Author: Just the messenger...

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!

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!

Library Card Design Contest Info!

We will be hosting a Library Card Design Contest for kids during the month of April! Here are the important details:
– The contest is for Reading residents in grades K-7 (or equivalent ages) and will run from April 1st to April 30th. The theme is “Reading is Revolutionary”, in line with our year-long theme & summer reading.
– There will be both printed templates & forms available in the Children’s Room as well as a downloadable form on the website.
– Entries can either be brought to the Children’s Room or submitted online via a Google Form.
– The first round will be blindly judged by staff. The top ten entries will then be brought to the Trustees and they will vote on the final winner.
– The winner will be selected and contacted no later than June 1st. It will then be announced  on June 12 during Summer Sizzlers, and featured entries will be on display in the Studio.
– The winning design will be used as our Library Card Sign Up Month limited edition card during the month of September!
For staff:

– Anyone who is interested in helping judge the first round please contact Lucy! This will occur between May 1st and May 11th.
– Any questions can be directed to the Children’s Room. Details are also posted on the website at the link above, which will be featured as a button on the homepage starting March 30th.

KultureCity Training

LEADERBOARD
  • R&R     100%
  • BS          83%
  • Admin   75%
  • CR          50%
  • TS           50%
  • LT           43%
Thanks so much to everyone who’s completed the training!  If you haven’t gotten to it yet, don’t worry, there’s still time!
Let me know if you have any questions.
KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Training  (to be completed by January 31)

RPL is working towards being certified as a Sensory Inclusive institution with KultureCity.  KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive program is designed to help guests with sensory needs like PTSD, autism, dementia, and strokes, just to name a few, feel welcomed.

Museum Passes

Patron donated 4 passes to the New Bedford Whaling Museum – no dates on them.  They are at the Borrower’s Service Desk.  Enjoy to whoever would like them!!!