Reading Public Library celebrates library terrace opening and Foundation’s 30th anniversary
(3-minute read)
The Reading Public Library (RPL) marked two milestones on the evening of Thursday, June 4, 2026, as the Reading Public Library Foundation hosted a 30th anniversary reception ahead of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the library’s new outdoor terrace. Approximately 50 residents, library staff, and community members gathered for the celebration, which began at 6 pm and culminated in a ribbon cutting at 7 pm.
RPLF Chairperson Pat Egan addresses foundation members, alumni, and guests during the 30th anniversary reception ahead of the Library Terrace ribbon cutting. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
A Foundation built on community
Pat Egan, Chairperson of the RPL Foundation, opened the reception with brief remarks honoring the organization’s three decades of service to the town. “Thank you to members and alumni of RPLF - 30 years serving the town on a shoestring budget,” Egan said, acknowledging the wide range of programs and resources the Foundation has made possible over the years, from the Friends of the Library speaker series to expanded media collections, a book bike, hold lockers, and most recently, the Library Terrace itself.
Egan also recognized two individuals whose contributions have been central to the Foundation’s work. Amy Counmounduros, who recently relocated from Reading, was praised for her diligence in managing the Foundation’s investments and executing on its commitments. “Nobody has put in the time as she has,” Egan said, adding that a gradual transition is now underway.
Cherrie Dubois, a founding member of the Foundation’s original board, was recognized for more than four decades of dedication to the library. Dubois served on the Board of Library Trustees for 33 years and was involved as far back as the Highland School study committee in the 1980s, which helped determine the future of the current library building. “The changes over the past 40 years have been on her watch,” Egan said. “No one is a better champion for the staff.”
Thirty years of investment
Pat Egan (center) stands with honorees Amy Counmounduros (left) and Cherrie Dubois (right), each holding a framed collection of photographs of the Reading Public Library. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
The RPL Foundation was incorporated in 1996, when Library Director Deirdre Hanley Brennan launched a private campaign to establish a permanent endowment fund. The Foundation was formed as a separate 501(c)(3) organization with three goals: enhancing the library collection, maintaining the quality of library services, and keeping pace with evolving community needs, including technology and programming for all ages. The founding board, consisting of Cherrie Dubois, Russell Graham, Deirdre Hanley, Arthur Knapp, Elia Marnik, Eugene Nigel, Robert Norstrand, and Maria Silvaggi, set an initial goal of reaching a one-million-dollar endowment by the year 2000.
Over three decades, the Foundation has funded an extensive list of projects and programs, including a $200,000 pledge toward the library’s refurbishment and expansion, a children’s writing and art contest, a virtual author series, a hush phone booth, upgraded public computers, a large print collection expansion, and the new library terrace.
Welcoming the terrace
Library Director Amy Lannon offered remarks at the ribbon cutting, tracing the library’s long history in Reading. The building, originally constructed as the Highland School in 1896, is the fifth location the library has called home, with a few temporary stops along the way. The school closed in 1980, and the town repurposed it as a library in 1984, which opened with a single computer. A 2016 renovation and addition further expanded the space. Reading has valued its library for over 155 years,” Lannon said. Having served at RPL for 23 years, she spoke with particular warmth about the community’s long commitment to the institution, which has been referred to as the Crown Jewel of Reading.
Residents seated along the stone steps of the new Library Terrace listen to remarks during the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Lannon described the terrace as an outdoor extension of library services - a permanent gathering and programming space that broadens what the library can offer to the community. Planned programming for the space includes concerts, reading times, and imaginative outdoor play for children.
Egan echoed that enthusiasm, praising the ad hoc landscape committee that developed the design. “We love projects like this that expand programming,” she said, noting the committee’s care in honoring the historic character of the building and grounds while emphasizing sustainability and the surrounding flora. The design went through multiple rounds of revisions to balance those priorities before arriving at the final plan.
Desirée Zicko and Cherrie Dubois cut the ceremonial ribbon together, followed by closing remarks from Lannon. Violinist Kenya provided music throughout the evening as guests mingled on the new terrace.
Thank you to the donors, Foundation members, library staff, and Reading residents whose support made both the terrace project and the celebration possible.
