Reading Library Announces Limited Reopening Plan

READING, MA — The Reading Public Library this week announced it has received Board of Health approval to phase in limited, appointment-based services inside its building. The library will first add in-library pickup to its curbside service, doubling its capacity to check out materials. If that goes well, the plan is to begin appointment and scheduled use of computers, business services (copying, printing, faxing, notary), desk/study space reservations and, finally, limited browsing.

The library started its comeback with a book return event in the Reading Memorial High School parking lot in mid-June, a major first step in restarting circulation of its physical collection. It started offering contactless curbside pickup services June 24, followed by "Pop Up Library" events in the parking lot July 21 and July 28.

The library will kick off The Vote series July 29 to celebrate the centennial passage of the 19th Amendment, featuring a virtual author visit with Tina Cassidy, author of "Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait? Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson, and the Fight for the Right to Vote." Its six "Reading Together" teams have read more than 5,100 hours, resulting in $1,000 being donated to the Reading Food Pantry and $1,000 to be donated to the Mission of Deeds.

Library Director Amy Lannon encourages patrons to visit https://www.readingpl.org/rpl-home/ for downloadable books, streaming services, links to virtual programming and resources for all ages.

You can also subscribe to receive updates about the library and its opening status: http://eepurl.com/bwpOT