Truro Community Library has been safeguarded for the community under a new partnership between Cornwall Council and Truro City Council.

Under the agreement, the library was transferred to the city council as from yesterday.

The ownership of the Passmore Edwards Library and the lease on Truro Technical Schools will be transferred to Truro City Council at the same time.

Mayor of Truro Bob Smith said: “I am extremely happy to hear that Truro Community Library is returning to Truro City Council.

Since inauguration by John Passmore Edwards in 1896 the former technical school and Passmore Edwards Library have been recognised as significant architectural achievements by Truro’s own architect, Silvanus Trevail.

More than this however, and since the school moved to Penair, the merged buildings have become a key community hub and source of knowledge and enjoyment for everyone in Truro.

“The library’s transfer of ownership and day-to-day management heralds a new era. We have imaginative plans for increased community involvement and will have a programme of exhibitions and events taking place throughout the year. The library building and services it provides are truly wonderful assets to our city. I do hope everyone will come along and explore everything it has to offer.”

The new partnership, which is part of Cornwall Council’s devolution programme, means Truro Community Library will continue to provide all the key services essential to a modern library as well as offer the potential to increase access to a range of Truro City Council services.

The library will remain part of the Cornwall Library Service meaning customers will keep their existing library cards and can still visit, borrow and order books online from other libraries in Cornwall.

You can still make reservations and renewals online.

Like all local authorities throughout the UK, Cornwall Council has had some tough decisions to make when faced with substantial cuts in funding from central Government.

Rather than close libraries, however, the council has worked with town and parish councils and community groups throughout Cornwall to transfer ownership of these much-loved services to local communities.

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council cabinet member for climate change and neighbourhoods, said: “We are delighted that Truro City Council has agreed to take on the local library which protects this valuable service for the community for the future.

“In other towns where libraries have already been transferred the local services are not only protected but being developed with refurbished buildings, increased opening hours and more services being delivered.

“We want to thank Truro City Council for working with us and for all their efforts to bring in new library initiatives to benefit the community.”

Truro councillor Loic Rich added: “This is a great local resource that the city council can now ensure is run for the benefit of the local community."