Community News
Local news about your town and neighbors
Overnight fire on Libby Avenue displaces family
Just before 2:00 am on Thursday, September 4, Reading Fire crews responded to a reported house fire on Libby Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions at a single-family home. A second alarm was immediately transmitted, bringing in additional resources to assist with the fire attack and conduct searches for potential victims.
MBTA turnback track & rail improvements forum
This meeting will provide members of the Reading community with an opportunity to become fully acquainted with the MBTA’s proposed Reading Turnback Track and commuter rail service improvement plans associated with it. The meeting will also address questions raised by attendees at a public meeting addressing this project held in February of this year.
Reading homeowners: don’t miss these tax relief deadlines
Senior Circuit Breaker Applications: must be received by September 30, 2025
All Other Personal Exemptions: apply by November 15, 2025 to be reflected on January and May tax bills
If you’re a Senior, Veteran, Blind, Surviving Spouse,or facing Financial Hardship, you may qualify for tax relief.
Suicide Prevention Month in Reading
This is a time to come together, raise awareness, and support mental health in our community. Join the Town of Reading's Health Department and Coalition for Prevention & Support to show compassion and remind one another: You are not alone. Help is available, reach out, listen, and share support.
Reading Community Singers ~ LAST OPEN Rehearsal ~ Come Join Us!
Mark your calendar! The Reading Community Singers is pleased to announce our Fall season will begin with LAST OPEN Rehearsals, on to September 9. New and Returning Singers are welcome!
Explore the Reading Town Forest on a guided Bird Walk
Are you curious about the feathered residents of the Reading Town Forest, as well as the many seasonal visitors who stop by during migration? The Town Forest Committee is hosting a guided Bird Walk with experienced birder and educator Dave Williams on Friday, October 4, from 8:30 to 10:30 am.
State Health Officials Announce Season’s First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts
The Town of Reading Health Department has been notified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today that the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts is in a woman in her 70s who was exposed in Middlesex County.
Classic film Jaws returns to the giant screen at New England Aquarium for film’s 50th anniversary
As the film marks its 50th anniversary, Jaws will return to the giant screen at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre with nightly screenings Sept. 4-6. The film tells the story of a massive great white shark that terrorizes a summer resort town where a police chief, a grizzled fisherman, and an intrepid marine biologist battle the bloodthirsty animal.
Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month with Reading’s Public Safety Team!
Just in time for the start of Library Card Sign-up Month some of our dedicated Public Safety officers, including Officer Cooper, signed up for Reading Public Library cards! They’re ready to discover some of the many fun and educational possibilities available with a Reading Public Library card.
All Hands needed for Reading Fall Street Faire
After months of planning and preparation, Reading Fall Street Faire is coming next Sunday, September 7. We need Rotarians and friends to volunteer. Please come and bring your friends and family. It promises to be a great day.
Senior property tax relief available: apply by September 30
The Town of Reading is reminding eligible residents that applications are being accepted for the Senior Property Tax Exemption program. This exemption provides qualifying seniors with property tax relief of up to $2,730 for the 2024 tax year.
August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month
Each August, communities across the country recognize National Breastfeeding Awareness Month - an opportunity to highlight the many benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and parents, as well as to share resources and support for families.
Bylaw Committee to hold public forums on potential snow shoveling bylaw
The Reading Bylaw Committee will hold two upcoming public forums to gather input on a potential Snow Shoveling Bylaw.
Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30 pm - Virtual only
Wednesday, September 24 at 7:30 pm - Hybrid (in-person at the Reading Public Library Community Room and virtually via Zoom)
2025 Dog licenses: late fees and fines approaching
Have you licensed your dog for 2025 yet? If not, now’s the time!
Dog licenses were due by March 31, 2025. As of April 1st, dog owners who have not yet registered will face an additional $50 fine. Tickets will be issued on September 1.
Licensing your dog is not only a legal requirement, but also helps ensure the safety and accountability of pets in the community.
Reading Community Singers ~ 2 more OPEN Rehearsals ~ Come Join Us!
Mark your calendar! The Reading Community Singers is pleased to announce our Fall season will begin with 2 more OPEN Rehearsals, on to September 2 and 9. New and Returning Singers are welcome!
North Reading Human Rights Group to host book discussion of By The Fire We Carry
The North Reading Human Rights Group invites community members to come together this fall for a special book discussion of By the Fire We Carry by Rebecca Nagle.
The event will take place on Wednesday, October 8, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street in Reading.
Town of Reading Reports Two Mosquito Samples Positive forWest Nile Virus
The Town of Reading Health Department has been notified that two mosquito samples collected in Reading on August 14, 2025, have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). As a result, Reading’s risk level has been upgraded from LOW to MODERATE. No human cases have been reported at this time.
CATO Conversation: private tour of the Royall House & Slave Quarters
CATO: The Coalition of Us invites community members to take part in a meaningful day of history, reflection, and dialogue with a private tour of the Royall House & Slave Quarters in Medford, followed by a conversation at the Reading Public Library.
Jazz Concert at First Congregational Church Sunday, September 14th
Enjoy the energy of this amazing band and shake off those end of summer blues! An eighteen-member (including many professional musicians) big band will entertain with swing and jazz songs from across the decades.
Reading celebrates Green Community Designation
Town staff, community members, and state legislators gathered last week to celebrate a milestone years in the making: Reading has officially been designated a Green Community by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). The recognition follows a six-year effort by local and state leaders to secure eligibility for towns with municipal light plants, culminating this spring in Reading’s successful designation.