A time for when the new library in Reading town centre can open has been given, and what will happen to the town's toy library is set to be discussed.

A project to build a new library at Reading Borough Council's Civic Offices has been underway after the council received £8.6 million from the government.

The current library in King's Road will fully close at the start of 2026, with hopes to open the new one in the Spring of that year.

The building appeared on Rightmove in July after the council's policy committee agreed to sell it off for a developer to transform the site into 46 homes.

The Central Library is currently 'under offer' according to the property trading website.

READ MORE: Reading Central Library remains busy despite its days being numbered

Councillors are due to receive an update on the progress of the council's library service improvement programme, which includes the Central Library project.

The layout of the new Central Library has been finalised and is due to be decided soon.

Following feedback from neighbours, there will be more items in the publicly shelved areas compared to the provision in the existing library.

The situation appears to have changed following consultation, as the council's library project manager Camille James admitted the new library would have fewer books at an older people’s working group meeting in October last year.

Furthermore, it has been claimed the layout provides better space for children and families, the largest user group of the council's library services, better ICT provision, over 100 seated areas with access to power for study, a studies collection and improved toilets and security.

READ MORE: Why library in Reading town centre is being moved to council offices explained

Councillors are also due to decide on relocating the council's 'toy library' which allows parents and guardians to temporarily hire out educational toys, puzzles and games for their children.

The toy library has been running for 21 years, first being established in 2003, and was originally located in the old Southcote Library, but moved to the Central Library in 2018 after Southcote Library was moved into Southcote Community Hub.

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While the council does not have a duty to operate a toy library, it does provide the benefit of sharing toys between families.

The service is used by 132 families in a year from September 2023, with 719 loans of 261 items.

As the current Central Library is being dispensed with, the toy library will have to relocate elsewhere.

Simon Smith, the Reading libraries and museum manager, has recommended that it be relocated to the Palmer Park Leisure Centre & Stadium in East Reading.

His report states the site will provide more space for items and customers, and a better service with easier collections for customers, as feedback was given that the service is difficult to access for parents and guardians who drive.

An update on the Central Library and the proposal to move the toy library to Palmer Park will be discussed at a housing, neighbourhoods and leisure committee on Wednesday, November 13.