Tilehurst Library Reopening Next Week

TILEHURST Library is set to reopen for booked sessions from Monday 7 December.

Reading Council is working to reopen all its branch libraries, following the successful return of Central Library in late July and Caversham Library in October.

Working in line with current national safety guidance, the Council will look to reopen Tilehurst next week, for limited booked sessions initially and with a reduced service.

From 7 December, Tilehurst Library will offer:

• Returns – to entrance when the library is open, bookdrop when closed.
• Order and collect (book online at www.reading.gov.uk/libraryrestart or via 0118 937 5950)
• Limited computer bookings (via 0118 937 5950)

Visitors to the library will be reminded to follow safety precautions, including the wearing of masks inside the building and for the use of computers, test and trace registration will be required.

It is hoped limited browsing by appointment will be phased in early next year, subject to restrictions in place.

The reopening of further branches will be reviewed and will hopefully happen in the New Year. Exact timings for all openings will be subject to staffing and updated guidance. Exact dates will be confirmed nearer the time.

For the latest information and updates, visit: www.reading.gov.uk/libraryrestart

Borrowed items are not due back until all branches are open but the Central Library and Caversham book drops are currently available and no fines are being charged.

Reading Library’s popular e-service continues to be available. The virtual Reading Library www.reading.gov.uk/elibrary   boasts an extensive range of instant access to free online resources, including eBooks, eMagazines and eAudio. New library members can register instantly online at www.reading.gov.uk/libraries  and there are lots free online learning resources at www.reading.gov.uk/online-learning

Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading’s lead councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, said: “I am delighted we are now in a position to announce the return of Tilehurst Library. Following on from the successful reopening of Central and Caversham Libraries, we are confident we can begin to reintroduce our library service elsewhere. Although we had originally hoped to open Tilehurst in November, the national lockdown meant a revision to our timetable. We are pleased we can now progress with this reopening within the new Tier 2 rules.

“I’m sure our residents in other areas of Reading will be eagerly anticipating the return of their local branches. We sincerely hope to reopen more branches in the New Year.

“As ever, with the reopening of our branches the safety of the public and our staff remains our top priority and so these services may initially look very different to before the pandemic. We need to be absolutely confident every preventative measure against the virus has been carefully thought out and implemented, to prevent any local resurgence originating at these locations.

“Don’t forget to please make a booking ahead of visiting Tilehurst, Central and Caversham Libraries,www.reading.gov.uk/libraryrestart  or by calling 0118 937 5950 to avoid disappointment.

“If you haven’t already, don’t forget to check out the library’s online offering at www.reading.gov.uk/elibrary  – the library is constantly curating and recommending new material and research pertinent to current issues. It also has very lively social media channels that are very worthy of following.”

Please note all Reading libraries will be closed for Christmas between 22 December and 3 January 2021 inclusive.