
Community News
Local news about your town and neighbors
Dana-Farber Mammography Van returns to Reading on April 29
Are you due for your annual mammogram? The American College of Radiology recommend women age 40 and older receive a mammogram every year. To make it easier than ever to stay on top of this vital screening, Dana-Farber’s Mammography Van is coming to Reading Town Hall (16 Lowell Street) on Tuesday, April 29, from 8:00 am to 4:15 pm.
Free screening of “Plastic People” at Reading Public Library on April 22
In recognition of Earth Day, the Reading Public Library will host a free community screening of the documentary Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the library’s Community Room (64 Middlesex Ave). Doors open at 6:30 pm, and seating is limited.
April is National Minority Health Month
Each April, communities across the United States recognize National Health Minority Month, an observance that highlights the ongoing health disparities that affect racial and ethnic minority populations, including American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities.
New tool available: calculate your household tax impact from Killam and ReCAL projects
As Reading prepares to vote on two major capital projects this spring - the Killam School Building project and the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) - the Town has launched a Tax Impact Calculator to help residents understand how these initiatives may affect their annual property taxes.
Share your vision for Reading’s Eastern Gateway
The Town of Reading is shaping the future of one of its important areas - and your voice is key. The Eastern Gateway Priority Planning initiative is underway, and the town wants your feedback to help guide the next phase of development.
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month
This April, the Town of Reading recognizes Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease (PD), support those affected, and promote understanding and early detection of this complex neurological condition.
Community reflects on METCO student experience during CodeSwitching screening & discussion
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Friends of Reading METCO hosted a screening of the award-winning documentary CodeSwitching at the Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School. The screening was introduced by Reginald Nichols, METCO Board Member, and Cindy Marte, interim METCO Director and School Adjustment Counselor, followed by a thought-provoking discussion in smaller groups.
Celebrate Arbor Day in the Reading Town Forest - help plant 500 trees!
Join the Town of Reading for a day of environmental action and community spirit as we celebrate Arbor Day with a tree planting event at the Town Forest. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just want to dig in and do something good for the planet, this is the perfect way to make a lasting impact!
In partnership with the Reading Public Library, Town Forest Committee, Department of Public Works, and Scout Troop 702, our goal is to plant 500 trees this year - and we can’t do it without you!
Turn Your Spoils to Soil -- Grow…Eat…Compost…Repeat -- Life from Leftovers: Compost Magic!
Yes, those food scraps—vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and more—are too good to waste.
To celebrate growing season, Food Waste Prevention Week, and Earth Day (April 22), try composting them instead! Nature will turn them into nutrient-rich soil for growing more food.
Reading offers two great options for composting: via curbside pickup or in the backyard.
Community Forum to discuss Killam School and ReCAL projects set for April 16
Residents are invited to join town officials and project leaders for an important virtual community forum on two major initiatives coming before voters this spring: the Killam Elementary School Building project and the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) project.
April is Autism Acceptance Month: a time to learn, support, and advocate
The Town of Reading proudly recognizes April as National Autism Acceptance Month, a time to not only raise awareness but also to foster greater understanding, support, and inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
Cook statement on local elections
Firstly, congratulations to both Melissa Murphy on her re-election and Karen Rose-Gillis on her election to the Select Board. The position requires a tremendous amount of time, effort, energy, and sacrifice and I wish them both well in joining the remaining Select Board members to work collaboratively together to guide Reading forward. Also, kudos to Tony D’Arezzo for running as well, Reading voters deserved the ability to choose from a diverse candidate pool.
Reading Democrats to hold caucus
Reading, MA — Registered Democrats in the Town of Reading will be holding a caucus at the Reading Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant Street Center on Monday, April 14th at 7:00 PM to elect 14 delegates and 4 alternates to the 2025 Massachusetts Democratic Convention. Registration opens at 6:30 PM and the doors will close promptly at 7:00 PM. The Convention will be held on Saturday, September 13th at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. At that time, thousands of Democrats from across the state will come together to discuss party business, nominate our candidate for US Senate and celebrate our successes as we prepare for upcoming elections.
Murphy statement on local elections
Dear Reading Residents,
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone, especially those who took the time to come to the polls and cast their votes. I am immensely proud of the campaign we ran.
D’Arezzo statement on local elections
I‘d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Karen Rose-Gillis on her election and Melissa Murphy on her re-election to the Select Board. Now begins the real work of running the Town and guiding us through the future.
I’d like to thank family, friends and everyone who supported me. It was your efforts and encouragement that allowed me to run in the first place.
Rose-Gillis statement on local election
Dear Reading Residents,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the residents who took the time to vote on Tuesday. Voting is a fundamental right we have to allow us to choose how we move forward as a community. I am hopeful Reading will continue to increase voter turnout for our local elections. Our voices collectively are so important in how we move forward and make many important decisions for our town.
Durgavich statement on local election
Dear Reading Community,
Thank you so much for placing your confidence in me as the newest School Committee member. I want to thank everyone who supported me in my campaign, and everyone who cast a ballot in this year’s election. Participation is key to democracy, and that is needed more than ever right now!
Memorial Day - remember and honor
This Memorial Day Monday, May 26, 2025, The Town of Reading invites all residents to join in a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. As w commemorate 250 years since the start of the American Revolution, we also pause to honor and remember all those who have given their lives in service to our country.
Voters elect new local leaders in April 2025 election
Reading residents went to the polls on Tuesday April 8, 2025, to cast their votes in the town’s annual local election. With competitive races and key ballot decisions, the election drew strong interest from across the community.
Annual Town Election Day today: what you need to know
Reading’s Annual Town Election is happening today, Tuesday, April 8. Voters from all precincts will cast their ballots at the Reading Memorial High School Hawkes Fieldhouse, located at 62 Oakland Road.
Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.