Whitelam Books is thrilled to welcome author Jane Ward in conversation with  author Nancy Bernhard on Wednesday, February 11 at 6:00pm. Jane will be reading from her new book Should Have Told You Sooner, while Nancy will share her book, The Double Standard Sporting House at the event. Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street.

Today, State Representative Tram Nguyen announced raising more than $257,000 in 2025 in her campaign to represent the Massachusetts 6th Congressional District. She closed the year with over a quarter of a million dollars raised from 1,185 individual donors, and over 80% of all money raised came from in-state supporters. 

Dog owners in Reading can now apply for their 2026 dog licenses, with applications currently being accepted through the Reading town Clerk’s Office.

If you’ve sold a vehicle, no longer own it, or moved, you may be eligible for a Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement. The Town of Reading is reminding residents that abatements are available in certain situations- but proper documentation is required.

The RMHS Drama Club proudly presents the premiere of an original stage adaptation of St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves, based on the short story by Karen Russell. Created collaboratively by the student company, this bold and imaginative production explores identity, belonging, and the tension between instinct and expectation through a darkly whimsical lens.

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

The Reading Department of Public Works has moved on to the snow removal and sidewalk plowing phase of storm cleanup following the recent winter storm.

From Libby to Hoopla and The Wall Street Journal to Consumer Reports magazine, the Reading Public Library offers a wide range of free streaming, reading, and entertainment services. We're pleased to add a new streaming service to our lineup, Biblio+

The Women’s League of Reading’s (WLR) Holiday Homes Decorating contest and fundraiser at the end of 2025 helped the organization contribute over $1,500 to the local non-profit, Mission of Deeds.

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

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.

After an intense winter storm, Town officials shared an update, thanking municipal crews and offering important reminders as Reading continues cleanup efforts.

Whitelam Books is delighted to welcome back Children’s Book Author Cynthia Platt as she celebrates her new book Bunny in Disguise, Saturday, February 7 at 3:00pm. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

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

Today, Massachusetts Speaker of the House Ron Mariano is endorsing  State Representative Tram Nguyen in her campaign to become the next Congressperson to represent the 6th District of Massachusetts.

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, bringing attention to thyroid health and the conditions that affect millions of people each year.

Despite overnight snow, the Reading community gathered on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center for the Town’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Program - a morning dedicated to remembrance, learning, and collective responsibility.

Whitelam Books is excited to host our Third Annual Stuffie Story Time and Sleep Over on Friday, February 6 at 5:00PM! We'll kick off the sleep over with a PJ stuffie story time, and then the stuffies will stay behind to enjoy a sleep over IN THE BOOKSTORE!

Town officials are urging residents to prepare as Winter Storm Fern is forecast to bring heavy snow to Reading and the surrounding area beginning Sunday, January 25, with impacts expected to continue into Monday.

Town officials are urging residents to prepare as Winter Storm Fern is expected to bring heavy snow to Reading and the surrounding area beginning Sunday, January 25. Forecasts indicate rapidly deteriorating conditions Sunday afternoon through early Monday, with impacts to travel, municipal operations, and services.