Reading's Central Library at Abbey Square, open since 1985, is set to close after 41 years. Its services and facilities will move to Reading Borough Council's civic centre in Bridge Street.
The council's website says library services will be unavailable from the Central Library from Monday, May 11. The new library will open in the summer of 2026.
The move is funded by £8.6 million awarded under the previous Conservative government's Levelling Up scheme.
The council began a sales process for the Central Library in June 2024; the building could be converted or replaced to provide housing.
Micky Leng (Labour, Whitley), lead councillor for assets, said:
"My commitment [is] to get affordable homes in the town centre. Years ago, it was quite cheap to live in the town centre.
"I lived in the town centre just up the road up above the nightclub Poonana, I want to see affordable homes of all types. That area just happens to be a lovely area, and wouldn't it be great to get some sort of housing there?
"But it may not be possible, and we have to work within the parameters that we've got. We are committed to putting homes there, but that may not be possible. We've got to leave our options open."
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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