Battle Library Community Hub

Community centre bookings update

We recently moved to a new online booking system for community centres.

If you had made a booking before Wednesday 20 May, it will have been added to the system already. You should have received emails to confirm this.

For more information about online bookings and step-by-step guidance please visit the community centre bookings support page.

Battle Library Community Hub is a multi-use community hub serving West Reading. The library building offers a main hall, small hall and a kitchen. The space can be hired for regular groups, events and parties.

This is a non-smoking building, including vaping and e-cigarettes. This includes the grounds of the property, smoking must be outside of the property.

Rooms available for hire and pricing

You must be at least 21 years old to hire this venue or any of its rooms. We may ask to see proof of your age.

All hires will be charged:

  • a £100 deposit (refundable, subject to terms and conditions)
  • an opening and closing fee of £42 (includes VAT)
  • a public liability insurance fee, which is 11% of the total hire rate

If you plan to make 4 or more bookings within a 12 month period, you may benefit from becoming a member. Find out more about frequent hire membership.

Please ensure you have read and understood the community centre terms and conditions of hire before making a booking.

photo of the main hall with a photo of the kitchen inset

Main hall (including kitchen)

The main hall with kitchen holds 80 people standing. It has some on-site equipment available.

Hire costs

  • Standard rate: £20 per hour
  • Charity/not for profit and staff rate: £17 per hour

    Check availability – main hall
    • photo of the main hall with a smaller photo of the small hall inset

    Main hall and small hall (including kitchen)

    The main hall and small hall together hold 120 people standing. It has some on-site equipment available.

    Hire costs

  • Standard rate: £40 per hour
  • Charity/not for profit and staff rate: £34 per hour

    Check availability – main hall and small hall
    • photo of the small hall

    Small hall

    The small hall holds 40 people standing. It is only available to hire during library opening hours. It does not include use of the kitchen. It has some on-site equipment available.

    Hire costs

  • Standard rate: £20 per hour
  • Charity/not for profit and staff rate: £17 per hour

    Check availability – small hall
    • Frequent hire membership

    Frequent hire membership is for individuals and groups who use the centre regularly and need flexible, self-managed access. If you plan to make more than four booking within 12 months, you may benefit from becoming a member.

    As a member, you will have your own keys or access card so you can open and lock the building yourself. Security opening and closing fees do not apply, and you will not need to pay the £100 deposit required for one-off bookings.

    Who can apply for membership
    You can apply for frequent hire membership if you plan to make four or more bookings at this venue within a 12 month period. Membership is ideal for:

  • weekly or monthly classes
  • community groups
  • clubs and social groups
  • repeat bookings spread throughout the year

    • Becoming a member
    You can apply to become a member at your preferred community centre via the online booking system. Please read the membership application information carefully before your start the application form.

    If you already hire a venue regularly, you will have been given membership at that venue when we set up the new system. You may have received an email to confirm this.

    Become a member

    Special booking requirements

    We may ask for more information when booking certain types of events, such as:

    • Group bookings made by a business or organisation – we will need evidence of public liability insurance at a minimum indemnity of £5million.
    • Activities for people under the age of 19 or vulnerable adults – we will need a copy of your safeguarding policy.
    • Serving food to the public – we will need a copy of your food hygiene certificate.
    • Selling alcohol – to sell alcohol at an event you will need to apply for a Temporary Events Notice.

    On-site equipment

    The main hall and kitchenette has 50 chairs and 4 tables available. There is a sink and a hot water heater for making drinks.

    The small hall has 30 chairs and 6 tables available.

    Please note we do not supply bin bags, cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils or saucepans.

    Opening times

    • Monday – closed
    • Tuesday – 1pm to 7pm
    • Wednesday – closed
    • Thursday – 9am to 5pm
    • Friday – 9am to 12pm
    • Saturday – 10am to 3pm
    • Sunday – closed

    Location

    Battle Library
    420 Oxford Rd
    Reading
    RG30 1EE

    Open location in Google maps

    Getting there

    By car

    There is no parking available at the centre due to its location.

    By public transport

    The nearest bus routes are numbers 15, 16 and 17. These run regularly throughout the day. The bus stop to use is Battle Library.

    Cancel a booking

    To cancel a booking, please follow the cancellation steps on the community centre bookings support page.

    Contact and support

    For help with your booking, or to find out how to contact the bookings team, please visit the community centre bookings support page.

    Last updated on 20/05/2026