 Looking forward to more good times in 2025
Without a doubt, we can look back on 2024 as being a memorable year for our libraries.
In addition to celebrating the 100th anniversaries of Wokingham and Wargrave libraries, we also opened the new Twyford Library.
We also hosted another successful edition of the Wokingham Children's Book Festival and our libraries have continued to provide a safe and supportive space for all residents to feel welcome.
Last year, we loaned more than 600,000 books to nearly 20,000 people. We had the privilege of hosting a range of charities and community groups, as well as events for adults and children.
We've also been able to help around 100 people since launching digital skills sessions in April.
We often say our libraries are about so much more than just books and we are very grateful to the volunteers who play a significant part in making them a wonderful asset of Wokingham Borough. Here is to another 12 months of making great memories!
Extending opening hours trial
We are pleased to say that we will be trialling longer opening hours at Wokingham Library for the next couple of months.
This means the library will be open from 8am to 7pm on weekdays, with some additional hours at weekends, including until 5pm on Saturdays and from 10am to 2pm on Sundays.
During the extended hours, the Places Leisure team will be supervising the library. As well as being a safe space for the community, you will be able to borrow and return books. The full range of library services will continue under the normal staffed hours.
 Clubs and activities for children at our libraries
LEGO Club
Do you love LEGO? So do we! Our club is open to children aged six to 12 and booking is required. We have sessions coming up at:
- Spencers Wood Library, Tuesday 7 January, 3.45pm to 4.30pm
- Lower Earley Library, Friday 10 January, 3.45pm to 4.30pm
- Wargrave Library, Saturday 11 January, 10am to 11am
- Finchampstead Library, Friday 17 January, 3.30pm to 4.30pm
P4C Club (Philosophy of Education)
This club is aimed at helping children in Key Stage 2 to develop their thinking skills and runs at Winnersh Library. The next session is taking place on Wednesday 15 January from 4pm to 4.45pm and is all about community and belonging. Booking is required via our events website.
Code Club
Is your child between the ages of nine and 13 and interested in coding? Spaces are available at Wokingham and Lower Earley libraries. Code club membership is compulsory. Please email us to find out more about this club.
 Musical sessions are now a regular fixture
We are pleased to say that we will have musical sessions at Lower Earley Library every week.
Run by Berkshire Music Trust, these will run every Friday from 3pm to 4pm, featuring old favourites and songs that you will want to sing along to.
The piano has become a much-loved asset for library users since being introduced last year.
We are very grateful to The Earley Charity, Wokingham Lions Club and Berkshire Music Trust for helping to fund it, so that everyone in the community has the opportunity to play and learn.
 Have your queries answered at digital skills sessions
Do you want help with your phone, laptop or tablet? Our volunteers will guide you through your device and the online world.
Sessions are held at libraries across the borough from 10am to 11.30am and are free to attend, with no booking required. Upcoming dates include:
- Lower Earley Library, 14 and 27 January (second Tuesday and fourth Monday of the month)
- Woodley Library, 3 and 6 February (first Monday and first Thursday of the month)
- Finchampstead Library, 10 January (second Friday of the month)
- Twyford Library, 7 February (first Friday of the month)
We initially held just two sessions a month when we launched in April, but due to increased demand, this has gone up to six sessions across four libraries.
We also have separate digital skills sessions for beginners at Wokingham Library every Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm.
In addition, the charity AbilityNet host digital skills sessions at Lower Earley Library on the fourth Friday of the month from 10am to 11.30am. Get help with apps, health trackers, online banking and more.
You can also get specific help with using the NHS app at Wokingham Library on the fourth Monday of the month from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.
To connect your devices to the library Wi-Fi network, you will need to be a registered library member. It is free to join the library and all you need is proof of address.
 Enjoy a warm drink and a friendly conversation
We host free coffee mornings at our libraries in Lower Earley, Wokingham and Woodley.
These run from 10am to 11.30am and are open to everyone. You can enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits. Join us at:
- Lower Earley Library on the fourth Friday of the month (next event 24 January)
- Wokingham Library on the fourth Thursday of the month (next event 23 January)
- Woodley Library on the second and third Thursday of the month (next events 9 and 16 January)
There is no need to book and you can have a chat with our friendly volunteers. Each session is run in partnership with the Friendship Alliance, providing a chance to tackle loneliness and improve your wellbeing.
Our cosy coffee mornings were one of the most popular activities led by volunteers las year. More than 300 people attended at least once, with most coming back for another session.
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