Online Storybooks Now Available in Cornish – Here’s How to Read Them for Free

Families across Cornwall can now explore a vast collection of free online children’s books in over 75 languages – including Cornish.

A New Way to Enjoy Storytime

LOTE 4 Kids is a digital library featuring 5,500 children’s books, with new additions each month. Each book includes an English translation, and bilingual options allow children to learn a language as they read. Sign language books are also available.

The service has been funded by the Cornwall Library Service and the Council’s Resettlement Service, meaning all library users can access it for free.

Cornish Language Added to the Collection

Ten books have recently been translated into Cornish by the Council’s Cornish Language Team. Among them are Theo’s Wobbly Tooth (Dans Lows Theo) and The Giant Turnip (An Ervinen Gowrek), making it easier for families to enjoy storytime in Cornwall’s native language.

Supporting Multilingual Families

Books in languages such as Dari, Pashto, and Ukrainian are also available, providing resettled children in Cornwall with access to stories in their first language.

Councillor Carol Mould, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said:

“This is such a fantastic resource and I really hope that families who want to learn some Cornish, or any other language, make the most of these storybooks.

“This is a fun way to encourage children to learn and celebrate their culture and heritage.”

How to Access LOTE 4 Kids

To start reading, you’ll need to sign up for a free Cornwall Library membership. You can do this online here: Join the Library.

Once signed up, follow these steps to access the books:

• On a computer or mobile browser: Go to LOTE4Kids and enter your Cornwall Library card number when prompted.
• On a mobile or tablet: Download the app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play Store (Android).
• When asked for your Library Name, type in Cornwall Libraries.
• Enter your Library Barcode (found on the back of your library card) and click ‘Sign In’.
• Select a language and choose a book to begin reading.

With this resource now available, families in Cornwall can enjoy bedtime stories in multiple languages while keeping the Cornish language alive for future generations.