It’s not just a room full of books, it has something for everyone 

Liskeard Library

“Investment from the Good Growth has been able to open out the library to the community, to really support health and wellbeing, culture, creativity.

“It’s not just a room of books, it’s about having this vibrant, flexible, community space.” – Sarah Marsh, Library and Outreach Coordinator.

Liskeard Library has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility for the community with the support of Good Growth funding.

Real Ideas Organisation is using funding to turn one of Edward Passmore’s libraries into a 21st century library with specialist tech facilities, co-working and an activity and learning programme for the community and businesses.

There are also planned year-round events ranging from small-scale performances and visual art to large immersive events. It’s hoped this will attract new audiences and bring the local community together.

Kate Reed, Chief Operating Officer at Real Ideas Organisation, says: “Good Growth funding was exceptional in being able to help us finish the renovation of the building.”

Paul Baxtor, Futures Lead at Real Ideas Organisation, says: “I feel we have an innovative library with lots of different stuff going on. Good Growth has allowed us to be able to bring that to the community.” 

Councillor Carol Mould, Cornwall Councillor Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods, says: “We invested in it to regenerate it, bring it back into the community for it to deliver things, and create a hub within the town.

“I think from a community point of view, it just breathes life into the centre – it does different things, it’s no longer just a library.”

Charlotte Courts, Shift Supervisor at Liskeard Library, says: “What we’re trying to create here is more of a community hub and just making a space for everyone to be welcomed – from babies to the older generations – so, something for everyone.”

Sarah Pym, freelance/ volunteer Liskeard Library, says: “It’s lifted the whole area and because of its position and its history, it’s very important to the town. So, it’s a true public space.”

For more information on Liskeard Library visit the website.

This project is made possible thanks to a £947,778 investment from the Good Growth Programme funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.