Free festive craft bags from Cornwall Council

Following lockdown libraries across the county have reopened, however due to Covid-19 restrictions they are unable to host craft workshops or storytime sessions.

Cornwall Council’s libraries team want to make sure that younger people don’t miss out this Christmas and are encouraging families to get creative at home. They have produced more than 600 festive craft bags that will be available from local libraries, as well as the council’s two mobile library vans.

Each bag contains festive craft activities, coloured paper, crayons, stickers, and some extra sparkle goodies, plus a book to keep.

Children can collect a festive craft bag from their local library. They will be handed out on a first come first served basis.

Councillor Edwina Hannaford, portfolio holder for libraries at Cornwall Council, said: “Traditionally in the run up to Christmas, libraries provide storytimes and craft activities to children of all ages.

“Unfortunately, that has not been possible this year and we want to make sure that children don’t miss out. We hope that families enjoy the activities in these fabulous packs and have a very happy Christmas.”

Children and families don’t need to be members of the library to collect an activity bag. They are free for anyone to call in and collect. But joining your local library is free, instant and opens a world of free books, e-newspapers, magazines and comics that can be used long after Christmas (and Covid19) has passed.

You can sign-up to your local library and check the opening times here.

The following libraries have 20 craft bags to give away:

Bodmin, Callington, Helston, Liskeard, Penzance, Camborne, Falmouth, Hayle, Launceston, Newquay, Redruth, Saltash, St Austell, St Ives, Torpoint and Truro.

The following libraries have 30 bags to give away:

Bude, Camelford, Looe, Lostwithiel, Penryn, Perranporth, St Agnes, St Columb, Wadebridge.

20 bags are available from each of the mobile library vans.