toys are specially imported, thanks to the Customs department. But if it's possible to obtain a cheaper New Zealand equivalent, which is just as good, the library prefers to buy those, she said. The support of service clubs in providing funds, toys and other help has been tremendous. However, the library would like to hear from people with woodworking skills, as it's felt that toys that were formerly imported could be made here instead. And anyone who has toys which they feel might suit the toy library could telephone Mrs Benson at Palmerston North 81-290, or the library's president, telephone North. Sarah Alden,”

These images form part of the Manawatū Evening Standard Negative Collection. Unfortunately, only negatives between April and December 1978 are held.