Cornwall Council joined forces with the piskies to launch a new library card and encourage more to join the 34,000 children who are already members of their local library.

The new library card for children, featuring a design of a Cornish piskey,  replaces the existing frog card. It will be on show and available for new joiners at local libraries across Cornwall.  

The piskey has been specially designed for the library service by children’s author and illustrator, ex-Children’s laureate and Guardian cartoonist, Chris Riddell, who kindly donated his services for free.

Cornwall Council is keen to attract parents and children who wouldn’t normally use libraries.

Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, Looe councillor Edwina Hannaford, said: ‘I hope this beautiful new card will encourage more children to join their local library.

‘I am passionate about the range of services provided for children of all ages by our libraries in Cornwall – and I would say to anyone who hasn’t visited the library with their children lately you could be missing out on a fantastic free service that will help them to discover a lasting love of reading that could also unlock new opportunities for them throughout their lives.

‘We know that a love of reading can lead to healthier and happier lives, better job prospects and stronger and more resilient communities. I hope this new library card will attract even more children to come and see what is on offer to them.  

‘Children can get a library card from birth. As a parent or carer, all you need to do is visit a branch with your child and fill in a few details to give them access to a supply of books we all know and love.

‘And as well as books, most libraries now offer free storytelling or music sessions, where parents and carers can bring their pre-school children and meet with friends, and even Lego sessions for older children to get involved.’  

You can also join the library online by visiting cornwall.gov.uk