The main library in Reading remains a busy hub for people to read, study, print, access the internet and more despite its days being numbered. 

Reading Central Library was opened in 1985 as a public place to read, study and get advice. 

At ground level, there are fiction and picture books and a children's reading area, with non-fiction books being available on the first floor. 

Services provided include access to computers, printing, free wifi and self-service book hirings. 

The library is owned by Reading Borough Council. Members of the council's policy committee agreed to put it up for sale in June, as it is engaged in an £8 million project to move the library services to the civic offices in Bridge Street. 

The library was busy during a visit on Friday, September 6. Around 43 people were on the first floor where the computers and shared learning space is located. 

More people were queuing for the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services. 

Amjad Hussain, 67, from Addington Road said visiting the library is easy, and did not predict that the move would have much of an impact on his usage. 

He did notethat the current library is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. 

Amjad Hussain, 67, who visits the Reading Central Library to read newspapers and use the computers.Amjad Hussain, 67, who visits the Reading Central Library to read newspapers and use the computers. (Image: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service)

A woman said that she visits three times a week to use the computers. 

As she lives in the town centre, the woman also said the move won't make a difference to her when it takes place. 

Work on the new library at the civic offices is due to be completed in Spring 2025, but no date has been set yet. 

An advert for the current Central Library site appeared on Rightmove in July. 

The advert states the building will be sold with vacant possession, which will be achieved in Quarter 1 (January-March) of 2026.

The building has been identified for conversion into 46 flats. 

The council has been criticised for 'poor maintenance' of the library building, with someone providing a photo of dust accumulating at one of the windows. 

On inspection, dust was seen trapped between a glass double-glazed window on the first floor.

Upstairs, one of the windows was seen worse for wear. 

Signs of some wear and tear for one of the windows on the top level of the Reading Central Library.Signs of some wear and tear for one of the windows on the top level of the Reading Central Library. (Image: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service)

The spokesperson said: “The existing Central Library on the King’s Road is well-used but in a dated building which is set over three floors, making accessibility challenging and modernisation difficult without significant investment.

“The ambition is to create an inviting accessible space over two floors for residents to borrow books, work, study and access the web, with better facilities including desks with power points.

“The new library location at the Civic offices remains close to bus routes, is accessible to pedestrians and is in a familiar location.”