Library closes for refurbishment

A Berkshire library will undergo a complete refurbishment after being awarded nearly £1.5m of lottery cash.

Battle Library in Oxford Road, Reading, will use the Big Lottery Fund cash to turn the facility into a "focal point for the community".

A larger and brighter children's library, a new meeting room, exhibition space, toilets, cafe and community garden will be created.

The library has closed for the work and will re-open next summer.

The revamped Battle Library, which was originally constructed in 1907, will also use a "greener" form of heating system using wood chips.

The transformation will include a play area for youngsters with a messy play corner, story telling wall and space for children's events.

There will also be baby clinics and parenting classes, a breastfeeding centre, job-seeker sessions and a community art gallery space.