

It has been a year since the reopening of Liskeard Library, which has now become a fully accessible and inclusive space fit for the 21st century.
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is delighted to have supported the transformation of Liskeard Library, initially awarding a development grant towards architects’ plans, followed by a Transforming Places through Heritage capital grant to support the renovation. An AHF loan from the Heritage Impact Fund was also critical to the completion of capital works, helping to make up a budget shortfall caused by unexpected complications with the building.
Dating back to 1896, the Grade II-listed, purpose-built John Passmore Edwards library was financed in part by community subscriptions, and was constructed to reflect the belief that everyone should have access to knowledge and learning.
In order to ensure that the library would remain an important community resource in the town for years to come, Real Ideas Organisation - an award-winning social enterprise that works to solve problems and create positive and lasting social change – took the lead on a project to revitalise and adapt the building into a contemporary creative and cultural facility that puts community need at its heart.
In September 2023, following a £1.5m renovation, Liskeard Library opened its doors once more. As well as the downstairs library service, which offers access to thousands of books, the multi-purpose building now has a range of different relaxing spaces to read in, including a courtyard and rooftop terrace.
When speaking about the renovated library, one user said: “It’s a huge, amazing space that’s bright and airy.”
Images of people searching for books and reading at Liskeard Library. Left and right image courtesy of Real Ideas Organisation. Middle image by Sean Hurlock.
However, improving on the traditional public library model, Liskeard Library is about much more than just books. Comprising a meeting room, workspace and studio space, all of which are available to hire for a variety of activities, events and meetings, it provides a vibrant community and work hub in the town centre. Visitors can also enhance their library experience by ordering tea, coffee, cake, and light bites in the new café.
Image: The cafe at Liskeard Library. Photo courtesy of Real Ideas Organisation.
The building has become a center for skills and training opportunities. Real Ideas’ business unit, Pathways, helps young people, particularly those between the ages of 16-25, to prepare for their next steps, whether that be going back into education or moving into employment. Specific support includes work experience and volunteering opportunities at the library; hospitality and customer service training; advice on how to set up your own enterprise; and lessons on life skills, such as cooking and how to look after your mental health and wellbeing. YEP!, a Youth Engagement Programme, also offers one-to-one support and group sessions for young people, helping them to build confidence, and to explore different careers, sectors and opportunities.
Young people that have attended YEP! sessions spoke highly of the programme, commenting:
“I really enjoyed getting out of the house and meeting new people.”
“I felt nervous before, but now I feel different and confident about coming back.”
“I found the YEP! programme really helpful and it gave me opportunities that I otherwise wouldn’t have had.”
Images: Cooking classes for young people and a craft workshop for children. Photos courtesy of Real Ideas Organisation.
Other opportunities for personal and professional development at the library include skills training for local businesses and freelancers; digital inclusion workshops, allowing everybody and anybody to access technology; a Writer in Residence programme that helps to nurture talented new writers; and Native Makers, which provides a platform for makers to sell their work.
Thanks to these new facilities, programmes and events, Liskeard Library has seen a 30% increase in visitors since refurbishment, with just under 65,000 people passing through the doors in the last year. As library membership in Cornwall hits a 10-year high [1], it is also one of many libraries across the county that has seen an increase in activity – of the 9,500 people in the town, 2,000 have become new library users since the building’s reopening, which is more than 1 in 5 people.
There was a rise in the number of children taking part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge too. Over 400 children, a 25% increase on the previous year, took part in the challenge, which encourages them to get into libraries and read 6 or more books over the 6-week holidays.
From hosting activities for families and older people to delivering skills and training for teens and young adults, the revitalised Liskeard Library has it all. As one library user put it: “There’s something for everyone and it’s hugely inclusive of all ages.” With everything that it now has to offer, it has become more than just a public library – it is a hub of community activity, drawing a wider demographic and helping to regenerate Liskeard’s town centre. This innovative economic model is all about providing aspiration, opportunity and support to the whole community, and its flexibility ensures that it can quickly respond to the changing needs of society, ensuring that it remains an important resource at the heart of the town for generations to come.
Kate Reed, Chief Operating Officer at Real Ideas Organisation, said: "The transformation of Liskeard Library is a testament to the power of community collaboration, the support of AHF, Cornwall Council and wider stakeholders and the belief that heritage and libraries can be a catalyst for positive change. At Real Ideas, we are proud to lead this work, evolving a historic building into a thriving hub of creativity, learning, and opportunity. Our commitment to making a lasting difference for the people of Liskeard and South East Cornwall remains at the heart of what we do, ensuring that this space and the activities continue to inspire, support, and uplift the community for years to come."
[1] BBC Cornwall. Library membership at 10-year high - Cornwall Council - BBC News