Reading Branch Libraries Reopening Soon

We are delighted to announce the upcoming return of three of our Reading Library branches. Following on from the successful reopening of Central Library, we are confident we can begin to reintroduce our library service elsewhere. Pre-booked browsing will soon be available at Central Library.

Working in line with current national safety guidance, we will look to manage the second planned phase of reopening of wider library services where possible and with safety at the forefront of all our plans. Our aim is to reopen three of the library service’s six branch libraries before the end of the year. This will include plans for:

• Reopening Caversham library branch in October – for limited booked sessions initially and with a reduced service;
• Reopening Tilehurst and Battle Library in late November/early December (also with a reduced service).

We will review the reopening of further branches and this will hopefully happen in the New Year. Exact timings for all openings will be subject to staffing and updated guidance and will be confirmed at a later date.

We are introducing further enhancements during October at Central Library, including:

• The reintroduction of browsing (initially by booked appointment)
• The launch of a new customer app that allows library users to self-issue books (rather than using the issue machines).

Central library customers will also see changes in how services are laid out, with the main entrance and exit returning via the front doors rather than the back of the library (except visa appointments).

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