New Central Library at Civic Offices

Artist's impression of front view of Civic Offices showing the extension at the front of the building for including Central Library.

This is what the new Central Library and new Civic reception, in Bridge Street, could look like using £8.6 million from the Levelling Up funding awarded to the council.

The image forms part of the planning application documents which has been approved. You can watch the meeting, or read the minutes, here.

A new Central Library is set to be a modern, fully accessible, and versatile building which is much more than just a repository of books. 

There will be some changes to the landscaping around the civic building with mature trees at the front will remain.

The aim is to create a flexible space for the whole community which embraces not only that traditional library offer, but also looks to the future with a hugely improved digital and learning offer. There will also be an improved children’s and teenage sections.

The plans also include the possibility of the cartwheeling boy sculpture being incorporated into the new build.

The existing library on the King’s Road is well-used but the dated building is set over a series of floors. This makes accessibility difficult, and we cannot improve it without significant investment.

Here are the results of the Civic Library consultation.

New Reading Central Library

This is how the bright, large and modern new Reading Central Library could look when it opens in spring 2026 and is filled with books and workstations.

In the library there will be a substantial area dedicated to children. It will be decorated with a lush forest and animal theme, with plenty of books as well as interactive games. There will be ample space for the much-loved rhyme-time and other performances.

There is also a teen area featuring popular books and graphic novels, desks and an informal seating area, including accessible seating.

Thousands of books will be on the shelves and residents can work or study at over 90 spots across the building with charging points and free Wi-Fi.

On the ground floor is a central courtyard with the ability to screen and host events, offer activities and provide group study space.

The first floor can be accessed via a stairwell in the central courtyard, or nearby lift, where there will be quieter areas to work or study which was requested during the consultation when the project began. There will be computers and tablets to use and the ability to print from devices brought to the Central Library.

A local history space with resources to support research, will also be in the library.

The new Central Library will also be open for an extra hour from 9am on weekdays, excluding Wednesdays. During that extra hour residents will be able to borrow and return books, study and use the free wifi.

The CGI pictures show the council’s intention for the look of the Central Library, but the final design may have variations in colour and seating plans.

