First look at the new Reading Central Library

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

New Computer Generated Imagery, or CGI, show how the new library could look when it opens in spring 2026 and the Council is seeking residents’ opinions and how important some prospective services are.

Still under construction at the Civic Centre in Bridge Street, the new building will also include a redesigned reception.

In the library there will be a substantial area dedicated to children, which 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 Wi-Fi.

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.

Comments on the new Central Library can be made here https://reading.govocal.com/en-GB/projects/libraryfeedback2025.

Residents are also being asked about the importance of various services provided by library service.

These include

• supporting children and young people with language and literacy development,
• improving digital provision, access and content to support learning skills,
• inviting arts, culture, heritage and creative events into the library,
• supporting improvements for health, wellbeing, literacy and cohesion.

Councillor Adele Barnett-Ward, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “I am so excited to share these designs for our fantastic new library. It is going to be big, bright, and beautiful!

“The designs include features suggested by library users, including informal seating for teens and better equipped spaces for people to study and work.

“But we don’t only want your opinions on the layout and furnishings, we also want you to tell us which elements of our library service are most important to you, so we can ensure our libraries are delivering for everyone in our town.

“I am encouraging everyone to fill out the feedback form – and of course to come and explore the new and improved Reading Central Library when it opens next year!

You can fill in the form here https://reading.govocal.com/en-GB/projects/libraryfeedback2025 or a paper form at any of the town’s libraries.

The modernisation of library services has been possible with a multi-million investment into the cultural offer in the town by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

A further £495k investment into libraries across Reading is also being made by Arts Council England.