Reading Libraries@readinglibrary

Reading Borough Public Libraries

 Reading, Berkshire, UK
reading.gov.uk/libraries
Joined July 2009
2,190 Photos and videos
And finally - a look at alleys wouldn't be complete without Union Street or "Smelly Alley", taken c. 1975 (now less 'fragrant' than it used to be). The sign of H. Samuel, jeweller, can be seen to the left, Friar St is at the far end. Photo Peter Southerton. #ReadingLocalHistory
A grainy, black-and-white street scene of a busy Reading shopping arcade with pedestrians walking away from the camera.

ALT A grainy, black-and-white street scene of a busy Reading shopping arcade with pedestrians walking away from the camera.

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Join us at Tilehurst library tomorrow for this event to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.
Flyer for an Ovacome ovarian cancer awareness event at Tilehurst Library on 24 September 2026, 3pm to 5pm.

ALT Flyer for an Ovacome ovarian cancer awareness event at Tilehurst Library on 24 September 2026, 3pm to 5pm.
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This is one of a series of images we have of the mural Between Two Waters by Commando Jugendstil, also referred to as the Holy Brook Nook. The mural includes historical scenes and local wildlife. It is under the A33 near Brook Street west. #ReadingLocalHistory
A mural titled 'Between Two Waters' on the wall of a lit pedestrian underpass.

ALT A mural titled 'Between Two Waters' on the wall of a lit pedestrian underpass.
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Looking for half-term fun? Farnham Maltings is proud to present a bold new adaptation of The Tailor of Gloucester inspired by the tale by Beatrix Potter. Reading Central library, Wed 28 Oct, 11:30 & 14:30 Book at rdguk.info/0S5Yt For 4+, all must be seated.
A promotional poster for a musical version of The Tailor of Gloucester featuring a mouse playing a pink electric guitar.

ALT A promotional poster for a musical version of The Tailor of Gloucester featuring a mouse playing a pink electric guitar.
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Part of No. 2 Mount Pleasant, Reading, The Greyhound public house. Then comes the yard, with a pathway leading to Hawk Cottages, and to the right is the side of No. 68 Silver Street, occupied by The Fairway Press. Taken in the 1980s by Terry Allsop. #ReadingLocalHistory
A black and white street scene featuring a car driving past buildings and a wooden fence

ALT A black and white street scene featuring a car driving past buildings and a wooden fence

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Family Ballet Workshop Saturday 19th Sept - 11-11.45 Reading Central Library Join us for this fun workshop for 3-5 year olds. BOOK NOW! Celebrating Black British Ballet. Email info@readinglibraries.gov.uk to book. Successful bookings will receive a confirmation email.
A group of children and adults sitting on a library floor participating in a family ballet stretching workshop.

ALT A group of children and adults sitting on a library floor participating in a family ballet stretching workshop.
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Rhymetime at 10.30am is cancelled at Palmer Park library this morning. As an alternative there are drop-in sessions at the Central library at 10.15am and 11.15am. We apologise for any inconvenience.
A group of children with hands raised in a library setting, with text announcing the cancellation of Rhymetime.

ALT A group of children with hands raised in a library setting, with text announcing the cancellation of Rhymetime.
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We are wandering round a few alleys and underpasses this month starting with a sign that can be still be seen (under some graffiti these days) in an alleyway off West Street, near no. 11. Fortescues started their business around 1897. #ReadingLocalHistory
A faded vintage sign on a red brick wall reading 'FORTESCUE BROS LTD CYCLE MAKERS'.

ALT A faded vintage sign on a red brick wall reading 'FORTESCUE BROS LTD CYCLE MAKERS'.
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Finishing up with another of Terry Allsop's photos - Reading Station, seen from the Foster Wheeler building (later called Thames Tower), c. 1975. The view is across Station Square, with the statue of King Edward VII in the left foreground. #ReadingLocalHistory
A black and white photo of Reading Station, seen from height. There is a statue in the foreground, and cars are parked by the station.

