A library nearly a decade in the making is set to open in the coming months says the council.

Twyford Library was given the go-ahead in 2016, with Wokingham Borough Council giving developers permission to restore the Grade II listed Old Polehampton Boys school and convert it into a library.

Work began on the transformation in January 2023 and is now nearing competition.

It is said the library will welcome in residents this Spring, with the work "progressing well" and construction entering its final phases.

The council hope that the restoration will "breathe life" back into the historical landmark and that it will be enjoyed by the community for years to come.

Once open, it will offer access to all the usual library favourites including space for people to read, relax and study.

The new library will also benefit from a specially designed children’s area, and flexible spaces perfect for running the popular range of activities and events.

The foundations of the site were laid last year, with current works including the installation of utilities, including new electrics and plumbing.

The building has also been fitted out with an efficient underfloor heating system to help reduce the number of radiators required and maximise wall space for books and other resources.

Work on the new extension, which will offer an accessible entrance and extra library space, is progressing well with walls in place and the new roof being installed.

Due to the listed nature of the building, work also includes the restoration of the original wooden windows and refurbishment of the roof, where tiles will be removed to allow for repairs and additional insulation to be installed, before being carefully replaced to ensure the building retains its historic feel.

In order to complete these external works, the building has been surrounded with specialist scaffolding, which was approved by Network Rail, to allow contractors to work safely with the proximity of the railway line.

Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of the council said: “When I visited the site the other day, I was impressed by how quickly it’s progressed since I saw it last winter.

"The extension is nearing completion and the library is really beginning to take shape.

"It’s going to be a wonderful space, set in a beautiful building with high ceilings, historic features and lots of natural light.

“I can’t wait to share the library with people when it opens later this spring. It’s turning a new page for Twyford and I hope it will encourage people to come along and find out more about what we offer."

The new library is due to be completed around Easter, after which the contractor will hand the building over to the council ready for the library service to finish fitting out the building with the new furniture and install essential services like internet and IT.

Once this work has been completed the current library will be closed, to allow time for its contents to be boxed up and moved to the new site ready for the new Twyford Library to open.