Central Library

About the Library

Reading Central Library has something for everyone. Whether you want to find a good read, information on your family history or information on a particular topic we will do our best to help!

Reading has had a Central Public Library for over 100 years, and as a result, has a rich collection of old periodicals, reference and local history material. From 1883 until 1985, Reading's Central Public Library was in Blagrave Street,  moving in 1985 to its existing location in Abbey Square. This location is on a site that was partly within the precincts of Reading Abbey, and is believed to be built where the stables were located. A more detailed history of the location can be seen on the Central Library history page.
 

Services we provide

Arranged over four floors, accessed by lift and stairs, you will find:

• Books – Fiction and non-fiction books, including a Bestsellers collection
• A separate children's library
• Spoken word cassettes and CDs
• Music CDs
• DVDs
• Videos
• Large print books
• Books in other languages - Bengali, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Spanish and Urdu
• National and local newspapers
• A wide range of magazines
• Music scores
• Free Internet access - 46 public terminals available
• Word Processors
• Access to the library catalogue
• Photocopier
• Fax
• Study space
• Notice boards containing information on local events in and around Reading
• Sales – greetings cards, postcards, stamps, pens and reading glasses
• Parents and carers can join the Toy Library and reserve and collect toys at Central Library

A Learndirect centre is located on the 2nd floor of Central Library. To find out more about Learndirect, please go to their website http://www.learndirect.co.uk/ or telephone 0118 959 1197.

For a detailed guide to Central Library and the services that we provide, click on the Services button.

Events

• Storytime : times can be found here
• We have an annual Summer Reading Challenge run every year during school summer holidays
• For other one-off events see the News section of the website

Access

Central Library is located a few minutes walk from the town centre

By BUS:
The main bus route for Reading Central Library is the No. 17, which stops just outside Jackson’s Department Store.

By CAR:
The nearest car parks to Central Library are Queens Road Car Park and the Oracle Car Park. For disabled customers there are several parking places for orange badge holders opposite the main entrance.

Contact details

There are several ways for you to contact us at Reading Central Library.