St Ives’ new look library and information service opens its doors to the public
A new era has begun for the town’s library building, with a big increase in opening hours and the incorporation of the visitor information service. The new service will be open six days a week, Monday-Saturday, as well as on Summer Sundays. The library had previously been open 3.5 days a week.
After four weeks of closure for building works, the library building was officially re-opened today (Monday 18th March) by the two youngest members of St Ives Bay Youth Council. Youth councillors Bella and William (pictured cutting the ribbon) are themselves both keen book readers.
The Town Council has taken over the running of the library from Cornwall Council to protect the local service from closure. Under this new ownership, the building has been partially refurbished: the re-designed ground floor creates a fresh and accessible welcome for all. Upstairs the Greta Williams Community Room has been completely redecorated. With these changes, the future of the library will be safeguarded. Through widening the range of groups, activities and access hours, the building will thrive as a community resource.
Councillor Tim Andrewes, chairman of the town council facilities committee said:
“It’s a real achievement to have been able to extend the opening hours of the building in this way – including for the first time opening on summer Sundays. This will make the service much more convenient and accessible for local people. We really hope it will be the start of an exciting future for the building and the growing number of services and activities taking place inside. Our aim is that this becomes a local hub the whole community can enjoy.”
Louise Dowe, the town clerk said:
“This has been an ambitious project for the Town Council- staff and councillors have worked tirelessly to deliver this for the community. It has been a great opportunity to work in partnership, with the Town Council working closely with Cornwall Council and the community.
The Mayor, Suzanne Tanner said:
“We are really excited by this great new space. We would encourage everyone in the town to come and see it for yourselves. It is your local community space and we welcome your thoughts and ideas about activities and events which take place here in the future.
