Reading Libraries

To all customers – please see here for information regarding the new Central Library at the Civic Centre – we will see you there from 18 June rdguk.info/TtQ9o

Back in the early 1900s Reading had its own roller rink in the centre of town at 39-40 West Street, and this was taken at the opening day in May 1910. The library has more photos of this on it's website, which came from the Reading Standard newspaper. #ReadingLocalHistory

The count-down is on! Our Reading loves reading, reading mission for children, teens and adults launches Sat 23 May with events and crafts through half term at Libraries rdguk.info/Children_s_Fes… The mission for children is to read 6 books over three visits to the library.

Saturday 9 May : Whitley library will be closed due to staff sickness – apologies for any inconvenience caused. Any items due back have been extended by three weeks until 30 May. We do not charge fines. All other Reading Libraries will be open as normal.

This years' Reading loves reading launches at your local Reading library on Saturday 23 May and runs until Saturday 12 September. Watch this space!

This fancy dress line up features children from the Norcot Road area of Tilehurst celebrating VE Day in 1945. Lines have been marked out in the grass for races, and there looks to be an upright piano in the background for music! #ReadingLocalHistory

At the time of posting we've had a few lovely spring days unlike here where three Reading Corporation Tramways vehicles face eastwards in King's Road, April 1908, waiting to be dug out of the snow, opposite the Lodge Hotel. Men with shovels are in evidence. #ReadingLocalHistory

Written by Candida Lycett Green, this looks at one year in her life - 1949 - when she was a child. The blurb says that she combines her memories with fiction to create a book with a love of the English countryside. This was published in 2005. #ReadingLocalHistory

This is a brass band march eastwards down Gosbrook Street (later Gosbrook Road), Caversham. Part of the caption is missing, but appears to read '...... Band, Caversham, April, **, Taylor', and is of the Church Parade that took place on 18th April 1909. #ReadingLocalHistory

This book by John Collins, looks at the Reverend John Aldworth and his parish of East Lockinge, from 1684-1729. Now in Oxfordshire, this was in Berkshire until the boundary changes of 1974. On the shelves at BWS/DU on the 2nd floor of Reading Library. #ReadingLocalHistory

Central Library Coffee Morning Monday 20th April 11am - 12pm Berkshire Vision Charity Living with sight loss? Come for a chat to find out how local charity, Berkshire Vision, can support you and help you maintain your independence. All welcome. FREE, just drop in.

Library services will be unavailable from Central Library, Kings Road from Mon 11 May while we move to our new home at the Civic Offices, Bridge Street, RG1 2LU. The new Central Library will open summer 2026. Hope to see you there! More information here rdguk.info/W1i8p

Here we have new council houses under construction on the Whitley Housing Estate, the first council houses to be built after WWII in 1946. From the Reading Chronicle, 12 April 1946, and later used in the book by Susan Read, "Reading in the News, ". #ReadingLocalHistory

You may have seen the photo of New Road we posted back in January, well here is a book all about the history of it. Written by Adam Sowan, published in 2016 and titled A Quiet and Intimate Road, we have a reference and lending copy of this. #ReadingLocalHistory

Reading Central Library is hosting the Welcome to Reading Info Hub on Saturday 11th April 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

This month we are looking at things happening around the town in Aprils past. First up is the opening ceremony at Kendrick Girls' School, London Road, Reading, 1st April 1927. The Mayor Councillor W. H. Short, is in the centre with the Duchess of Atholl. #ReadingLocalHistory

Reading Central Library is hosting the Welcome to Reading Info Hub on Saturday 11th April 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

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.