Thank you for taking the time to read our 2025 Annual Appeal letter. We invite you to take a deeper look at the programs, resources, and connections the Reading Public Library provides – and the meaningful difference your support makes in the lives of our neighbors.
The library is more than just books.
Services
The library offers a variety of free services to Reading and Berks County, including:
- Access to books, DVDs, CDs, and more
- Computer classes & free computer access
- Museum & local attraction passes
Research
The Library has a variety of online resources, databases, tools and special collections to assist with your research and interests, such as:
- Genealogy research databases
- News archives
- Local history archives
Events & Programs
The library offers free programs and events for all ages across all four branches, including:
- Early literacy and storytimes
- Crafting for all ages
- Senior outreach
- After-school programs for teens
Our community relies on the library.
Check out some of the many ways we supported our community last year alone.
Items Circulated
Program Attendees
30 Minute Computer Sessions
Early Childhood Literacy Participants
Your support fuels the critical work we do every day. Together, we can ensure that its doors remain open to everyone who seeks knowledge, inspiration, and opportunity.
As we adapt to our community’s ever-changing needs, we invite you to explore our new mission and vision statements.
Mission Statement
The Reading Public Library is a welcoming space that empowers the community by providing free and open access to information and trusted navigation, promoting literacy and lifelong learning, and nurturing curiosity and community connections.
Vision Statement
The Reading Public Library will be an accommodating, accessible, and vibrant center of knowledge, exploration, creativity, and connection—the heart of the City—where all Reading residents and visitors regularly access culturally responsive resources and personalized services to achieve their goals, realize their potential, and inspire their community.
Your donation helps us write the next pages of our story.
Meet the library patrons who are directly supported by generous donors like you:
- Peaches, who learned how to use technology with our Digital Literacy Instructor while experiencing major life transitions.
- Martha, who received assistance from our team to use her cell phone to enroll in a life-changing program.
- Brenda, who lives in a senior living home and counts on us to bring the books that provide her so much comfort every week.
- Anthony, who uses the library to access Wi-Fi and engaging programs and resources for his daughter.