Residents gathered at the Pleasant Street Center on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Lunch & Learn titled Fresh, Affordable, Local: Your Guide to Better Nutrition. The presentation offered practical advice and local resources designed to help residents make healthy food choices on any budget.

The Town of Reading is now accepting applications for the 2026 Community Gardening Season, with applications and gardener agreements available as of January 1, 2026. Residents of all gardening experience levels, whether planting for the first time or returning for another season, are encouraged to apply.

At its first meeting of the new year, the Reading Select Board formally established Reading’s new Disabilities Commission and is now seeking residents interested in serving.

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

What began as a modest fundraising effort soon grew into a powerful show of local support - raising approximately $10,000 for the Reading Food Pantry at a time of growing need.

Residents are invited to take part in the next phase of planning for Walkers Brook Drive as the Town of Reading hosts a Community Kick-Off Meeting for the Walkers Brook Drive Redesign Project on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

January is National Blood Donor Month, a time to recognize the lifesaving impact of blood donors and encourage residents to give during one of the most critical periods of the year.

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

You are warmly invited to gather at the RMHS Performing Arts Center for Reading's annual program honoring the life and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast provided by the Reading Public Schools, view student artwork, and visit tables hosted by local community groups.

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.