Community News
Local news about your town and neighbors
Building a team where everybody belongs: inside Reading’s Unified Sports program
Over the past few weeks, Reading’s Unified Sports program has been on the move - from a league-wide jamboree to an awards banquet to a turf field packed with more than 100 athletes.
It’s PorchFest Time
It is time to begin planning your route for this Saturday’s Reading PorchFest.
RPS celebrates staff milestones, retirements, and distinguished awards
Earlier this month, Reading Public Schools celebrated and recognized many of its staff members for a range of milestones, awards, and career achievements.
Reading Lions Club’s Journey for Sight 5k returns for 41st year
The Reading Lions Club, in partnership with the Friends of Reading Recreation, is gearing up for the 41st Annual Journey for Sight 5k Road Race and 1-Mile Walk, set for Thursday, July 16, at 6:30 pm.
Summer is for Reading and Writing with the Reading Public Library
This summer, discover how Reading is Revolutionary at the Library!
Town leaders to host Joint Financial Forum on Thursday, June 25
Reading’s Finance Committee, Select Board, and School Committee are joining forces for a Joint Financial Forum on Thursday, June 25, at 7:00 pm at the Reading Public Library Community Rooms.
Whitelam Books to Host Book Launch with Children’s Author Monica Acker
Whitelam Books is delighted to welcome back children's author Monica Acker as she celebrates her new picture book The Legend of Leo: a Dandy-Lion Tale, Sunday, June 28 at 3:00PM.
Mosquito Control spraying scheduled in Reading for late June
The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will be conducting mosquito larvicide spraying in Reading during the final week of June.
Let Grow Summer Independence Challenge Comes to Reading
Reading Public Schools, the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support, the Reading Recreation Division, Reading Public Library, and the Reading Police Department are launching the Let Grow Summer Independence Challenge.
Reading Board of Library Trustees seeks applicants for vacant seat
The Reading Board of Library Trustees is accepting letters of interest from residents seeking to fill a vacant seat on the board, with an expected start date of August 1, 2026.
Submit your best Reading photos to the town
Do you have a great eye for a shot, or just a phone camera and a love for Reading?
Construction to begin at Main and Salem Street intersection June 22
The Town of Reading has issued a community alert advising residents of upcoming construction near the intersection of Main Street and Salem Street beginning Monday, June 22, 2026.
Chute Street to close as part of downtown improvements project
The southern half of Chute Street will be closed for utility work in the coming weeks, including the replacement of a water main found to be in poor condition, the town announced.
Reading Public Library to Host Public Reading of Frederick Douglas’s Historic 1852 Address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July”?
Community members in Reading will gather on Wednesday, July 1 at 6:30 pm for a public reading and facilitated discussion of Frederick Douglass’s landmark 1852 speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”
Poetry by Richard Perry: From Then Til Now
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 Public Library celebrates library terrace opening and Foundation’s 30th anniversary
The Reading Public Library marked two milestones on the evening of Thursday, June 4, 2026, as the Reading Public Library Foundation hosted a 30th anniversary reception ahead of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the library’s new outdoor terrace.
No holiday delay for trash and recycling this week
Friday’s route will run as scheduled on June 19, no delay this week, despite the Juneteenth holiday.
Watch England vs. Croatia on the big screen at the Reading Public Library
The library’s Community Room is hosting a World Cup watch party on June 17 - snacks included, no registration required!
This summer, Reading kids can learn the sport of ultimate frisbee
The 8-week program returns to Coolidge Middle School is open to ages 10-15, no experience required.
RMHS Internship Program puts students to work - and employers are taking notice
Reading Memorial High School’s Internship Program is doing exactly what it was designed to do: putting students in real workplaces, giving them real responsibilities, and sending them into the world better prepared for what comes next.