A three-alarm fire at a single-family home on James Street drew a large emergency response Monday evening, sending the homeowner and one firefighter to the hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to fire officials.

The Game Changers Media Series begins with a powerful evening dedicated to basketball legend and civil rights icon Bill Russell on Thursday, January 22, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Reading Public Library Community Room.

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

Sal Bramante announces his candidacy for one of the two open seats on the Reading Select Board in the April 7, 2026, election. A 1991 Reading Memorial High School graduate, Sal and his wife Heather have lived in Reading since 2001. As a longtime community member, small business owner, and active volunteer, he is running to provide balanced, thoughtful, and fiscally responsible leadership.

After a busy weekend responding to a major winter storm, Reading DPW would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation. As crews continue working to keep roads and walkways safe, here are a few important reminders on how residents can help support winter operations and reduce safety hazards.

The Reading Town Clerk’s Office is reminding residents that nomination papers for the upcoming Town Election must be submitted for certification no later than Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

As the holiday season comes to a close, organizers of Reading’s Adopt-a-Family (AAF) program reflected on another year of community generosity - one defined not only by the numbers served, but by heartfelt gratitude from families who received support.

In response to a rising number of respiratory and flu-related illnesses, the Reading Public Health Department and the Reading School Department have announced additional pop-up vaccine clinics for residents next week.

Nomination papers for the following elected positions are now available at the Town Clerk’s Office.

Whitelam Books is pleased to welcome author Julie Dobrow for a book signing and conversation on Sunday, January 25 at 3:00PM. Julie will be discussing her book Love and Loss After Wounded Knee: A Biography of an Extraordinary Interracial Marriage.

The burning season in Reading runs from January 15 through May 1, but residents are reminded that a permit is required and that strict safety and environmental rules apply.

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.