£500,000 Boost for Reading Libraries

Reading’s libraries have benefitted from an investment of almost £500,000 to improve the technology on offer to residents. The majority of the funds have been used in branch libraries, with all six local libraries in the borough now having upgraded computers, laptops, wi-fi, tablets, and more.

The investment is part of a £495,000 grant awarded by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The improved resources are available at Battle Library, Caversham Library, Palmer Park Library, Southcote Library, Tilehurst Library, and Whitley Library, as well as the new Central Library which opened at the Civic Centre in June.

The digital resources complement the more traditional library offer, including books to borrow with no fines, no fee reservations, study space, local history sections, Rhymetime sessions, and community events.

“Reading’s libraries play a vital role in our communities across the borough and it is important we innovate and expand services, so they continue to meet modern day demands and expectations,” said Cllr Jacopo Lanzoni, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture.

The final part of the investment will deliver self-service library cabinets at four community locations without existing library facilities around Reading. All Reading libraries are also running the Reading loves reading challenge throughout the school summer holidays, with a space themed challenge for primary school aged children and Book Bingo for teens and adults.

For more information on how to join the library and the services available, visit: https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/

Source: Reading Borough Council