Central library rooms for hire

Community spaces bookings update

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

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 spaces bookings support page.

The Central Library has two areas that can be hired for regular groups and events. The library is located at Reading Borough Council’s main offices, the Civic Centre.

Exterior of a modern civic building with white columns, glass entrance doors, and a yellow flag, approached by wide stone steps with brick detailing on the right wing.

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 which is refundable, subject to terms and conditions.

Charges vary based on peak / off-peak times:

  • Peak times: Monday to Friday, 7pm to 10pm and all day on weekends
  • Off-peak times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm

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

decorative

The square

The square is in the main library space and holds up to 50 people. There is equipment available for hire and different room layout options. There are also refreshment options for an additional charge.

Hire costs

  • Standard rate: £115 per hour (peak), £90 per hour (off-peak)
  • Charity/not for profit rate: £85 per hour (peak), £60 per hour (off-peak)

    • Check availability – the square
    The square – room layout options
    Theatre Theatre room layout Up to 50 people
    Cabaret Caberet room layout TBC
    Classroom Classroom room layout TBC
    U-shaped U-shaped room layout Up to 20 people
    Boardroom Boardroom room layout Up to 18 people
    The square – available equipment
    Equipment available in the square includes:
  • digital display screen
  • screen mounted speakers
  • Induction Hearing Loop (IHL)
  • a microphone
  • a whiteboard
    • decorative

    The Holybrook room (with kitchen)

    The square is in the main library space and holds up to 18 people. There is equipment available for hire and different room layout options. There are also refreshment options for an additional charge.

    Hire costs

  • Standard rate: £65 per hour (peak), £40 per hour (off-peak)
  • Charity/not for profit rate: £55 per hour (peak), £30 per hour (off-peak)

    • Check availability – Holybrook room
    Holybrook room – layout options
    Classroom Classroom room layout Up to 18 people
    Theatre Theatre room layout Up to 18 people
    Holybrook room – available equipment
    Equipment available in the square includes:
  • digital display screen
  • Induction Hearing Loop (IHL)
  • a whiteboard
    • The Holybrook room has a small kitchen available including a sink, fridge and dishwasher. There are no cooking facilities.

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

    Special booking requirements

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

    • All bookings will need evidence of public liability insurance at a minimum indemnity of £10million.
    • 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.

    Refreshments

    Refreshments are available at an additional cost. If you would like to order refreshments, you must:

    • add them to your basket during checkout
    • add your preferred delivery time to the booking form
    • add details of any allergies or dietary requirements on the booking form
    Refreshment typePrice incl. VAT
    Fairtrade tea (serves 1)£1.20
    Fairtrade tea and biscuits (serves 1)£2.10
    Fairtrade tea – decaffeinated (serves 1)£0.72
    Fairtrade coffee (serves 1)£1.38
    Fairtrade coffee and biscuits (serves 1)£2.28
    Fruit tea (serves 1)£1.20
    Mint infusion tea (serves 1)£1.20
    Biscuits (serves 1)£0.90
    Hot water (serves 6)£1.80
    Chilled water (serves 6)£1.80

    Opening times

    Please note, opening times for the square and the Holybrook room are different to the Central Library opening times.

    The square

    • Monday 7pm to 10pm
    • Tuesday 7pm to 10pm
    • Wednesday 8am to 10pm
    • Thursday 7pm to 10pm
    • Friday 7pm to 10pm
    • Saturday 3pm to 10pm
    • Sunday 8am to 10pm

    Holybrook room

    • Monday 8am to 10pm
    • Tuesday 8am to 10pm
    • Wednesday 8am to 10pm
    • Thursday 8am to 10pm
    • Friday 8am to 7pm
    • Saturday and Sunday 8am to 10pm

    Location

    Central library is in the Civic Centre, the main Reading Borough Council offices.

    Civic Centre
    Bridge Street
    Reading
    RG1 2LU

    Open location in Google maps

    Getting there

    By car

    There is very limited parking at the Civic Centre. We advise using a nearby car park, or walking, travelling by bus or getting a taxi.

    By public transport

    The nearest bus routes are:

    • Emerald 5, 6 or 6a
    • Bronze 11

    Many other bus routes are a short walk from the Civic Centre. Reading Station is approximately a 15 minute walk.

    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 23/07/2026