Plan Your Visit to The Old Library
The Old Library is a welcoming arts and community venue in the centre of Bodmin. Whether you’re coming to a gig, a workshop, a family show or a community conversation, this page gives you everything you need to know before you arrive.
Public transport:
If you're coming by train, then Bodmin Parkway is your stop and it's a 10 minute Bus into the town centre.
The closest bus stops are at Mount Folly - where you will walk up Fore Street and on Higher Bore Street, where you need to walk back towards town.
Plan you journey here: transportforcornwall.co.uk
Food & Drink Nearby
If you’re making a night of it, then we reccommend the following restaurants:
Native Burger
The Virage
Flory's
Bodmin Jail
The Mason's
The Weavers
Hoi An at the Westberry Hotel
Accessibility:
We want as many people as possible to feel comfortable here.
Entrance & step-free access:
• Step-free entry via the rear door on the right-hand side of the building
• Wide corridors and accessible toilets
Seating:
• Events use flexible seating layouts so you can choose where you sit
• If you need a reserved seat or wider space let us know in advance
Support needs:
• Carers go free (email us for a code)
• Staff and volunteers are available if you need help navigating the space
If you’d like to discuss anything before arriving, contact: emailus@intobodmin.co.uk
During Events
Doors open 30 minutes before most shows.
Event times vary, so do check the website. They're often around 1hr - 90 mins.
We aim to start on time. Latecomers will be admitted at a suitable moment, depending on the show.
Photography and filming isn't permitted, unless the artist encourages it.
Parking:
There is some on-street parking outside and around The Old Library. Single Yellow Lines are free to park on after 6pm. If you can't find a space outside, then there are three car parks in town, all within a 5 minute walk.
Dennison Road car park (on the main road through Bodmin) is closest.
Fore Street Car Park, is up behind the Cinema and Priory car park is next to Priory Park.
Inside the Building:
The Venue - AKA the Café
Our venue space is the cafe during the day. We usually take out the tables and put the chairs in rows. The bar is at the back of the space. It is a unique and intimate experience!
The cafe/bar is open for most evening events. We serve alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, hot drinks and snacks. Card payments preferred.
Toilets & Facilities
• Accessible toilet on the ground floor
• Baby changing available
• Quiet spaces available on request
WiFi
Free guest WiFi throughout the building.
Ticket prices
We keep prices as low as we can, but we do need to pay the act; then we need pay our staff and bills; then, if we make a profit, we can put it back into making sure our tickets are affordable. So, you can choose the price you want to pay -
• Our lowest price helps us to cover the cost of the act.
• The middle price helps us also pay some of our overheads (bills, staff, etc)
• The highest price is for those who can afford it and want to invest in us and the good work we do to provide fair access to arts and culture for everyone.
• Occasional Pay What You Can events
If price is still a barrier, please talk to us and we'll see what we can do. You could always volunteer....
Before You Leave
• Please check your ticket for start times and maybe your email (and Spam folders) to check there haven't been any event updates.
The Bodmin Free Library was formally opened to the public on the 24th of May 1897 by Right Hon. Leonard H Courtenay, MP for Bodmin.
The original Bodmin Free Library was built using funds given by John Passmore Edwards, a philanthropist and lifelong champion of the working classes.
Born at Blackwater in Cornwall, he funded over 70 public buildings, hospitals, libraries, drinking fountains, schools, convalescent homes and art galleries across the UK - many of which are still used for their original purpose.
The building itself was designed by Silvanus Trevail, the most prominent Cornish architect of the 19th century. He also designed The Headland Hotel, the Hayle Institute, and The Carbis Bay Hotel.
Read more about the history of this incredible building and the people behind it.
CURRENT FUNDERS AND PARTNERS
The Old Library Refurbishment project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as a Lead Authority forthe fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
