Wokingham families will have plenty to do this summer after a decision to keep the existing Wokingham Library on Denmark Street open for the school summer holidays, before moving to a new home at the Carnival Hub.
After the holidays, the library will close for around a fortnight to allow books and resources to be packed up and moved across to the Hub. The new Wokingham Library @ Carnival Hub is expected to open in mid-September
Why not move to the Carnival Hub now?
The decision was made to ensure people can continue to access all the great facilities the library offers during the school holidays, which is one of the busiest times in the libraries year.
“Local families are under so much pressure at the moment, and we felt it was important that we help and support them by keeping the library open for the summer.” said Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services. “Giving them somewhere they can go with lots of free, or low cost, activities to keep the children entertained over the holidays.
“There’s always something going on at your local library, whether it’s using one of their free computers to access the internet, attending one of their talks and events, booking onto children’s story time or rhyme time sessions, taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge, or simply borrowing some of the thousands of books, CD’s or DVD’s available, it’s there for everyone to enjoy.”
What's happening in the library over the summer?
More information about events taking place in your local libraries this summer can be found on the libraries website event page. Family events planned for the coming weeks include making sand art pictures, Gadgeteers activity arts and craft sessions, rhymetime and storytime sessions, explore learning workshops, and hands on magnetic putty science workshops. The library also offers a range of creative writing workshops for young people of different ages, aimed at helping them improve their writing as well as offering regular talks from authors for inspiration and advice.
What will happen when the Denmark Street library closes so it can move to the Carnival Hub?
In the coming weeks the council will be sharing more information about the new Wokingham Library @ Carnival Hub, including opening dates for the new space, and where people can access alternative facilities whilst resources are transferred between the two buildings. This will include being able to use other libraries across the borough, as well as ongoing access to the library services digital offer, which includes thousands of online newspapers, magazines e-books and audiobooks you can download for free. You can find out more about our digital offer on our website. Overdue charges will also be suspended at Wokingham Library during the closure for the move.
When it opens in September the new Wokingham Library @ Carnival Hub will offer all the favourite facilities the current Denmark Street Library does including dedicated areas for browsing books and resources, computers and study areas, and children’s reading area, along with an exhibition area and improved meeting rooms which can be combined into one to create a bigger space. People will also be able to access information about Council services. The new layout has been designed to be as flexible as possible for a range of events and activities as well as offering improved access for all with the new library now located all on one floor.
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