The Reading Observer

Live bands played throughout the afternoon as families made their way across the complex. Kids climbed into DPW and Reading Fire vehicles, raced RC cars around a track, worked their way through a mini golf course, and rode a train that looped around the Birch Meadow area. The Shriners brought their mini trucks, and Farm 2 Go Traveling Petting Farm set up a petting zoo where kids could meet baby ducks, chicks, bunnies, and goats.

Several programs brought hands-on learning to Reading’s students. At Birch Meadow Elementary School, a grant awarded to the PTO welcomed an indigenous educator from the Plimoth-Patuxet Museum at the end of October 2025. First graders learned about the Wampanoag people and how they created pottery from clay found along the riverbanks, with each child getting the chance to shape their own piece.

Reading came alive with music on Saturday, June 27, 2026, as PorchFest returned for another year, filling porches, lawns, and open spaces across town from noon until 6 pm in most locations. This year’s event featured 48 host locations and 110 groups and individuals performing, drawing residents out to walk the neighborhoods, discover new acts, and enjoy the day together.

The Reading Recreation Division’s free children’s performance series continues this summer with Wednesday morning shows at Memorial Park begining at 10:00 am. The line up features: Parking for these performances is available on Charles Street and Harrison Street. There are no rain dates for these performances. For information regarding weather cancellations, call the Recreation Division at 781-942-9075 after 9:00 am on the day of the performance, or check the Reading Recreation homepage.

Andover, MA - Today, House Majority Leader Mike Moran announced his endorsement for Tram Nguyen’s campaign for Congress saying Tram is a “builder and a deliverer” and that the District needs her “unwavering commitment to working people in Congress.” “Tram is not a D.C. insider or elitist, and that's exactly who we need to send to Washington. We need leaders who actually understand the day-to-day struggles of working-class families.

High Street will be closed from Washington Street to Woburn Street from Tuesday, July 14, to Friday, July 17, for construction, including overnight work on Thursday, July 16. Drivers in the area should expect detours and delays. Local businesses will remain open throughout the closure. Parking will be available on Lincoln Street, Haven Street, Brande Court, and other surrounding side streets.

The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will be conducting mosquito larvicide spraying in Reading in mid-July, using truck-mounted aerosol sprayers to control mosquito populations ahead of the summer season. Spraying will take place between sunset and 11:30 pm on each scheduled night. If postponed due to weather, residents can expect spraying to be rescheduled for the following week.

Reading Public Library (RPL), Reading, MA—If you love the music of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, and John Prine, come to the Reading Public Library for an evening of acoustic guitar with Art Grossman. You’ve seen Art Grossman at the North Reading Community Coffeehouse and Porchfest, and now we’re thrilled to host him on the Reading Public Library Terrace.

Climate action and environmental protection are central priorities for the McDonald Campaign, McDonald supports protecting Massachusetts' 2050 climate commitments, expanding access to clean energy, restricting PFAS chemicals, replacing lead service lines to ensure safe drinking water, and investing in climate resilience. McDonald has also proposed policies to lower utility costs through renewable energy expansion while improving public transit options that reduce emissions.

On a sunny, warm summer morning, members of the Select Board and town staff gathered at the Department of Public Works for a guided tour of the facility on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Chair Melissa Murphy, Vice Chair Karen Rose-Gillis, Karen Herrick, and Chris Haley attended, along with Town Manager Jayne Wellman and town staff Jax LaVerde.