February is also Low Vision Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of early detection and routine eye care. Millions of people live with vision loss, and many conditions develop without early symptoms.

Immigration attorney Diann Slavit Baylis announced today that she is running for Governor’s Council in Massachusetts’ 6th District.  Slavit Baylis, a resident of Marblehead, took out nomination papers this week from the Secretary of State’s Office

Reading Pickleball Players Association (RPPA) President Judy Coltman announced today the organization has completed the transfer of $225,000 to the Town of Reading to offset the cost of new pickleball courts.

Residents interested in becoming a substitute teacher with Reading Public Schools are invited to attend an upcoming Substitute Teacher Open House.

As of January 1, 2026, Reading residents must have a 2026 Compost Sticker to access the Compost Center on Strout Ave.

Fire crews responded to a Grove Street home on Saturday, February 14, after a report that the house was filling with smoke.

Today marks one year since The Reading Observer launched, and we want to take a moment to thank the community for the incredible support, engagement, and encouragement along the way.

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

Nomination papers for the following elected positions were due today at the Town Clerk’s Office, and the candidate filing period has now closed.

Students, school leaders, coaches, and Town officials gathered Thursday evening, February 12, 2026, at the Reading Memorial High School Hawkes Fieldhouse to celebrate the ribbon cutting of a newly renovated training and weight room facilities.

Celebrate 100 years of Black History Month at the 2nd annual Black History Trivia Night from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm on Monday, February 23, at the Reading Public Library.

Both the boys’ and girls’ indoor track teams from Reading Memorial High School delivered standout performances at the MIAA Division 3 State Indoor Track and Field Championships on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

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

Colonial Chorus Players proudly presents the longest-running theatrical production in the world, The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, March 6–15 at the Old Hose House Theater in Reading.

Whitelam Books is delighted to welcome back Children’s Book Author Cynthia Platt as she celebrates her new book Bunny in Disguise, Saturday, February 21 at 3:00pm.

Whitelam Books is excited to welcome author Kristin Bair to our fiction book club on Thursday, February 19 at 7:00pm.

A recent issue of the 28 Days of Black History newsletter from Feb. 8, 2026, highlights the history and lasting impact of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” widely known as the Black National Anthem.

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

Whitelam Books is delighted to welcome Children’s Book Author and Illustrator AJ Smith to our weekly story time as he shares his book Catnip Mouse, Wednesday, February 18 at 10:30am.

Black History Month marks more than a moment of recognition; it reflects a century-long effort to ensure that Black history, scholarship, and lived experiences are remembered, taught, and valued.