New £8 Million Library Opens in Reading

Reading has a new £8m central library after a major refit at the council's civic offices in Bridge Street, moving town-centre services there.

The library houses more than 60,000 books, free computers and IT, plus other public facilities.

Liz Terry, leader of Reading Borough Council, opened the space with two ribbon cuttings and a memorial plaque.

MPs Matt Rodda (Reading Central) and Olivia Bailey (Reading West and Mid Berkshire) attended the launch.

Council chief executive Jackie Yates thanked staff and the public for patience during the build, including work to install and bed in a new decarbonised heating system.

The library and other improvements were funded after a successful bid for £8 million of Levelling Up money from the previous Conservative government.

Mayor Paul Gittings praised councillors and officers for securing the funding, highlighted his ABC to Read charity and noted 2026 is the National Year of Reading.

The opening took place on Thursday 18 June.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter