St Columb Minor is about three miles from Newquay, with a shop, a church and a local club. Steve and Karen Simmons have been licensees at The Farmers Arms since 2015. The pub has had a chequered past but Steve and Karen have worked hard to increase its popularity within the local community.
Aware of the gap left by mobile library service cuts and wanting to do their bit to help, they contacted Pub is The Hub for advice on opening a micro library.
Project Summary:
The creation of a micro-library with a dedicated computer, allowing villagers daily access to library services, and to all Cornwall Council services and general access to the internet. The micro library at the Farmers Arms is the 12th to be opened in partnership with Pub is The Hub and Cornwall County Council.
Outcomes so far:
Villagers are taking the opportunity to borrow books from the library and access to the internet through the computer is proving popular.
Having these services is keeping the pub at the heart of the village.
Lessons to Learn:
Yet again, this demonstrates that good licensees can help the local community and provide or reinstate services which are still very much needed.
Small grants can go a long way.
Total Project Costs £865.00
Contribution from Cornwall Library Services £382.50
Contribution from Licensee £100.00
Community Services Fund Grant £382.50
Update October 2018 – Pub is The Hub contributed £750 (licensee £150) towards the cost of a projector and screen, which will be used during talks, IT training sessions etc.
For more information telephone 01423 546165 or email enquiries@pubisthehub.org.uk