£40m Reading university library revamp approved

The exterior of the library will be reclad

A £40m refurbishment of a library at the University of Reading has been approved by its council.

The new look with a reclad exterior will increase space for study, improve access and upgrade the service for borrowing and returning books.

The library will remain operational to students during the redevelopment, with work due to be completed by the end of 2019.

No building work will take place during exam periods.

Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell said: "Our Library has never been a static, sepulchral space. It has continued to evolved over its 50-year history."

Planning permission for the project was granted by Reading Borough Council in December.