John Passmore Edwards

The Secret Garden is Cornwall Libraries choice of a Big Read celebrating the life of library benefactor John Passmore Edwards. The book was a bestseller in 1911, the year John Passmore Edwards died, and it has been in print ever since. During his tumultuous economic lifetime in jounalism, John Passmore Edwards founded and funded many public buildings for the benefit of everyone. He was particularly generous to Cornwall, the county of his birth. Cornish buildings include institutes, schools, hospitals and 8 free public libraries. 7 are still in use today: Bodmin, Camborne, Falmouth, Liskeard, Redruth, St. Ives and Truro. the original Launceston Library has been replaced and Penzance Library benefited from a generous bequest of books from him. Why did he do it?
In his autobiography, A Few Footprints, this is what he said:
“Public libraries are, in my opinion, entitled to public support because they are educative, recreative, and useful; because they bring the products of research and information, and the stored wisdom of ages and nations, within easy reach of the poorest citizens. (…) All may not use them, but all may do so if they like; and as they are means of instructing and improving some, all are directly or indirectly benefitted by them.”

Frances Hodgson Burnett was also interested in the welfare of everyone and appreciated the importance of environment. In The Secret Garden she shows us how a love of gardens and nature can enhance our lives and improve our health. Respect for others and care of the environment are strong themes in this magical book. We hope you enjoy it.