Battle Library Community Hub

Community centre bookings update

From Monday 11 May, we will be moving all existing bookings to our new online booking system.

To find out more about email notifications and how to claim your account, please visit the community centre bookings support page.

Please note that processing times may be slower than usual whilst we move bookings to the new system. We appreciate your patience during this transition.

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
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

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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.

    Last updated on 15/05/2026