
Community News
Local news about your town and neighbors
Sample sensory garden coming to RPL
As part of the Rooted in Reading grant, the Reading Public Library (RPL) is installing a sample sensory garden designed to highlight different ways to experience nature. Sensory gardens help people connect with the environment and become more mindful of their surroundings.
A sensory garden is intentionally designed to stimulate the senses - sight, smell, sound, and touch - encouraging visitors to engage with plants and natural elements in an immersive way.
Joint Community Forum: Killam School & Reading Center for Active Living
The Town of Reading invites residents to participate in a Joint Community Forum on two significant projects coming before the community this Spring: the Killam School Building Project and the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) project.
Reading DPW announces additional road resurfacing plans for Summer 2025
The Reading Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced updates to its road resurfacing plans for Summer 2025. While several streets have already been scheduled for paving, the DPW is evaluating additional roads to be included in this year’s resurfacing efforts.
The Town of Reading’s Engineering Division is currently conducting cost estimates to determine how many additional streets can be resurfaced within the available funding. Once finalized, the updated list of roads will be released to the public.
New trash & recycling cart coming to Reading starting April 8th
Beginning April 8th, the Town of Reading will roll out new trash and recycling carts to all households currently receiving Town collection. This initiative aims to improve waste management efficiency and standardize container use across the community.
Albert Pless, Director of Equity and Social Justice, to host office hours at Town Hall in April
The Town of Reading’s Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ) is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. As part of the mission, Albert Pless, Director of Equity and Social Justice, will be hosting office hours at Town Hall throughout April to engage with residents, listen to concerns, and discuss initiatives aimed at promoting equity in our town.
Stay informed!
The Town of Reading is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring a safe, accessible, and vibrant community for all. To keep residents informed and engaged, the Town has launched the Improving Reading page on its official website. This new resource serves as a central hub for all construction and improvement projects managed by the Town.
Free blood pressure screenings in April: stay on top of your health!
The Town of Reading is offering free, walk-in blood pressure screenings this April to help residents monitor their health. These screenings, conducted by the Town Nurse, provide an easy and accessible way to keep track of your blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month: know the risks and prevention strategies
Brain injuries can have life-altering consequences, affecting a person’s memory, coordination, speech, and overall well-being. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and the Town of Reading is raising awareness about the causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent these serious injuries.
In-person early voting for Annual Town Election begins on March 29
Reading residents will have the opportunity to cast their votes early for the Annual Town Election on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. On Election Day, all precincts will vote at Reading Memorial High School Field House (62 Oakland Road), with polls open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: know the risks and take action
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, but with early detection and prevention, it is also one of the most treatable. One in 20 people will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime. This March, as part of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Town of Reading is urging residents to understand the risks and take proactive steps to prevent this disease.
Measles: what you need to know
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after infection and can be especially dangerous for babies and young children. With recent concerns over outbreaks, it’s important to understand how measles spread, its symptoms, and how to protect yourself and your community.
Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee continues discussion on honoring Bill Russell
The Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment (ACE) Committee is meeting tonight at 7 pm in the Select Board Meeting Room at Town Hall (16 Lowell Street) to continue the discussion on how to properly honor Bill Russell - a legendary athlete and civil rights icon.
North Reading hosts prescription drug take-back event: ‘Don’t Be The Dealer‘
The North Reading Police Department, Community Impact Team, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are coming together to host the ‘Don’t Be The Dealer’ event, part of the DEA’s Prescription Take Back Program. The event will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the O’Leary Senior Center, 157 Park Street, North Reading.
East Middlesex Control Project to conduct aerial treatments in 2025
Residents in several Middlesex County communities may notice low-flying helicopters this spring and summer as part of an ongoing effort to control mosquito populations. The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project has announced that it will conduct aerial applications to target mosquito larvae in large wetland areas between April 1 and October 31.
Reading Lions Club to host 20th annual Reading Friends and Family Day
The Reading Lions Club is thrilled to invite the community to the 20th annual Reading Friends and Family Day, a beloved local tradition that brings residents together for a day of fun, entertainment, and celebration!
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 10:30 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Birch Meadow Fields
Borrow the unexpected: gardening tools at the Reading Public Library
Spring is here, and it’s time to get your garden ready - with a little help from the Reading Public Library!
As part of the Libary of Things collection, the library now offers a selection of gardening tools available for borrowing. Whether youre an experienced gardener or just starting out, these tools can make your spring planting easier and more efficient.
Reading partners with Mystic River Watershed Association to protect local waterways
The Town of Reading is proud to partner with the Mystic Valley Watershed Association (MRWA) in an ongoing effort to protect, improve, and educate the public on the environmental health of the Mystic River Watershed. This partnership focuses on enhancing the ecological health of the river and its tributaries, engaging residents, and ensuring that the watershed remains a sustainable resource for generations to come.
All-night parking ban lifted on public streets
Effective last night, the all-night parking ban on public street in Reading has ben lifted. Residents and visitors will now be able to park overnight without restriction on town streets.
RMLD’s annual art contest: submit your entry by April 15
Each year, the Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) hosts an electricity-themed art contest for high school students in Reading, North Reading, Wilmington, and Lynnfield Center. The 2025 contest, launched on February 1, revolves around the theme ‘Innovation in Energy’.
Winterfest 2025: a celebration despite the rain
The weather didn’t fully cooperate for this year’s Winterfest, but that didn’t stop the community from coming out and enjoying the festivities while they could! We had a fantastic early crowd until what was predicted to be a passing shower turned into a steady downpour. Despite the damp conditions, the energy remained high, and we are incredibly grateful to anyone who participated.