Around the World in 80 Days is back!

Can you go Around the World in 80 Days? Join the Reading Public Library's winter reading program for kids and families! First stop: pick up a program passport at the Children's Room desk! Then, decide where you want to "visit," and start exploring. You have 80 days to visit all seven continents--if you make it, you get an out-of-this-world prize!

In the Children's Room, lots of great books, audiobooks, movies, and music will be on display. When you finish learning about one place, come back to the library to get your passport stamped and set off to your next destination. Suggested reading lists for each age group are available online (see link in red box).

You can watch the Children's Librarians walk 1000 miles just to sign up at the video link below! This program runs through February 28th - today's a great day to take your first step around the world!

This program is for ages 3 and up and is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Reading Public Library. Safe travels and happy reading!

Booklists for Around the World in 80 Days

Therapeutic Music Exploration continues 12/14

Designed for adults ages 22+ with disabilities, including ASD and I/DD. This series is an inviting musical exploration in a safe and therapeutic environment. Participants’ potential is celebrated in this group setting through active music making, songwriting, and musical expression and exploration. More information and register here.

Now - grab & go with RPL Hold Pickup Lockers!

Your library holds – on your time! Can’t make it to the library to pick up your holds during regular business hours? Send your items to our new secure Hold Pickup Locker and access your materials at your convenience. Have your library account number or RPL App ready! The lockers were made possible due to generous support and funding from the Reading Public Library Foundation.

It’s easy to use RPL Lockers - learn all about it!

Free Webinars on Mental Health & Well-being

Did you know that you McLean Hospital offers a number of free virtual webinars on mental health and well-being every month? Check out December's series of programs here.

Virtual! Learn about Hanukkah, 12/15

The Reading Public Library is excited to partner with Tewksbury Public Library and other Massachusetts public libraries for a virtual program about Hanukkah on Thursday, December 15 at 7:00pm on Zoom.

Join us to learn about Hanukkah -- a fun-filled eight-day festival celebrated by people all around the world who practice the Jewish faith -- in this presentation from the Lappin Foundation. Register today to receive a Zoom link via email.

Save the Date! Registration Opens December 14

Travel the world from the comfort of your armchair in 2023! Season two of RPL’s subscription book club is headed abroad! How does it work? Each month, from January - June, registrants will have a new book to read, enjoy, and discuss on an online discussion board. This time, the topic is travel - each selection will feature stories of Americans abroad. Space is limited and registration opens on December 14 - mark your calendars!

Upcoming RPL Events

To see a complete list of event details for all virtual and in-person programs, visit RPL's Event Calendar

Events in the next 2 weeks

Cycle of Memory: A documentary film
7:00pm - 8:30pm Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Writers' Group -- Virtual
10:00am - 11:30am Wednesday, December 7, 2022

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS: Town of Reading Public Safety Clinician Office Hours
2:00pm - 4:00pm Wednesday, December 7, 2022

TBW: Creative Writing for Teens!
3:30pm - 4:30pm Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Genealogy How To: Family Search
7:00pm - 8:00pm Wednesday, December 7, 2022

An Evening with Mystery Writers: Sulari Gentill, Hank Phillippe Ryan and Eva Jurczyk
7:00pm - 8:30pm Thursday, December 8, 2022

Reading Public Library Foundation Meeting
7:00pm - 9:00pm Thursday, December 8, 2022

Babytime: Storytime for Babies 0-18 months
10:00am - 10:30am Friday, December 9, 2022

Babytime: Storytime for Babies 0-18 months
11:00am - 11:30am Friday, December 9, 2022

Genealogy One-on-One: Private Research Appointment
11:00am - 12:00pm Friday, December 9, 2022

Jumping Beans: Family Storytime Drop-in
10:00am - 10:30am Saturday, December 10, 2022

Board of Library Trustees meeting
7:00pm - 9:00pm Monday, December 12, 2022

Genealogy One-on-One: Private Research Appointment
2:00pm - 3:00pm Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Terrific Tuesdays
4:00pm - 4:45pm Tuesday, December 13, 2022

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS: Town of Reading Public Safety Clinician Office Hours
2:00pm - 4:00pm Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Therapeutic Program for Adults with Roman Music Therapy
4:00pm - 5:00pm Wednesday, December 14, 2022

RPL Book Group
7:00pm - 8:30pm Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Around the World in 80 Days
All Day Event Thursday, December 15, 2022

Pleasant Street Center Book Group
10:00am - 11:30am Thursday, December 15, 2022

Nonfiction Smackdown!
3:30pm - 4:30pm Thursday, December 15, 2022

TAG: Teen Advisory Group
3:30pm - 4:30pm Thursday, December 15, 2022

VIRTUAL: An Introduction To Hanukkah
7:00pm - 8:00pm Thursday, December 15, 2022

Babytime: Storytime for Babies 0-18 months
10:00am - 10:30am Friday, December 16, 2022

Babytime: Storytime for Babies 0-18 months
11:00am - 11:30am Friday, December 16, 2022

Beads and Stories: Indigenous Jewelry Making Workshop with Thomas Green Series
1:00pm - 3:00pm Saturday, December 17, 2022

KidLit Fan Club! A Book Group for Adults
7:30pm - 8:30pm Monday, December 19, 2022

Terrific Tuesdays
4:00pm - 4:45pm Tuesday, December 20, 2022

We're happy to help.

- For problems with your library account, email: [email protected]
- For questions about access to online resources, email:  [email protected]
- Have a comment or suggestion for this newsletter? email: [email protected]
- You can also call us at 781-944-0840 or text to 781-705-7117

Reading Public Library COVID-19 Protocols

Face coverings are not required but strongly recommended while indoors at the Reading Public Library. Please follow the updated COVID-19 guidelines if you’ve tested positive, been in close contact, or are experiencing new symptoms.