New: American Ancestors Database!

If you are just starting your genealogy research or looking for new information on your family tree, you'll want to check out our latest online resource: America Ancestors.

With almost 500 databases and 1.4 billion records that cover North America, Europe, and beyond, this new database also features many unique databases unique to our Commonwealth, including the only online source for records from Boston's Catholic Archdiocese. This database is available for use in the library, check it out on your next visit.

To get started understanding more about our community's history, including the library's new Digital Archives, check out our robust Local History & Genealogy page linked below.

Have you checked out RPL's Local History page lately?

Changing Careers! New series begins 2/13

Tune up your job search with a new workshop series facilitated by Career Coach Gary Gekow. Then, continue your learning by booking a one-on-one appointment with a reference librarian to discover resources to keep you on the path to success.  Call the Research and Reader Service desk at 781-942-6703 to set up an appointment or for help registering for one or all of the series. Learn more and register today!

Get ready for the SAT with The Princeton Review, 2/16

Taking the SATs this year? We've got your back with a couple of programs designed to help prepare you to do your best. On February 16, The Princeton Review will provide some simple strategies to help improve your scores on the actual or practice test. Then, on February 18 you can take a practice test to get a feel for the real exam. Both programs are virtual.

Register with The Princeton Review directly using these links:
SAT Strategy Session | February 16 | 7pm
SAT Strategy Practice Test | February 18 | 1-5pm

Join our screening of Bill Russell: Legend, 3/2!

We are so excited about 2 special programs you won't want to miss! On March 2, the library will host a special preview screening of the new documentary, Bill Russell: Legend—get to know the man with "more rings than fingers" who was a legend on and off the Garden's parquet floor. Then on March 6,  join the library and the Coalition of Us (CATO)  for a community conversation about Bill Russell's legacy in Reading. Together these programs offer a unique way for us to understand our history and envision our shared future.
March 2 | 6:30pm | Learn more about the screening.
March 6 | 7:00pm | Register for the Community Conversation.

Have you seen 2023 Award Winning Books for Youth?

The 2023 American Library Association Youth Media Awards (ALA YMAs) were just announced. Did you know that this year, two of your children’s librarians had the honor of helping to decide what books would be recognized? Librarian Olivia McElwain served on the Notable Children’s Books Committee, and Librarian Ashley Waring served on the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Committee.

See what titles were selected on our interactive booklist PDF (titles linked to our catalog so you can request them) or stop by the Children's room to learn more!

Learn about the local history of Abolition, 2/15

Did you know that the South Reading (aka Wakefield) Female Anti-Slavery Society was the 2nd such group established in the United States? In this virtual program, Dr. Jamie Crumley will show how the efforts of the anti-slavery women in Massachusetts demonstrate the distinctively feminist contours of antebellum abolitionism. Great for local history enthusiasts! Register to receive a Zoom link via email.

Hoopla's Bonus Borrows are back this month!

Bonus Borrows are here all month! There's something for everyone in this month's collection available to you with no borrowing limit—more than 100 items. Follow the links below to explore what's available.
View the entire collection for February.
Show me Fiction
Show me Nonfiction
Children's Collection

Update on Tax Forms!
We now have State and Federal 1040 and 1040SR tax forms and the instructions booklets for tax year 2022. Forms and instructions may be found in front of the holds area on the main floor. Need a form printed out? We can help at the Reference & Readers' Services desk on the main floor.

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

Around the World in 80 Days
Through February 28, 2023

Terrific Tuesdays
4:00pm - 4:45pm Tuesday, February 7, 2023

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS: Town of Reading Public Safety Clinician Office Hours - Lobby
2:00pm - 4:00pm Wednesday, February 8, 2023

TBW: Creative Writing for Teens!
3:30pm - 4:30pm Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Therapeutic Program for Adults with McFarlane Arts
4:00pm - 5:00pm Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Coding Club
6:30pm - 7:30pm Wednesday, February 8, 2023

RPL Book Group
7:00pm - 8:30pm Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Preschool Storytime Fun: Ages 3-5
1:30pm - 2:15pm Thursday, February 9, 2023

Reading Public Library Foundation Meeting
7:00pm - 9:00pm Thursday, February 9, 2023

Babytime: Storytime for Babies 0-18 months
10:00am - 10:30am Friday, February 10, 2023

Genealogy One-on-One: Private Research Appointment
10:00am - 11:00am Friday, February 10, 2023

Babytime: Storytime for Babies 0-18 months
11:00am - 11:30am Friday, February 10, 2023

Kids Spy: Around the World Edition
1:30pm - 2:15pm Friday, February 10, 2023

Jumping Beans: Family Storytime Drop-in
10:00am - 10:30am Saturday, February 11, 2023

Board of Library Trustees meeting
7:00pm - 9:00pm Monday, February 13, 2023

Changing Careers: Reinventing Oneself in Today's Job Market Workshop-Online
7:00pm - 8:30pm Monday, February 13, 2023

Toddler Time
10:00am - 10:30am Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Terrific Tuesdays
4:00pm - 4:45pm Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Pleasant Street Center Book Group
9:30am - 11:00am Wednesday, February 15, 2023

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS: Town of Reading Public Safety Clinician Office Hours - CHILDREN'S ROOM
2:00pm - 4:00pm Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Partners and Allies for an Inclusive Reading (PAIR)
6:00pm - 7:30pm Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Coding Club
6:30pm - 7:30pm Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Abolition's Foot Soldiers: Female Anti-Slavery Societies in Antebellum Massachusetts (Virtual)
7:00pm - 8:00pm Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Preschool Storytime Fun: Ages 3-5
1:30pm - 2:15pm Thursday, February 16, 2023

TAG: Teen Advisory Group
3:30pm - 4:30pm Thursday, February 16, 2023

Library Landscape Committee
7:00pm - 8:30pm Thursday, February 16, 2023

SAT Strategy Session - Virtual
7:00pm - 8:00pm Thursday, February 16, 2023

Babytime: Storytime for Babies 0-18 months
10:00am - 10:30am Friday, February 17, 2023

Babytime: Storytime for Babies 0-18 months
11:00am - 11:30am Friday, February 17, 2023

SAT Practice Test - Virtual
1:00pm - 5:00pm Saturday, February 18, 2023

Genealogy One-on-One: Private Research Appointment
2:00pm - 3:00pm Saturday, February 18, 2023

Presidents' Day Library Closed
All Day Event Monday, February 20, 2023

Game Time for Teens!
1:00pm - 3:00pm Tuesday, February 21, 2023

 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 and are welcomed 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.