About FOSIL

​The Friends of St Ives Library (FOSIL) was established in 1997 to mark the centenary of the library in the iconic Passmore Edwards building.
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​In 1997 major events took place to mark the Library’s centenary which was followed by a recommendation to set up a Friends of St Ives Library group (FOSIL) using money raised at the centenary celebrations. It had been suggested that libraries across the county might start friends groups, but only St Ives Library, with the support of the Library Manager and staff, has remained in place. 

Its first action was to purchase the first public access computer in Cornwall and since that time it has been a regular and valued fund raiser on behalf of the library. The group holds regular talks and other activities of interest to the wider membership and has re-published several books, including 'The Story of St Ives' by Cyril Noall.
 
FOSIL raises funds through a number of events and publication of books. It runs children’s workshops, paying authors to work with local schools, there are shadow puppet workshops for Shalal - group of youngsters with disabilities and also pays for workshops for those who are home schooled. 
 
FOSIL continues to play an important part in the life of the community.
​Purpose of the group:

​To be a separate and independent organisation with its own constitution and bank account.

To raise funds solely for the enhancement of the Library Service in St Ives in those areas which fall outside the statutory provision and to meet the running expenses of the group.

To operate as a not-for-profit organisation. 

To deliver a programme of events beyond those planned and delivered by the Library Service.

To act as a link between the Library Service and the wider community.

​To represent library users of all ages.

To seek a good and close working relationship with library staff at all times.

To help provide volunteers to assist the library staff in accordance with the Cornwall Council ‘Guidance for Working with Volunteers’.

To campaign on issues which may impact on the provision of the library service working, where relevant, with all interested parties.

To work with wider external agencies such as CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals), The Library Campaign and The Reading Agency