Norovirus is a highly contagious illness that commonly circulates during the winter months, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. While it can occur at any time of year, norovirus illnesses are most common between November and April.

Did you resolve to buy less in 2026? Come to the Reading Public Library for a sustainability-focused community clothing swap of new and gently used fashion and celebrate the new year with a new wardrobe!

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) continued to maintain a perfect voting record during the first half of the 2025-2026 legislative session, participating in all 116 roll call votes recorded in the House of Representatives between February 6, 2025, and November 19, 2025.

As of January 1, 2026, residents of the Town of Reading must have a 2026 compost sticker in order to drop off materials at the Compost Center on Strout Avenue.

The 2026 Annual Census has been mailed from the Town Clerk’s Office, and all residents are encouraged to review the information carefully, make any necessary updates following the instructions provided, sign the form, and return it as soon as possible.

Eager to start the new year in the best way? Come to the MLK Day of Service and join with neighbors helping to make our community, small and large, a better place for all. There will be six on-site projects from preparing meals for Lazarus House to sewing cloth bags for donations, to decorating bookmarks.

Whitelam Books is pleased to welcome author Jen Cote for a book signing and conversation on Wednesday, January 14 between 4:00-5:30PM. Jen will be sharing her book The Hormonal Hangover Society: New Member Welcome Book. Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street. 

Things are fishy at Coolidge Middle School in Reading, MA right now.   Scent-free, thank goodness … Yet still flooded with drama because of the 72 student cast and crew members, deep into rehearsals & prep for their upcoming production of Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo JR.

Our creative community is strongest when many voices are heard. If you feel inspired, please consider submitting your own work to The Reading Observer.

The Town is offering residents two easy and environmentally friendly ways to recycle Christmas Trees this month.

The Town of Reading’s Assessor’s Office is reminding residents that Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Abatement Applications for FY2026 are now available. Applications can be accessed on the Assessor’s page of the Town website or picked up in person at the office.

The Town of Reading, the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ), and the Reading Public Library invite all residents to come together in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday January 19, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. The celebration will take place at Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) Performing Arts Center, located at 82 Oakland Road.

Residents looking to refresh their wardrobes while reducing waste are invited to take part in the Reading Public Library’s Community Clothing Swap on January 24, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The free event will be held in the library’s Community Room and is open to anyone interested in sustainable fashion, decluttering, and community conection.

Scout Troop 702 and Pack 702 are pleased to announce that, after an exhaustive search, they have chartered with the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club. The decision was made based on the tremendous opportunities the club provides, as well as an alignment of mission and values, focused on dedication to the outdoors and conservancy, and youth leadership development.

Our creative community is strongest when many voices are heard. If you feel inspired, please consider submitting your own work to The Reading Observer.

Residents looking to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy a lively cultural experience this winter are invited to join International Folk Dancing Sessions led by Marcie Van Cleave of the Folk Arts Center of New England. The program will run on Friday afternoons from 12:30 pm to 2:15 pm, beginning January 9, 2026, and continuing through March 27, 2026.

Whitelam Books is delighted to welcome author Pam Vaughan, reading from her picture book Tenacious Won’t Give Up, as well as author Casey W. Robinson, sharing her picture book Small Things Mended, on Saturday, January 10 at 3:00pm. Join us for this family-friendly event for readers of all ages. Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street. 

For the second year in a row, Reading’s Department of Public Works is spreading winter cheer by unveiling the newly selected names for the town’s snowplow fleet. Students from all five elementary and both middle schools once again submitted creative, witty, and winter-themed suggestions - resulting in another standout lineup of names for the 2025-2026 season.

As 2025 comes to a close, the Reading Food Pantry is expressing deep gratitutde for the volunteers, supporters, and community members who helped make another year of service possible. In a year marked by rising need, Executive Director Simone Payment shared a heartfelt message reflecting on the organization’s impact and outlining exciting plans for the year ahead.

With the holiday season upon us, many Reading residents may find themselves looking to dispose of broken string lights, worn-out extension cords, used holiday light nets, or leftover wrapping materials.