Palemon Best Community Day is returning to the St Ives recreation area on Monday, 28th July, promoting the national Summer Reading Challenge.
The community outreach day was piloted by St Ives Town Council last year. Along with Cornwall Libraries’ mobile library, family-focused pop-up activities took place with local organisations.
This year’s event, from 10am to 3pm, will highlight the Summer Reading Challenge, with this year’s theme being ‘Story Garden’ — a celebration of the joy of reading and the great outdoors.
Families are invited to a jam-packed day. Whether you’re into circus skills workshops, skateboarding, face painting, or boxing, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
“We’re delighted with the positive response from our community and culture partners to get involved in the event,” said Emma Gibson, head of culture and community at St Ives Town Council.
This year, attendees will include Tate St Ives, Leach Pottery, Salvation Army, St Ives Junior School, St Ives Community Orchard, Community Land Trust, Cornwall Library, Cornwall Fire Service, St Ives Leisure Centre with family fitness activities, and St Ives Boxing Club. There will be skateboarding, circus skills, a tug of war, story sessions and facepainting.
Bring the community together
The town council’s culture and community service teams and library and Yonkers Youth will be on site throughout.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together, promote literacy, and highlight wider opportunities and activities available all year round,” added Emma.
Cornerstone manager, Luke Dimench, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a highlight of the library’s year. We’re all looking forward to the event. It’s a chance to celebrate reading, outdoor play, and family time in a relaxed and friendly setting.”
Bring a picnic and blanket, grab an ice cream, get involved in hands-on fun, or simply kick back with a good book.
For more information, pop into The Cornerstone, St Ives Library and Visitor Information Building, open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm, or call St Ives Town Council on 01736 797840.
