New Central Library at Civic Centre opened June 2026

Entrance to the Central Library with large arched brick windows, self-service check-in kiosks, and a visitor entering the bright, modern library space.

Reading Central Library opened in its new home at the Civic Centre on Thursday 18 June 2026.

The Civic Centre on Bridge Street had already been transformed with a redesigned reception area, which opened earlier that year. The reception provides access to the new Reading Central Library alongside other council services.

The Central Library is fully accessible and has been designed to provide space for reading, learning, studying and community activities.

For information about opening times, library services and how to visit, see the Reading Central Library page.

A library for the whole community

The new Central Library includes flexible spaces for the whole community, combining the traditional library offer with improved digital and learning facilities.

Visitors can use free Wi-Fi, workspaces with power outlets, tablets and a range of study spaces throughout the building.

Modern Central Library reading area with bookshelves, study tables, booth seating, and comfortable chairs in a bright, quiet space.

Spaces for children and young people

The larger children’s area has been decorated with a forest and animal theme and includes books, interactive games and a dedicated space for Rhymetime sessions and other performances.

A separate teen area includes popular books and graphic novels, study desks and informal seating, including accessible seating.

Spacious children's library featuring woodland-themed décor, book displays, mushroom stools, and flexible seating for reading and activities.
Children's library with colourful woodland-themed bookshelves, low reading tables and chairs, and a bright, welcoming space for young readers.

Spaces to study and learn

Thousands of books are available across the library, alongside more than 90 study spaces with charging points and free Wi-Fi.

The ground floor includes a central courtyard which provides flexible space for events, activities and group study.

The first floor can be accessed via the central staircase or the nearby lift. It includes quieter study areas, which were requested during the public consultation, as well as computers, tablets and facilities for printing from personal devices.

The first floor is also home to the family and local history collection.

Open-plan Central Library interior with study tables, bookshelves, and a striking yellow staircase beneath a large skylight.
Bright, open-plan library with bookshelves, study tables, colourful seating, and flexible spaces for reading, studying, and relaxing.
Local History section of the library with shelves of reference books, study tables, and a quiet space for research and reading.

A new home in the Civic Centre

The new Central Library opens from 9am on weekdays, except Wednesdays, allowing residents to borrow and return books, study and use the free Wi-Fi for an additional hour each day.

The Cartwheeling Boys sculpture has been relocated to the side of the new Civic Centre extension.

Visitors to the Civic Centre can also use tablets in the reception area to complete reports, pay for council services and submit online application forms.

Libraries across Reading

Reading Central Library is one of seven libraries across the borough.

Alongside the Central Library, six neighbourhood libraries provide books, computers, printing facilities and study space for local communities.

View all Reading library services
Last updated on 31/07/2026