Passmore Edwards celebrated
10:20am Saturday 12th March 2011
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To commemorate the centenaryof the death of John Passmore Edwards, Cornwall Library Service has planned a number of events to celebrate the life of the Blackwater born philanthropist and library
benefactor. Seven Cornish Victorian library buildings funded by him are still busy libraries today: Bodmin, Camborne, Falmouth, Liskeard, Redruth, St Ives and Truro. Only Launceston has been
superseded by a more modern library. These libraries are in prime central locations and proudly proclaim to be ‘Free’, offering knowledge, recreation and refuge to all.
Details of some of the centenary events are listed below, but please contact your local library or visit the Council’s website for details of all events.
During March, April and May 2011, Cornwall Library Service will be supporting the national curriculum by arranging themed class visits for schools local to the seven libraries. As well as exploring
a Victorian building, students will have the opportunity to find out more about their town in Victorian and Edwardian times from informed staff and resources supplied by the Cornish Studies Library
and Cornwall Record Office. A re-incarnation of the great man visiting the seven libraries mentioned above to meet schoolchildren and other library visitors. The visits will take place on the
following dates: Monday 28 March Morning – Liskeard library Afternoon – Bodmin library Thursday 31 March Morning – Truro library Afternoon – Falmouth library Monday 4 April Morning – Camborne
library Afternoon – Redruth library Wednesday 6 April Morning – St Ives library Afternoon – St Ives library Tuesday 26 April to Saturday 20 May – Cornwall Centre, Redruth John Passmore Edwards: An
exhibition celebrating the life and good works of the Cornish Philanthropist There will also be more local exhibitions and activities at each library. Please contact individual libraries for
details or visit the Council’s website www.cornwall.gov.uk In addition, Cornwall Library Service is organising the Secret Garden Big Read across these seven communities. The Secret Garden by
Frances Hodgson Burnett was a bestseller in 1911 and has been available in libraries and bookshops ever since. Numerous copies will be available for readers of all ages. Like John Passmore Edwards,
the author was very concerned for the welfare of others. Her story describes the physical and mental benefits of gardens and fosters care of the natural environment, a message still relevant in our
current century.
The Big Read will be launched on a Readers’ Day at University College, Falmouth (Tremough) on Tuesday 12 April with a supporting talk by Sue Minter, former Horticultural Director of the Eden
Project. Copies will be available at libraries, participating schools and Trebah Garden who are organising a Secret Garden Big Read Event on Friday 15 April. There will be a family workshop, poetry
readings and a free competition.