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

Town officials are urging residents to prepare as a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Reading. Forecasts issued Thursday evening called for 12 to 18 inches of snow from Sunday through Monday, with updated projections Friday evening increasing potential totals to as much as 24 inches. The storm is expected to bring hazardous travel conditions, potential power outages, and prolonged severe winter weather.

Whitelam Books is pleased to welcome author Julie Dobrow for a book signing and conversation on Sunday, February 8 at 3:00PM. Julie will be discussing her book Love and Loss After Wounded Knee: A Biography of an Extraordinary Interracial Marriage.

A potential winter storm is forecasted for Sunday evening into Monday, bringing the possibility of snow, wind, and power outages. The Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) is urging residents to monitor local forecasts and review its Storm Preparation Guide to stay safe and informed before, during, and after the storm.

With well-below-normal temperatures forecast for the weekend, the Reading Public Library will remain open during regular business hours and operate as a warming center for residents in need of a safe, heated space.

Boston CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is issuing an urgent call for volunteers to advocate on behalf of children in the foster care system. Currently, only 15% of eligible foster youth in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties have access to a CASA — a trained, court-appointed volunteer who provides consistent, one-on-one support and helps shape critical legal and life decisions.

January is recognized as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of prevention, screening, and early detection.

Today, State Representatives Rich Haggerty and Dave Robertson are both endorsing Tram Nguyen in her Congressional race. Haggerty, who currently serves as the Joint Committee on Housing, represents part of Reading, and Robertson represents the towns of Wilmington and Tewksbury, which he shares with Rep. Nguyen. 

Reading Community Singers has three OPEN rehearsals for their 2026 Spring Concert ~ on Tuesday, January 27th, and February 3rd & 10th, from 7:30 to 9:30 at Old South United Methodist Church.

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.