Reading residents get more ways to use local libraries

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-07-30 10:14 3 min read

A woman and young boy reading a book together in a library setting.

Nearly £500,000 is being used to expand digital access across Reading’s libraries, giving residents more options for work, study, leisure and staying connected.

The investment comes from a £495,000 grant awarded by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. While some funding supported the new Reading Central Library at the Civic Centre, most has gone to the borough’s six branch libraries.

What residents can now use at Reading libraries

Battle, Caversham, Palmer Park, Southcote, Tilehurst and Whitley libraries now have upgraded public PCs, laptops with data that can be taken home and tablets for use on site.

The branches also offer wi-fi, wi-fi printing and printing from home. Screens displaying information and event details have been added, alongside interactive floors or tables at the relevant locations.

These services sit alongside the traditional library offer, including books to borrow without fines, free reservations, study space, local history sections, Rhymetime sessions and community events.

Reading residents get more ways to use local libraries

Key points

Laptops with data can be taken home, while tablets are available on site
Residents can use wi-fi, wi-fi printing and printing from home
The new Central Library at the Civic Centre is also part of the wider investment
Self-service library cabinets are planned for four community locations without existing library facilities

Branch libraries complement the new Central Library

Reading’s new Central Library opened at the Civic Centre in June. The branch improvements are intended to provide access to digital services closer to where residents live, while the central site offers additional resources.

The council says the investment reflects the role libraries play as community spaces as well as places to borrow books. Residents can use them for study, work and leisure, or attend events and spend time in a shared public space.

Cllr Jacopo Lanzoni, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said the borough wanted its libraries to continue meeting modern needs while retaining their community role.

“Residents can access services in their area which they can use for leisure, work or study,” he said.

Four more community locations are due to get library cabinets

The final part of the investment will provide self-service library cabinets at four community locations that do not currently have library facilities.

The source announcement does not identify those locations or give a delivery date, so residents will need to wait for further details before using the cabinets.

All Reading libraries are also running the Reading Loves Reading challenge during the 2026 school summer holidays. Primary school-aged children can take part in a space-themed challenge, while teenagers and adults can join Book Bingo. Certificates and prizes are available, and participants must be library members.

Source: Reading Borough Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source check

The article was checked against Reading Borough Council’s published announcement about the library technology investment.

Checks

Confirmed the £495,000 grant amount and funding sources
Checked the six named branch libraries receiving upgrades
Separated confirmed technology available now from the planned library cabinets
Recorded the June opening of the new Central Library and the summer reading challenge

Reading Borough Council News Check local library context