New App Launches to Help Library Users in Reading

The Library App launched by Reading Borough Council and developed by Solus gives residents the ability to reserve or renew books remotely, enabling users to manage their library accounts conveniently from their devices.

The app enhances the overall user experience and will help users access all the resources available from Reading Libraries wherever they are.

Residents will have 24/7 access to library resources where they can complete research, extend loans, make reservations and requests and interact with library resources from anywhere, at any time.

Key features of the Reading Libraries app include;

• Multiple library accounts can be managed in one app, all the families library ‘cards’ in one place
• Search the full Reading Borough Council library catalogue and reserve a book to collect at your local library
• Extend the loans of books via the app
• Access eBooks, audio books and eMagazines and other online resources.

Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said:

“We want everyone in Reading to have access to everything our fantastic libraries have to offer so I am delighted that we are ready to go with our new Reading Libraries app. Having a 24/7, easy to use app will enable more readers to borrow rather than buy books and magazines. As with our removal of fines and most fees last year, we are constantly looking for ways to support residents during the cost of living crisis: now Reading’s library stock is much more accessible, as well as being completely free to borrow."

"Our Librarians, kiosks and book drops continue to be available in-branch and if you need to check branch opening times, the app does that too!"

"With the new Central Library receiving planning permission last week these are exciting times for our much-loved and forward-thinking Council library service.”