ALT A black and white photo of Reading Station, seen from height. There is a statue in the foreground, and cars are parked by the station.
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Family Ballet Workshop Saturday 19th Sept - 11-11.45 Reading Central Library Join us for this fun workshop for 3-5 year olds. Reserve a place now! Celebrating Black British Ballet. Email info@readinglibraries.gov.uk to book. Successful bookings will receive a confirmation email.
A group of children and adults sitting on a library floor participating in a family ballet stretching workshop.

ALT A group of children and adults sitting on a library floor participating in a family ballet stretching workshop.
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Join us at Central Library for the Welcome to Reading Info Hub on Saturday 29th August from 11am to 1pm. Find out about services and activities in the area. Our friendly hosts are available to chat, free refreshments provided. Located at the Civic Centre, Bridge Street, RG1 2LU.
Seven colourful pots spelling 'WELCOME' against a green wall, with Reading Libraries branding in the corners.

ALT Seven colourful pots spelling 'WELCOME' against a green wall, with Reading Libraries branding in the corners.
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The newsagent's shop of Rogers and Shergold, No. 4 London Street, Reading, c. 1975. This building is now part of the London Street Brasserie - the single storey section on the left is now two storey, and the large window has been altered. #ReadingLocalHistory
A colour photo of a newsagents shop from the 1970s. The walls are creamy yellow, with orangey-brown window frames

ALT A colour photo of a newsagents shop from the 1970s. The walls are creamy yellow, with orangey-brown window frames
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There is still time to complete your Reading loves reading , space themed challenge! Finishers who have read six books can pick up a certificate and small prize plus enter into the draw for a LEGO kit! Collect your rewards at any Reading library.
A cartoon rocket with a yellow alien pilot flying through space, with text reading 'Reading loves reading 2026'.

ALT A cartoon rocket with a yellow alien pilot flying through space, with text reading 'Reading loves reading 2026'.
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Family Ballet Workshop Saturday 19th Sept - 11-11.45 Reading Central Library Join us for this fun workshop for 3-5 year olds. Reserve a place now! Celebrating Black British Ballet. Email info@readinglibraries.gov.uk to book. Successful bookings will receive a confirmation email.
A group of children and adults sitting on a library floor participating in a family ballet stretching workshop.

ALT A group of children and adults sitting on a library floor participating in a family ballet stretching workshop.
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These boys are cycling over the small wooden footbridge linking View and Heron islands, to Hills Meadow - hopefully the cameraman moved out of the way in time! #ReadingLocalHistory
A black and white photo of a boy on a bike coming down a small wooden footbridge towards the camera

ALT A black and white photo of a boy on a bike coming down a small wooden footbridge towards the camera
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Due to the excessive heat expected today, activity sessions at Caversham and Tilehurst libraries have been cancelled. The Home Library service has also cancelled the normal routes.
An announcement that activities at Caversham and Tilehurst Libraries are cancelled today, with a book in the foreground.

ALT An announcement that activities at Caversham and Tilehurst Libraries are cancelled today, with a book in the foreground.

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Monday 10 August - Apologies, there is an issue with our main catalogue link, please use this one if you need to log in until fixed - rdguk.info/bWdMd
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This is another of Terry Allsop's photos, this time of the Fisherman's Cottage public house in Kennet Side, Reading, seen from across the river, c. 1975. It is still there, but has added a conservatory for additional seating where the white doors are. #ReadingLocalHistory
Black and white photo of a pub, seen from across a canal. People walk past it on the path.

ALT Black and white photo of a pub, seen from across a canal. People walk past it on the path.
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THURSDAY 6 AUGUST : READING CENTRAL LIBRARY : Our apologies, due to staff sickness we are unable to run the planned craft session at Reading today - the list of all activities at all libraries is here rdguk.info/wbrpU
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As it's the warmest summer since 1976 we are heading back into the 70s with this months photo selection starting with the Reading Emporium on Merchant's Place in 1974, a great vintage store before vintage was a thing! Taken by photographer Terry Allsop. #ReadingLocalHistory
A black and white photo of the entrance to a vintage store, various items can be seen in the foreground, including two small fir trees.

ALT A black and white photo of the entrance to a vintage store, various items can be seen in the foreground, including two small fir trees.
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