Exciting changes are happening at the Cornerstone Library on Gabriel Street, as building and improvement works have commenced. The first phase of work will focus on refurbishing the building’s first floor.
The central floor space will continue to house the library’s nonfiction and celebrated art books, but changes will be made to the rooms and other spaces, including the old IT suite and the Greta Williams community room, creating more flexible and attractive spaces for activities, events, private study and learning.
The main aim is for the spaces to provide better facilities and equipment for a new smart skills project. Working with partners, educators and trainers, the aim of smart skills is to bring in more opportunities for the community to access a programme of training, learning and development.
Public access computers facilities will be improved upon with laptops, video-conferencing screens, printing and fast fibre available to support people wanting to study either in person or on-line. A programme of courses and training is in development, a mix of technical and informal learning sessions, with the aim of:
- Supporting learning and study for young people with additional help, support, and upskilling.
- Offering opportunities for people of all ages, to get help with digital skills and technology, in informal settings to encourage gateway and entry level skills development.
- Working alongside organisations such as adult education and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), to help local people access opportunities without needing to travel outside of St Ives.
- Telling people about available services, skills and training offered on site but also available in other venues in the parish.
When the project is complete, our customers will see:
- A new, much larger Greta Williams Room, learning space for events, classes, workshops and training.
- A new quiet study room with public access computers.
- More break-out spaces and informal seating for reading, learning and study.
- Fast fibre and equipment for people attending training and courses and to use in the space.
- A first floor information desk with signposting to training opportunities and activities.
- A curated art area for people to learn more about the Council’s art collection.
- A private bookable meeting and training room.
- There will also be some improvements to the ground floor to create a welcome entrance and help sign-post customers to services around the building.
When will this be happening?
The works are underway and are due to be finished before March 2026. This means that there will be some short-term changes and inevitable disruption during building works. The first floor is already closed as work have begun.
Ground floor services
The ground floor is looking very festive, and it will be very much business as usual into the new year. A fun filled creative Christmas Programme of events and activities is planned and the following services are available:
- Local Information
- Gift Shop
- Children’s Library
- Reduced Reference and Adult Library
- Computer (One available to book in advance)
- Printing and copying facilities
- Local newspapers
- Left Luggage
Opening Hours throughout December will be
Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 4pm
To accommodate the works, there are some limited-service changes:
Library Books:
- There is a reduce selection of books on the ground floor.
- Ordering from the Library Catalogue is with the library team.
Booking Computers
- There is one computer that is available to be booked.
Clubs and Classes
- Will take place either on the ground floor of the library, in the Guildhall Upper Rooms or at the Island Centre.
Phase Two: Ground Floor
- To complete changes to the ground floor, unfortunately we will need to close the Cornerstone Library Building for approximately three weeks. The target date for the closure is from the 12th January 2026.
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 @stivestcornwall / @stivestowncouncil or visit stivestowncouncil-cornwall.gov.uk
