Cornwall Libraries Launch New Loyalty Card With Monthly Prizes

Cornwall’s library users could soon be picking up free pasties, cinema tickets and family day trips thanks to a new loyalty card being launched by Cornwall Libraries.

The new scheme is open to both children and adults and is designed to encourage people to visit their local library throughout the year.

How the loyalty card works

Anyone can collect a loyalty card from their local library and start gathering stamps. Once six stamps have been collected, users will be entered into a monthly prize draw.

Stamps can be earned by borrowing books, attending library events or activities such as Lego Club or Knit and Natter, or by using a library computer.

Prizes available to win

The prizes on offer include a wide range of family-friendly experiences and treats, including:

• Family day tickets to National Trust properties, excluding Stonehenge and St Michael’s Mount
• Day tickets to Newquay Aquarium
• Free day passes to Tide Indoor Climbing Centres
• Gift vouchers for Malcolm Barnecutt bakery
• Day passes for Camel Creek
• Swim and Gym passes at GLL leisure centres
• Free swim vouchers for Carn Brea Leisure Centre
• Free cinema tickets for Merlin Cinemas
• Free day tickets to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall
• Free surf lessons at Freewave Surf Academy
• Free passes to Monster Slip and Slide
• Free coasteering passes with Adventure International

Keeping libraries busy all year

Every year, thousands of children across Cornwall take part in the Summer Reading Challenge. However, once the challenge ends, library visits tend to drop.

In 2024, fewer than half of the 8,000 children who took part continued using the library for the rest of the year. The Library Loyalty Card aims to keep that enthusiasm going beyond the summer months.

Andrew Varker, Young Person’s Library Service Co-ordinator for Cornwall Libraries, said:
“We see so much enthusiasm every summer with the Reading Challenge.

“We want to build on that momentum and show people that the library is full of free things to enjoy all year from books and online resources to clubs, events and friendly spaces.”

Councillor Sarah Preece, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries at Cornwall Council, added:
“We are very grateful to the local businesses and organisations who have supported this initiative and generously donated prizes.

“We hope the loyalty card scheme will encourage people to discover everything Cornwall’s libraries offer throughout the year from books, audiobooks and online, digital resources to clubs, workshops and community events.”

More information about the Library Loyalty Card is available on the Cornwall Council website.