Reading Central Library could move or be refurbished, as the council considers the ‘tired’ building’s future.

The council says many parts of the building are either at the end of their life or very tired and the library “does not currently provide an attractive environment for customers, despite the ongoing best efforts of library staff and piecemeal changes over the years”.

The library, which is on the corner of Abbey Square and King's Road in the town centre, opened in 1985 and has never undergone full refurbishment.

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One of the busiest council buildings in Reading, Reading Central Library welcomed over 200,000 visitors a year pre-Covid, providing services over three floors and generating more than £300,000 per year in income.

A report from the council has outlined the issues and how they could be addressed ahead of a meeting on Wednesday, July 7 where councillors are set to approve a consultation on the proposals.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) wants to provide better working and studying areas, better lighting and a better layout, as well as reconfiguring staff areas.

To do this, it says the building either needs a full refurbishment and reconfiguring to make best use of the space or the library will need to relocate, as the current situation “is not sustainable or desirable”.

Reading Chronicle: Councillor Karen Rowland is lead member for Culture, Heritage and Recreation and responsible for librariesCouncillor Karen Rowland is lead member for Culture, Heritage and Recreation and responsible for libraries

The council says there are also issues in and around the building with antisocial behaviour which any proposed change should seek to address.

RBC has set aside more than £1 million in its capital budget to either refurbish or create a new central library in Reading.

As part of a consultation on the future of library services in the town, the council will ask residents and customers what they would like to see from the town’s flagship library.

The consultation will not include any potential locations, as the council will determine options by assessing its property portfolio.

RBC says any changes to Reading Central Library will be informed by and help deliver the net zero carbon plan and energy reductions the council has committed to.

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It says these climate commitments will also reduce ongoing costs, improve efficiency and reduce energy requirements.

Additionally, the council is reconsidering its home visiting library service, which delivers library stock to those who are unable to visit a library building.

The service stopped during the March-July 2020 lockdown and restarted in August 2020 with some changes.

Most customers are visited at their homes by staff or volunteers in a delivery vehicle, while some were previously visited by a larger vehicle which allows customers to board and choose books.

The larger vehicle has not been used since March 2020 and the council is now considering, and will consult on, removing it from the service and providing the direct-to-home service with smaller vehicles for all.