Library
The Cornerstone Blog
Welcome to your Library
At St Ives Library we provide a treasure trove of cultural delights including an extensive art library, original artworks, local history, events and media resources. These accompany a breadth of books spanning genres from fiction to cookery, graphic novels to board books.
Your library card also gives you access to a range of online resources at the touch of a button through the links below.
Borrowing books and other media
If you are not yet a Cornwall Libraries member, you can sign up online here, or when you next visit us in person.
In Person
Browse the shelves for inspiration or search the catalogue for books from all Cornwall Library sites to order. Self-service machines keep things quick and easy, or our friendly team are on hand to help.
Online
All of the resources listed below simply need your library account number (found on your library card) and are free to access.
• You can make book reservations on the Cornwall Libraries reservation page. Once logged in you can also keep up to date with your loans.
• The Cloud Libraries app allows you to keep track of your loans and manage reservations for yourself and your family – ideal for keeping track of children’s cards!
• Borrow e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines on the Borrowbox app.
• Read e-comics online or via the Library Pass app. These can be filtered as the whole catalogue, or just the children’s titles.
• Magazines and newspapers from around the globe can be read online or on the PressReader app.
• For music lovers the Naxos Music Library and Medici provide a wide range of resources and up to date videos.
• Choose from over 80 free language courses with Transparent Language Online.
Computers, Printing, Photocopying and Free WiFi
St Ives Library has plenty of comfy nooks and tables where you can access the free WiFi.
Our computer suite can be used if you don’t have your own device or to print your documents. You can pop in, but we recommend booking by phone.
Our digital champion is usually here on Wednesday afternoons from 1pm-4pm and always happy to help with IT access support.
Activities, Events & Book Groups
- Rhyme Time – Every Wednesday at 10:45am
Join us with your pre-schoolers for music, singing and stories galore. In fine summer weather we will gather in Trewyn Gardens so please do check in advance. - Classes
The Greta Williams Room hosts a number of classes including yoga and pilates. For details, please pop in or phone us. - Events
Our events programme is growing with a varied mix of experiences led by the library, outside providers and the Friends of St Ives Library (FOSIL). More info can be found joining the Library’s mailing list, following the Library Facebook page & FOSIL Facebook page or by popping in. - Book Groups
We welcome book groups who meet in the Library as well as those who simply use the service to order sets of books and meet elsewhere. Dead Choughed and Coffee and Crime currently meet once a month. If you would like to set up a new book group please visit us to begin the process of registering and choosing your books. - Craft Hive
The Craft Hive meets on the 2nd Friday of each month from 11am-1pm. Bring along your crafts of any kind and enjoy a cuppa and a natter. £3 per session.
History of the St Ives Library Building
The foundation stone of the two-storey St Ives Public Library was laid in April 1896 by John Passmore Edwards, the Cornish philanthropist, and benefactor. He provided £2,000 for the building, which replaced five cottages at the corner of The High Street and Gabriel Street. Passmore Edwards’ object was to improve the education of the working-class people of St Ives. He also provided £100 for the original book stock.
The building was handed over to the Corporation of St Ives on 1st January 1897, and shortly after opened to the public as a lending library. Nearly 2,000 people borrowed books in its first year. In addition, the Library was used to help a large number of people to be trained to read. From as early as 1899, some rooms were used as Council Offices.
Local historian, Janet Axten, article on the history of St Ives Library
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday 9:30am to 4pm
Facilities
• Wheelchair accessible with lift access to the first floor
• Accessible toilets
• Baby change
• Free Wi-Fi
• Visitor Information Shop
• Left luggage facility
• Online shop
• St Ives Box Office
Address
St Ives Library
Gabriel Street
St Ives, Cornwall
TR26 2LX
01736 796297
library@stives-tc.gov.uk
Contact the Library
If you have any questions about the Library or would like to book a computer please click below, fill out the form and we will be in touch.
Related Pages
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Cornerstone Spaces
Our Library spaces are available to rent. Please fill out a Room Hire form, or if you would like some other information from the Library please fill out the Contact the Library form.
