Biennial House Tour draws over 200 to Reading’s most distinctive homes
The beloved fundraiser returned on Sunday, May 3, opening nine unique homes and raising $19,000 for library programs.
(2-minute read)
On Sunday, May 3, the Friends of the Reading Public Library welcomed over 200 attendees to their 23rd Biennial House Tour, an afternoon-long self-guided journey through nine of Reading’s most interesting and carefully tended homes. From newly built residences to craftsman originals, recently renovated spaces to lovingly preserved classics, each stop on the tour offered something different to admire and take home in imagination.
The tour has become a signature Reading tradition, held every other year on the first Sunday in May. This year’s edition marked the 23rd in the series, with no tours held in 2020 and 2022, making it as much a milestone as a fundraiser.
Overheard on the tour
“There’s such intelligence in all the details.”
“Amazing! Who has this type of vision?”
“Thanks for giving everyone such a beautiful treat today.”
“I would love to try that design in my home.”
“I wonder if this is original. Julia Child would love this kitchen.”
By the number
Behind the scenes, 80 host volunteers made the day run smoothly, seven florists contributed floral arrangements to the homes, and 39 local businesses placed ads in the tour program. Post 1917 Steakhouse served as the event’s underwriter.
The $19,000 raised goes directly toward funding a wide range of library programs that serve Reading residents of all ages.
Programs supported by the House Tour proceeds include: Summer Reading Program, Exam Cram, Friends Music Series, Story Times, Summer Sizzlers, Friends Author Series, and more.
The Friends hold the house tour every two years, and are already looking to May 2028 for the next edition. If you’d like to include your home on a future tour, or know of a home worth considering, the Friends would love to hear from you!
Interested in being part of the 2028 tour? Contact the Friends of the Reading Public Library at FriendsOfRPL1@gmail.com. Learn more about the Friends at FriendsOfReadingPL.org.
Thank you to all who made the House Tour a success, and the Friends are looking forward to seeing you in May 2028!
Graphic by the Friends of the Reading Public Library.
