Reading Central Library in RG1 has something for everyone. Whether you want to find a good read, information on your family history or information on a particular topic we will do our best to help!

Reading has had a Central Public Library for over 100 years, and as a result, has a rich collection of old periodicals, reference and local history material. From 1883 until 1985, Reading's Central Public Library was in Blagrave Street,  moving in 1985 to its existing location in Abbey Square. This location is on a site that was partly within the precincts of Reading Abbey, and is believed to be built where the stables were located.

Battle was the first library to be built by Reading Borough. A striking structure, funded in part by Andrew Carnegie, Battle has provided a unique landmark for the local community since 1908 and is a grade II listed building. It has always played an important part in the lives of local residents, serving as a hospital in WWI and as an air raid depot in WWII. Today Battle library provides a venue for various activities and organisations such as Baby Clinic run in partnership with Reading Primary Care Trust and ESOL classes run by Reading Adult College.