Whitelam Books is delighted to welcome author Cynthia Platt  as she shares her new book, Turkeys in Disguise on Saturday, September 27 at 3:00pm.  Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street.  This event is free and open to the public – all are welcome! 

In celebration of the 2025 National Public Power Week (October 6-10), Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) invites customers to attend an open house on Thursday, October 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the RMLD Garage located at 218 Ash Street, Reading. 

On Wednesday, September 17, community members gathered on the Town Hall lawn for “A Time to Gather” - an evening of remembrance, healing, and prevention. The vigil honored the lives lost to substance misuse and suicide across Reading and the Mystic Valley over the past 15 years, while offering hope and support to those in recovery and the families who walk alongside them.

Boston CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) will host an open house at their new headquarters to celebrate their growing impact in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties and showcase their expanded capacity to support children in vulnerable circumstances. 

The Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) Marching Band is launching a unique fundraiser this fall with its Scratch & Win Raffle, providing community members with a chance to win big while supporting local student musicians.

Continuing with our recent community-led swaps, don’t miss out on our first-ever Community Children’s Costume Swap on Sept 27. Donations close Monday, Sept 22. The Library’s popular Trick or Treat Storytime (ages 0-5) is on Friday, Oct 24.

The Women’s League of Reading is inviting the community to come together for a fun-filled, family-friendly afternoon - all while supporting a vital local cause. On Sunday, November 2, the League will host its annual Fall Brewfest at Lord Hobo Brewing Co. in Woburn from 12:30 to 4:30 pm, with proceeds directly benefitting the Reading Food Pantry.

Starting tomorrow, Thursday 9/18,  the Town’s Forestry division will begin work removing 10 large Ash trees in Memorial Park. After close monitoring by the tree warden, these trees now pose a safety risk and must come down. All of the trees slated to come down have been infested by the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive non-native pest that causes severe decline and mortality in Ash trees.

This fall, stop by the Library to sign up for a Town of Reading flu vaccine clinic, a hearing screening, or drop by for a walk-in blood pressure check. And, we have programs to help you understand Medicare, workshops on CPR, and resources located in the Health Nook.

The Lowell Lecture Series at the New England Aquarium and National Geographic present the documentary Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the blockbuster movie that shocked and excited the world.

Clear out your old electronics responsibly this fall! Green Day Recycling will host an Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Old South United Church Methodist Church parking lot, 6 Salem Street in Reading.

The Reading Cultural Council recently announced the opening of this year’s grant cycle.

In FY26 Mass Cultural Council will invest $5.7 million into the Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program, in which Reading is included. This is our nation’s largest grassroots cultural funding network.

Nature enthusiasts and curious learners are invited to join a special guided hike in the Reading Town Forest with plant expert Walter Kittredge. The walk will take place on Saturday, September 20th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, starting at the 371 Grove Street parking lot.

Move over beach reads, it’s time for the Fall reading season! We have three fantastic author programs this fall as well as two new Book Groups that join our recurring Fact or Fiction, Studio 64, and Word of Mouth groups. Stop by the library to learn more or check out our fall brochure, and happy reading!

The Reading Recreation Division has anounced that the Bancroft Communtiy Tennis Courts will be closed for repairs and resufacing beginning Monday, September 15th.

The Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) and the RMLD Board of Commissioners (Board) announced that Paul Heanue will serve as interim general manager, effective August 25, 2025. Heanue brings decades of utility experience, including 10 years as general manager for Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant.

Each September, communities across the country come together to recognize National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. This observance is dedicated to raising awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD), a rare but serious chronic condition that affects approximately 100,000 Americans.

The Town of Reading and its contractor, Mass Pipeline Services, Inc., will be replacing the water main on Sanborn Street (Woburn St to Haven St). This is part of the Town wide water distribution system improvement program. Construction is scheduled to begin on September 10, 2025, and continue as weather permits.

Reading Recreation has a packed schedule this fall with brand-new opportunities for kids and families to learn, play, and have fun together. From creative building challenges to engaging sports and activities, there’s something for everyone.

When it comes to mortality, there’s no time like the present to get organized. And while the topic may make us uncomfortable, it’s something we’ll all encounter. This fall, the Library offers a series of programs on navigating the final step in our earthly journey.