Designs for town's new central library released

The library's courtyard shows desk space and stairs up to the library's first floor

Images showing how a town's new "big, bright and beautiful" central library could look have been released.

Reading Borough Council is building a new library in the Civic Centre in Bridge Street, which will open in spring 2026 and replace the current central library in Kings Road.

It wants residents to give their views about what they most value so they can be reflected in the final building.

It will include specific areas for children, teenagers, local history study and quiet study.

The library will have a local history area, the council said

"I am so excited to share these designs for our fantastic new library. It is going to be big, bright, and beautiful," Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Council's lead councillor for leisure and culture, said.

"The designs include features suggested by library users, including informal seating for teens and better equipped spaces for people to study and work.

"But we don't only want your opinions on the layout and furnishings. We also want you to tell us which elements of our library service are most important to you, so we can ensure our libraries are delivering for everyone in our town."

Residents can fill out an online form here or fill out a paper form at any of the town's libraries before 26 July.