Investment of nearly £500,000 into local Reading libraries

Libraries across Reading have benefitted from an investment of almost £500,000 to improve the technology on offer to residents.

While some of the funds contributed to the new Central Library, the majority has been used in branch libraries. All six local libraries in the borough now have upgraded computers, laptops, wi-fi, tablets and much more.

The branches offer a local service to residents in addition to the many resources available at the modern new Central Library which opened at the Civic Centre in June.

The investment in the branches is part of a £495,000 grant awarded by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Improvements at the branch libraries include:

• Upgraded public PCs
• Laptops with data that can be taken home
• Tablets to use on site
• Wi-fi, wi-fi printing and wi-fi printing from home
• Interactive floors or tables, or both
• Screens showing information and details of events

Residents can take advantage of these resources at Battle Library, Caversham Library, Palmer Park Library, Southcote Library, Tilehurst Library and Whitley Library as well as Central Library.

The final part of the investment will deliver self-service library cabinets at four community locations without existing library facilities around Reading.  

The digital resources complement the more traditional library offer, including books to borrow with no fines, no fee reservations, study space, local history sections, Rhymetime sessions and community events.

Cllr Jacopo Lanzoni, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said:

“Reading’s libraries play a vital role in our communities across the borough and it is important we innovate and expand services, so they continue to meet modern day demands and expectations.

“The investment in our branch libraries means that residents can access services in their area which they can use for leisure, work or study.

“They also act as a community hub for young and old to meet, take part in events or just enjoy space to sit and read.

“We recently celebrated the opening of the excellent new Central Library in the Civic Centre but we remain proud and committed to Reading libraries right across the borough.”

All Reading libraries are running the Reading loves reading challenge throughout the school summer holidays.

Primary school aged children can take part in an exciting space themed challenge while teens and adults can join in Book Bingo, with certificates and prizes on offer.

All participants need to be a library member and details of how to join, and all the services available at Reading libraries, can be found at: https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/.