Research

The Library has a variety of online resources, databases, tools and special collections to assist with your research and interests. Contact us at 610-655-6355 if you need assistance.

is a directory and marketing database that includes 30 million businesses and 220 million residents. It is ideal for sales leads, mailing lists, market research, job searches and finding friends and relatives. You can email, print or download results. 1,000 downloads are allowed per search. Use your barcode to access from home.

Access the official state driver’s manual as well as those for motorcycles and the CDL. Practice tests for the permit test, driver’s license test, and the senior citizens’ refresher test are also included.

Explore local history and genealogy at Main Library

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.

Explore and stay informed on local and national topics, people and events in areas such as business, health, education, jobs and careers, political and social issues and more.  Features a wide variety of credible, vetted news sources spanning the U.S., including USA Today. Also available remotely 24/7 on any device.

Special collection of local history and genealogy for Reading and Berks County.

Pennsylvania’s Electronic Library

An e-resource is information that the library provides via a computer or other device. POWER LIBRARY’s E-Resources include thousands of magazine and journal articles, newspapers, photographs, pictures, charts, maps, and reference materials for people of all ages. Many of these resources would not otherwise be available via the web.

Reading Eagle Archives has fully indexed editions of the newspaper beginning with January 1, 2003 and is available remotely 24/7 on any device. Through Google’s Archives, you can browse many issues of the Eagle from 1868 through 2008.

John Updike Collection at RPL

The uncontested authority in reliable, unbiased investment research and data. It offers financial measures for over 6,000 stocks, 18,000 mutual funds, 200,000 options, and other securities. Also included are expert analysis, insightful commentaries, and a sophisticated performance ranks and ratings system. Remote access: log in to Valueline.