2026 date to be announced….

Get ready for a family free fun day of activities as the Palemon ‘Best’ Community Day returns this year.

Last year St Ives Town Council piloted a community outreach day at Palemon Best, directly linked to the national literacy initiative summer reading challenge aimed at children from 0 to 11 years old. Along with Cornwall Libraries mobile library, family focused pop-up activities took place with local organisations and was enjoyed by all.

This year Palemon Best Community Day will take place on Monday 28 July between 10am and 3pm. Supported by Cornwall Libraries to highlight Summer Reading Challenge, this year’s theme is ‘Story Garden’—a celebration of the joy of reading and the great outdoors.

Families are warmly invited to a jam-packed day, whether you’re into circus skills workshops, skateboarding, face painting, or boxing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

“We’re delighted with the positive response from our community and culture partners to get involved in the event. This year stalls with pop up activities will include Tate St Ives, Leach Pottery, Salvation Army, St Ives Junior School, Community Orchard, Community Land Trust, Cornwall Library Service Bus, Cornwall Fire Service with Engine, St Ives Leisure Centre with family fitness activities, St Ives Boxing Club, Skateboarding coaching, Circus Skills, Tug of War, Story Sessions and Facepainting. Plus, our Culture and Community service teams Library and Yonkers Youth will be onsite throughout.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together, promote literacy and highlight wider opportunities and activities available all year round” – Emma Gibson Head of Culture and Community St Ives Town Council

“ Events like Palemon Best Day show the best of what St Ives is all about — creativity, community, and coming together to support our young people. It makes me so proud to see local organisations involved and can’t wait to join in the fun in one of St Ives’ most special places” – Councillor Sinead McNamee, Chair of Community and Environment Committee

‘The Summer Reading Challenge is a highlight of the library’s year. We’re all looking forward to the event. It’s a chance to celebrate reading, outdoor play, and family time in a relaxed and friendly setting.’ – Luke Dimech, The Cornerstone Manager

Bring a picnic and blanket, grab an ice cream, get involved in hands-on fun, or simply kick back with a good book.

For more information pop into The Cornerstone, St Ives Library and Visitor Information Building, open Monday to Saturday 9:30am to 4pm or call St Ives Town Council on 01736 797840.

Follow @stiveslibrary @stivestowncouncil