Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all free.

Corn Exchange Newbury reopened the Old Library earlier in 2026 having repurposed and refurbished this wonderful local heritage building. The Old Library has now become a vibrant and flexible arts hub for the local community and is now officially open for workshops, classes and performances.

Local historian and former Librarian Sue Ellis will guide you round the building and talk about its history , the inner workings of the library and tell some interesting tales. You will also see the new performance and community spaces and hear about what goes on in the building now.

The Old Library Café Bar will be open before and after the tour from 9.30am – 12pm for you to sit back and take in the space with some delicious refreshments.