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Plans for Winnersh library to be relocated came under scrutiny at Wokingham borough council this week.
Notes for the meeting said: “Local libraries provide a trusted, accessible space that supports children’s development, strengthens early literacy and school readiness, and offers free access to books, digital resources and high-quality early years activities.
“They play a vital role in reducing inequalities by reaching families experiencing in-work poverty, housing insecurity and low engagement with services, while also helping to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing for residents of all ages.
“They also foster social connection, digital inclusion and lifelong learning, and deliver strong social value through improved outcomes and cost avoidance across the wider public sector.”
The scrutiny committee noted the need to relocate Winnersh library from the Forest School site, and a longer term solution to maintain library provision within the area.
There is a need to relocate Winnersh Library from its current position within the Forest School grounds, due to safeguarding risks. The current facility is only open 11 hours per week.
The pupil intake at the school has risen, and as a result have an increased need for space to support children’s education.
For these reasons, notes to the committee said: “The move is something that we must do to meet the needs of the community …”
In December 2024, a focus group was formed to explore options for a move and to assess the need for library provision in the Winnersh area.
The group consisted of residents and stakeholders from Winnersh parish council and Forest school.
It conducted a needs assessment analysing library usage data, local demographics, and socioeconomic factors.
This insight was used to inform discovery work around a suitable relocation. in Winnersh, with a preference for a smaller, local facility that complements the wider borough’s library offer.
The council’s financial constraints were identified as a key consideration in terms of what options were possible for reprovision.
Due to the immediate need to relocate, alternative options were sought.
The focus group concluded that the move could be conducted in phases:
1. Relocate a micro library at Rainbow Park community and children’s centre
2. Evaluate impact and outcomes for the community within the centre
3. Working with Winnersh parish council to explore opportunities to move to a more permanent location at Winnersh community centre.
The focus group identified three options which were formally consulted on:
1. The closure of current library without providing a replacement
2. To close the existing provision at the school and wait until opportunities were explored for new library provision within the Winnersh Community Centre
3. A temporary library at Rainbow community centre whilst future provision is explored.
Consultation results from 195 surveys showed community support for maintaining a library in Winnersh, with 55.9% of respondents agreeing to a temporary library solution.
There was majority support for a temporary library at Rainbow Park community and children’s centre, with a commitment to monitor and review impact and outcomes of the Rainbow provision to inform future direction to best meet the needs of the Winnersh community, whilst staying within budget constraints.
Overall, the findings highlighted a community desire for continued library services, with further consideration needed to determine the most feasible long-term solution.
Agreement in principle has been reached between Wokingham borough council and Forest School for the surrender of the lease at Winnersh library, with the building to be accepted in its current condition subject to agreed routine maintenance door works.
The timescale for the proposed move and logistical requirements being met run from early- to mid-April 2026, maximising the opportunity of school closure during the Easter holiday period to minimise disruption to staff and students.
