First look inside Wokingham Library at the Carnival Hub

The resource will move from its home in Denmark Street, which closes on September 3, to the Wokingham leisure centre.

A kilometre of book shelving will be accompanied by computers, a children’s area, exhibitions and meeting rooms.

Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for resident services, said: “We’re really pleased to be opening this new library space.

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“It’s been designed to create a much more user friendly and accessible space for everyone whilst still retaining the great services we know people love to use.

“We spent a lot of time asking people what they wanted to see from the new library and are confident that people will love what they find when they come along to visit.

“We’re also hoping we will attract a whole new range of users to find out more about their local library now it’s open as part of the Carnival Hub.”

Access to the Denmark Street library will end at 4pm on September 3 and residents will be able to access the new library from 1.30pm on opening day.

There will be areas for those wishing to study or carry out research in the library, including group study spaces and a bank of individual study booths to give people more privacy.

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There will be  soft seating and breakout areas with tables and chairs for those looking to relax whilst they read, along with a new area specially designed for teenagers to enjoy.

The space has been designed to adapt to events like arts and crafts, writing workshops, lectures, community groups, children’s activities and drop-in sessions on everything from making the most of your technology, to learning about family history.

The space is more accessible than the building in Denmark Street, with all the facilities located on one floor and access to improved disabled toilets and a changing spaces facility available within the Hub.

Families visiting will also benefit from a new buggy parking area.

During the fortnight Wokingham library is closed, members will be able to use other libraries across the borough, as well as ongoing access to the library digital services.

Overdue charges will also be suspended at Wokingham Library during the closure for the move.

After the opening date, Wokingham Library at the Carnival Hub will revert to the usual opening hours of Monday and Tuesday’s 9.30am to 5pm, Wednesday 9.30am to 4pm, Thursdays 9.30am to 7pm, Fridays 9.30am to 5pm and Saturdays 9.30am to 4pm.

The library remains closed on a Sunday, although opening hours are being kept under review to assess whether moving to the Hub has an impact on visitor patterns to the new space. 

No decisions have been made about the future of the Denmark Street site.