Reading Libraries

Available as both a reference and lending book, this covers soil types, drainage and uses of the land in West Berkshire, and is by L.R. Lewis. #ReadingLocalHistory

Southcote Junction Signal Box, looking north-eastwards, 1961. The Reading Central (Coley) Goods line is in the background, and the lines to Newbury and Basingstoke are in front. Taken by Mr. A. H. Spring. #ReadingLocalHistory

All Reading Libraries are closed this Easter Weekend. All our Libraries will be closed from Friday 3rd April and will reopen on Tuesday 7th April. No items will be due back during the time we are closed. A Drop Box will be available at the Central Library only.

This book by Peg Hope-Jones recounts her time running a teashop in Eton High Street with a lady called Chloe, which became a centre for Eton Society. It was published in 1978 after being serialised by BBC's Woman's Hour. #ReadingLocalHistory

This photo shows the entrance (on the left) to Spring Gardens recreation ground on Whitley Street, Reading. It appears that the houses are no longer there, but there is still a recreation ground accessed from Spring Terrace. #ReadingLocalHistory

This book by Martin Andrews and Robert Gillmor, looks at the life and work of local teacher and artist, Allen W. Seaby, who had a particular love for the natural world. The cover is just one example of his beautiful work. At Reading Library (R/TU/SEA). #ReadingLocalHistory

Today's photo has an interesting background - it was found in a garden shed in Cardigan Road, Reading in 1999, and shows a newly married couple standing at the foot of a staircase, both are beautifully dressed for the occasion. Can anyone put a name to them? #ReadingLocalHistory

Looking at places and buildings on and around the river Thames, this little book is available to borrow from Reading Central Library, at BC/D. #ReadingLocalHistory

Central Library Coffee Morning Monday 16th March 11am - 12pm Reading Men's Mental Health Service Together for Mental Wellbeing has free mental health support for adults, one to one wellbeing sessions, men only group workshops and signposting to other services. FREE, drop-in.

The 11am Rhymetime session at Whitley Library is cancelled this morning. There are alternative sessions at the Central Library at 10.15am and 11.15am and at Palmer Park Library at 10.30am. These sessions are drop-in - need to book. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Charvil Lane, Sonning, with Spring Cottages to the left, c. 1930. One of many postcards we have by H. A. Giles, this one is captioned, "Sonning on Thames, " and numbered 39. #ReadingLocalHistory

The front cover of this book shows the Reading waggon by Dunton, 1919. Dunton's were vardo builders based in Reading. There is a miniature caravan in Battle Library today which is a similar design. #ReadingLocalHistory

Spring is coming, so this month enjoy some 'spring' based photos, starting with this one from Reading Children's Library, in Blagrave St., back in 1985. There is a decorative mural display on the subject of spring on the wall to the right. #ReadingLocalHistory

Central library has now re-opened after the area power failure this morning. We apologise once again for the inconvenience.

Full of facts and stories of people and places around Berkshire, this book by Stuart Hylton was published in 2014, and is available from most of Reading's libraries. #ReadingLocalHistory

Central library is currently closed due to an area power failure, we are waiting for a visit from SSE and will reopen later if the fault fixed, apologies for the inconvenience

Reading Central Library is hosting the Welcome to Reading Info Hub on Saturday 28th February from 11am to 1pm. Join us at this friendly drop-in and find out about services and events in the local area, all welcome - free refreshments provided. Abbey Square RG1 3BQ

Our 2.00pm Rhymetime session is cancelled at Tilehurst Library this afternoon, Thursday 26th February. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Another popular topic is Reading pubs, here we have The White Horse public house, No. 5 Kidmore End Road, Emmer Green, Caversham, taken sometime around 1980. #ReadingLocalHistory

Malcolm Summers is a local author, and here he looks at Reading's Grey Friars, who have links both to the Abbey and Greyfriars Church. Find it on the shelves at Caversham or Reading Libraries. #ReadingLocalHistory