Genealogy & Local History

Genealogy Services

The Reference staff is able to look for and copy newspaper articles (weddings, obituaries) for long-distance (out-of-county) patrons. There is a research fee of $10.00 (up to 30 minutes) for any requests made by mail or email. A maximum of 2 hours per request will be provided, for a total of $40.00. Payment is required regardless of outcome, and may be required in advance.

We have Reading Eagle and Reading Times newspapers archived on microfilm dating back to 1858.

We encourage in-county residents to visit the library to conduct research.

PLEASE NOTE: EXACT DATES ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS TYPE OF RESEARCH.

Please contact the Reference Desk at (610) 655-6355 or reference@readingpubliclibrary.org for additional details.

The Pennsylvania Room offers additional resources for local history and genealogy research.  “PA Room Hours and Information

HeritageQuest
Explore billions of American and international genealogical records dating back to the 1700s. HeritageQuest is a comprehensive treasury of American and international genealogical records—rich in unique primary sources, local and family histories, convenient research guides, interactive census maps, and more. Accessible from within the library and from home. Your library card number will be required to access outside of the library.