Category: Administration

Signs and Displays

As collections move, you’ll notice we have updated, moved, and removed some of the signage and displays.

We removed the audiobook room signs and the ground floor sign, with updates coming soon.

Thanks to the Display Committee—Carol, Judy T., Ashley, Alissa, Jocelyn, and Desiree—for their great ideas. Regular lobby displays are paused, so there are no tables under the Brightsign or Borrower Services sign by the purple wall. This creates a more open, peaceful lobby and better views. With fewer visual distractions, it’s easier to interact with patrons and build relationships.

Other displays remain: the ground-floor non-fiction display (maintained by Alissa), displays opposite the Ref Desk, and those along the windows facing the parking lot. Some ground-floor display furniture will move to the Reading Room for collection highlights, maintained by R and R.

NEW: Mini-Food Pantry @ RPL

This week, Scout Bill Lockhart, of Reading Troop 702, is establishing a Mini-Food Pantry near the School Street steps as his final Eagle Scout project.

What is a Mini-Food Pantry?
Similar in design and size to Little Free Libraries seen around town, the Mini–Food Pantry is designed for community members to donate and will contain non-perishable, shelf-stable food items. It is a free resource for people who need food when the Reading Food Pantry is closed, and a place community members can donate non-perishable food items.

Once installed, the we (RPL) will assist in its ongoing maintenance. The Library’s Mini–Food Pantry joins a growing number of them in the area, including one located at The First Baptist Church at 45 Woburn Street.

MLAA 2026 Scholarship information

The Massachusetts Library Aid Association (MLAA) Committee on Aid to Small Public Libraries is pleased to announce its Scholarship Program for Fall 2026. MLAA’s goal is to support staff development in small public libraries.
  • Applications available: Monday, June 15, 2026
  • Applications due: Friday, August 14, 2026, at 5 pm. No applications are accepted after this date.
To be eligible for the MLAA Scholarship Program, applicants must currently work (for a minimum of one year) in a Massachusetts Public Library in a community of 35,000 population or less, and their annual salary may not exceed $45,000.
Problems sending the application or Questions?
Contact: MLAA Liaison, Barbara Friedman bibliogal@gmail.com

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.

Public Desk Talking and Politics

Hello all, there is a Town Election happening on April 7th. Here is the yearly reminder about what the public and staff can do regarding political campaigns.

Staff can answer factual questions about the candidates, but, per the Town of Reading personnel policy, should not engage in any political activity during working hours or on town property. Also, while on a service desk, keep discussions quick and quiet. Please read the full policy regarding town personnel political activity below, and the library policy on free speech and expressive conduct, specifically about candidates gathering signatures.

Social Media Posts-Logo

Hi all, The Town Social Media and Website working group met today and has requested that for any image/static social media posts we include the library logo. Also, if we want to something shared to the Town of Reading social media account, send Katie or Joshua the image and blurb and they will share directly to that account.

Let me know if you have any questions.