Coronavirus

Due to the COVID-19 situation, some of the organisations listed on this site have posted service updates and will continue doing so. Many phone lines and websites are still available, however some contact details may have changed. Try the organisation's own website if you're having difficulty getting through.

If you have any queries, please email us at dos@reading.gov.uk or fis@reading.gov.uk

Central Library

Central, Caversham and Tilehurst libraries are open on reduced hours and by appointment - please see www.reading.gov.uk/libraryrestart or call 0118 937 5950 for latest information. Our online library is available at www.reading.gov.uk/elibrary

Services we provide:

Books - fiction and non-fiction, adult and children, large print
Books in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, German, Gujarati, Italian, Marathi, Nepali, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tamil and Urdu
Spoken word CDs and cassettes
Music CDs
DVDs
Local studies library
National and local newspapers
Wide range of magazines
Photocopier
Free Internet access and Wi-Fi
Music scores
Vocal and play sets
Study space
Toy Library

Use Reading Libraries Online Learning to practise the Driving Theory and Citizenship tests. Follow the link for the full list of online learning services.

You are welcome into any of our libraries to read a newspaper, join our rhymetimes for pre-school children or work on your own. Internet & wi-fi are free, but you must have a library card. Bring proof of signature to sign up. If you also bring proof of address, you can borrow books, CDs and DVDs. Sign up online for ebooks.

Throughout the school holidays activities arranged for children and families see website for more details.

Who to contact

Telephone: 0118 9015950
Website: www.reading.gov.uk/libraries

Where to go

Address: Reading Central Library
Abbey Square
Reading
Postcode: RG1 3BQ

Time / Date Details

When is it on: Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday; closed Wednesdays, Sundays and bank holidays & Wednesdays
Time of day: Morning
Afternoon
Session Information: Monday: 10am- 5pm
Tuesday: 10am - 7pm
Thursday: 10am - 7pm
Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 3pm
Sunday & Bank Holidays: Closed

Other Details

Costs

Is there a charge for using this service?: No

Ratings

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This information has been collected from third party providers therefore the Reading Services Guide, Reading Borough Council (RBC) and Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of this information and recommends that parents, carers, young people, residents and professionals check with providers regarding DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) and OFSTED registrations and CQC registrations. Information collected by Reading Service Guide; is used solely to implement and supply the Family Information Service (FIS), Special Educational Needs & Disabilities - Reading's Local Offer, Adults & Carers Support Group and Reading Youth.