The image shows a modern, bright library interior with a contemporary design. The space features a dramatic yellow perforated metal staircase that curves upward as a central focal point. The library has a two-story layout with white walls and large windows providing natural light from a skylight above. The main floor contains multiple white tables surrounded by bright yellow and gray modern chairs, creating collaborative study spaces. Along the walls are white bookshelves and storage units with colourful teal and green accents. The colour scheme primarily uses white, yellow, and teal throughout the space. The upper level visible through glass railings appears to have additional seating areas and bookshelves. The overall design is clean, minimalist, and inviting, with an emphasis on natural light and vibrant accent colours that create an energetic learning environment.
An isometric view of a modern library or study area with various seating arrangements and bookshelves. The room features large windows along one wall, allowing natural light to enter. There are several purple armchairs with small white tables near the windows, two teal cubicles with desks and chairs, a central area with two white tables surrounded by yellow chairs, and teal bookshelves integrated into the seating areas. The floor is covered in dark grey carpet tiles.
The image shows architectural plans for a children's library ground floor, presented in both plan and isometric views. The main title reads "Ground Floor - Children's Library" with "Plan & Isometric View" as a subtitle. The layout features a large open space with green flooring and white bookshelves arranged throughout. Key elements include: A curved green archway structure that appears to be a play or reading feature Multiple white bookshelf units distributed across the space Various seating areas including what appears to be a story time circle area with white dots (likely representing seating spots) An orange/red tent or canopy structure in one corner Reading nooks and activity zones Around the main floor plan are additional visual elements showing: A child in a red sweater sitting and reading Wooden storage ottomans or seats Two children (one in red, one in striped clothing) sitting together Colourful children's chairs in various colours including purple, green, and orange The design emphasizes an open, child-friendly environment with flexible seating options and dedicated areas for different library activities like reading, storytelling, and play-based learning.
The image shows a modern library computer area with a row of workstations designed for public use. The space features white desks with black computer monitors, each paired with orange upholstered office chairs on wheels. The workstations are separated by teal-coloured dividers or end panels that provide some privacy between users. Along the back wall are wooden bookshelves filled with books, interspersed with bright yellow accent panels that add visual interest. The flooring appears to be light wood-effect laminate, and the ceiling has modern linear LED lighting. On the right side of the image, there's a teal-coloured storage unit or display area with yellow accents and what appears to be a small plant, adding a welcoming touch to the space. The overall design uses a contemporary colour palette of teal, orange, yellow, and white, creating a vibrant yet professional environment for library users to access computers and digital resources. The layout suggests this is a dedicated IT area within a larger library, designed to provide multiple users with computer access in a comfortable, well-organised setting.
The image shows an isometric architectural drawing of a library area. The space features exposed wooden ceiling beams and appears to be a more mature or adult library section compared to the children's areas shown in previous images. The layout includes extensive white bookshelves arranged along the perimeter walls, with what appears to be purple accent colouring on some shelving sections. The floor appears to be dark-coloured, possibly carpet or dark flooring material. The furniture includes white seating areas or sofas arranged in the centre of the space, along with some tables and chairs positioned near the bookshelves. There are also what appear to be study carrels or individual workstations. The space has a balcony or mezzanine-style design with railings, and windows along one wall providing natural light. The overall design suggests this is a quieter, more studious area of the library, likely intended for older children, teens, or adults, with a focus on individual study and reading rather than the more playful, collaborative spaces shown in the children's library areas.
The image shows a modern children's library interior with a bright, contemporary design. The space features a curved teal-coloured seating area or banquette that creates an informal reading nook, paired with round white tables and bright yellow chairs. The library has white walls and ceiling with linear LED lighting, creating a clean, well-lit environment. In the background, there are colourful bookshelves in teal and other vibrant colours, displaying children's books and materials. The flooring appears to be light-coloured with some circular accent patterns. Large windows provide natural light, and there's a modern yellow curved staircase visible in the background. The overall design emphasises flexible, comfortable seating arrangements with a cheerful colour palette of teal, yellow, and white, creating an inviting space specifically designed for children's library activities and reading.
The image shows a modern children's library interior with a vibrant, colourful design. The space features a distinctive curved green archway structure that serves as both a design element and likely a reading or play area. The library has white walls and ceiling with bright LED lighting strips. Throughout the space are brown wooden bookshelves of varying heights, creating different zones within the open floor plan. The flooring appears to be a combination of light-colored surfaces with darker accent areas, including what looks like a black carpet or rug section. Colourful seating options are scattered throughout, including bright yellow bean bags, orange cubic seats, and teal/turquoise round cushions or seats. These provide flexible, child-friendly seating arrangements for reading and activities. In the background, there appears to be an orange/red display or activity area, and green accent walls add to the vibrant color scheme. The overall design creates an engaging, modern environment specifically designed for children's library services, with an emphasis on flexible spaces, bright colours, and comfortable informal seating options.
The image shows a modern children's library space with a bold, colourful design. The focal point is a bright orange/red angular seating structure that creates tiered steps or platforms where children can sit and read. Above this seating area is a dramatic orange ceiling feature or canopy that extends over the space. The back wall features a large, vibrant mural with blue and multicoloured elements that appears to depict people or figures in an artistic, abstract style. The flooring is light-colored, and there are bookshelves visible on the left side of the image. The overall design emphasizes bright, energetic colours - primarily orange and red - combined with modern geometric shapes to create an engaging, contemporary environment for children. The stepped seating arrangement provides informal, flexible spaces for reading and gathering, while the colourful artwork and design elements make the space visually stimulating and child-friendly.
Last updated on 15/07/2025