Paving saga

Apparently, the paving company has been hung up on another project. If they can finish up there this week, we will see them next week.  We are next on their list, and DPW will share information as it comes in.

A shoe-in!!?!

Our dramatic play space for next month is going to be a shoe “store” and we need YOUR creative ideas for a catchy name for our temporary brand! Reply to this post if you are inspired!!

We are also interested in unusual footwear for the store. If you are cleaning out and have some gently used cowboy boots or some special sparkly sandals (or anything else to looks fun or interesting), we will take them!

Paving …. ????

The Department of Public Works has contacted the National Grid and their contractor about the (lack of) paving of Middlesex Ave from Lowell to Deering.  We will update employees and the public as soon as we know something.  Thank you for your patience.

Health Insurance and Open Enrollment

This serves as the official notice of the FY27 Open Enrollment period.  Attached are some FAQs to help with general inquiries. In addition, as there are many new changes to the plans, we will be sending out another email about employee informational sessions to discuss plan design changes. Learn more:

  • Monday, May 4, 2026
  • 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Reading Memorial High School – Performing Arts Center
  • 62 Oakland Road
  • Monday, May 11, 2026
  • 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Zoom Webinar– Link to be provided later this week

Click here to visit the Open Enrollment page to access plan designs, rates, and enrollment forms.

Updated Plan Options

Health Insurance Plans

  1. *Blue Care Elect (PPO)
  2. *Network Blue New England (HMO)
  3. Network Blue Select (more limited HMO Plan)

Dental Insurance Plans

  1. **Dental Blue with Orthodontics (current plan offered)
  2. Dental Blue no Orthodontics

*If you are currently enrolled in the PPO or HMO plan and take no action, you will automatically transfer to the new PPO or HMO, respectively.

**Everyone on the current dental insurance will remain on it unless they take action to switch plans.

Please either mail changes to the address below or email to Aventika Mehta at amehta@readingma.gov by Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 12:00 PM.

Summer Sizzlers still needs help!

Our upcoming annual after-hours adult summer reading kickoff event, Summer Sizzlers, still needs a couple of helping hands.

This exclusive after-hours Friends-sponsored event is a huge draw for patrons and tons of fun. There are librarian book talks, mocktails, raffles and good vibes.

This year, it’s on Friday, June 12, 6-9 pm.

We need someone who can help check out books to patrons during the event and maybe snapping a few photos.

Paid time, extra hours for P/T staff, flex time for F/T people. People will work with their schedulers to make adjustments as needed.

Staff usually meet just ahead of the event to share a meal. Your talents would make this event a success.

If you’re interested, please let Sara or Olivia know ASAP so we can share more info.

 

Thank you!

Social RX

The library has joined the organization SocialRx, formerly known as Art Pharmacy, to help medical providers connect patients with programs and events at a variety of institutions, including libraries.  We won’t know who is participating when they come into the library; this is all anonymous.  I’ve attached a reference sheet along with the information document that Amy shared with Town Department Heads.

All that staff need to know is that this organization does the following: 

WHAT IS SOCIALRX?

SocialRx (formerly Art Pharmacy) is a national social prescribing platform that connects healthcare providers with community organizations such as libraries, arts centers, and cultural institutions to support patients facing mental health challenges, social isolation, and loneliness.

The concept is called a “social prescription”: instead of (or alongside) clinical treatment, a doctor or care team refers a patient to community-based activities and programs. Research shows that participation in arts and culture programming can support mental health and reduce isolation.

Per Desiree: Non-pharmaceutical “prescriptions” are gaining attention, for example, the author of The Connection Cure was recently interviewed in the Friends Speaker Series

If patrons are interested in this service, they need to speak with their medical providers. 

Politically Expressive Activities (Reminder)

With state elections and ballot measures coming up this fall, we are seeing a significant increase in the number of people collecting signatures in our area.  Please review these guidelines:
  1. As a public building, RPL may dictate the time, place, and manner of politically expressive activities. We may not encourage or discourage this expression based on content.
  2. Collecting signatures or any politically expressive activities are permitted in the lower lobby near the entrance of the building.  This is the designated area.
  3. These activities may not interfere with patron use of the building (no blocking the elevator, book sale room, or Hush Booth).
  4. These activities may not interfere with staff performing their duties
  5. For safety reasons, people may not collect signatures (any politically expressive activities) in the parking lot.
  6. For privacy reasons (lockers and book drop), people may not collect signatures (any political activities) outside the main entrance of the building.
  7. RPL purview does NOT include the public sidewalks on School Street, Middlesex Ave, or Deering Street.
  8. Employees are not permitted to add their signature or participate in politically expressive activities while on duty. To avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest and ethical violations, please do not add signatures to petitions, etc., on any town building property, even while off duty.

Sign up for Spring Outreach Events

The RPL participates in a wide range of community events throughout the year.  They are a great way to get to know the citizens of Reading and the community.  Please consider signing up to staff an event; dates are listed in this form.  This is paid time.   Please do not sign up for an event during your scheduled desk shift hours.   If you have any questions, speak to Michelle or Cate.

Customer Service Survey

At the request of one of our Trustees, I’ve created a “how was your visit” survey that will be available at each service desk, at the self-check stations, on the catalog kiosks, and in the elevator.

If patrons would like to provide quick feedback, direct them to these surveys. If they want to provide more expansive feedback, direct them to the comment forms.

Please let me know if you have any questions.