It took years in the planning, but in 2018 the Town Council finally took over the running of the Library from Cornwall Council.
Monday the 18th March marks the 5th anniversary, and we want to celebrate with you, the community of St Ives, and yes, that means cake!
Councillor Kirsty Arthur, Chair of Facilities Committee said:
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been only 5 years since the Town Council took over the iconic Cornerstone building and library service. We have been on an upward trajectory since that day, seeing investment into the physical infrastructure of the building, not least replacing the roof and installing solar panels. But this space is so much more than bricks and mortar. We have curated an ambitious and engaging activities and events programme. We have brought visitor and community information under the same roof. Our skilled staff team and Cultural Services Manager have prioritised the development of our town’s culture and community sectors. A true credit to the town, the Cornerstone building serves both our local residents and visitors with a vibrant weekly schedule. We offer children’s activities, readings and educational groups, citizens advice, and more recently the much-needed Barclays community banking service. With the closure of the Guildhall for major refurbishment, I am confident that the Cornerstone building is perfectly placed to showcase even more of its potential for the next 5 years and beyond!”
Paul Evered from Cornwall Library Service commented:
‘Congratulations to St Ives Town Council on 5 fantastic years running the Library in partnership with Cornwall Council. Cornwall Library Service, and libraries in general, have changed hugely over the last 5 years. Out of the restrictions of COVID has emerged an innovative library model which offers wider access to books, whilst also opening up library buildings to host a wider range of activities. St Ives TC recognised this early, and the library has pioneered this new approach. The result is a triumph: a building which is still very much a library but, by also being a flexible, multi-use space, is so much more. This feels like just the start of the journey for St Ives Library and I’m really excited to see where the next 5 years take them.’
Friends of St Ives Library said:
“St Ives Library has been a focal part of the cultural life of St Ives, following funding from Passmore Edwards in 1896. Friends of St Ives Library (FOSIL) and the wider community were, therefore, determined not to lose this vital resource when Cornwall Council planned to devolve the county’s libraries. FOSIL and its supporters campaigned to retain this essential service. We are pleased, therefore, that following devolution to the Town Council five years ago, we can celebrate, not only the library remaining a core part of the service, but also access to a wider range of exciting activities for the local community and visitors alike. It has been our pleasure to work in partnership with the Council and the team in our lovely library”.
The Cornerstone Library Building is open 9:30am to 4pm 6 days a week, home to the town’s official visitor information service with locally sourced gifts and retail offer, St Ives Box Office, regular clubs and classes and exhibition space with the library service always at its heart.
