Southcote Library

Southcote Library Manager: Liz Long

About the Library

Southcote Library, opened in 1973, is situated close to Coronation Square. It is easily accessible by several bus routes and has a car park outside the main entrance. 

Southcote is home to Reading Libraries’ award winning Toy Library, which is accessible during opening hours and is open to the public 2 days a week. Southcote, like all of Reading Libraries takes part in the children’s summer reading challenge as well as hosting various children’s events throughout the course of the year to which school and nursery groups are always welcome.
 

Services we provide

• Books – Fiction and non-fiction books for both adults and children
• Spoken word cassettes for adults and children
• Music CDs
• DVDs
• Large print books
• National and local newspapers
• Selection of magazines including Practical Internet, DVD Review and Disability Now
• Local Studies Pack on the development of the Southcote estate
• Free Internet access - 4 public terminals available plus 1 for children
• Access to the library catalogue
• Photocopier
• Fax
• Study space
• Sales – greetings cards and stamps
• Access to Toy library for the collection of large toys. The Toy Library is also open to the public on Tuesdays from 9.30am - 12.30pm and on Thursdays from 2.00pm - 6pm.

Events

The following are free events:

• Storytime : Thursday 11.00-11.30 (with rhymes)
• Rhymetime: Friday, 10.30-11.00 These sessions need to be booked in advance - please contact Southcote library to confirm your place.
• Southcote Library also runs a Dads only rhymetime session.  Please contact the library for more information.
• Children's Library Club for children 7 to 9 years old.  Come and hear stories and play board games.    It is held on the second Tuesday each month from 4 to 5 pm.   Parents will need to fill in a form so the contact details can be kept.

• Children's Book Club for children 9 to 12 years old. It is held on the last Tuesday each month from 4.15 to 5.15 pm.  Parents will need to fill in a form so the contact details can be kept.
• Adult Book Club is held on the 2nd Friday each month from 10.30 to 11.30 am. Please contact the library for more information.

• Coffee/tea afternoons are held on the last Friday each month from 2.15, most meetings have a guest speaker. Please contact the library for more information.
• 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

By BUS:
Southcote Library can be visited using bus numbers 14, 25, 44 & 45

By CAR:
A car park is available for customers at the side of the library.

There is a wheelchair access at the front entrance.

Contact details

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