The Reading Post

Shop the Block
2025-12-04 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Reading’s much-celebrated annual Shop the Block event is on Thursday, December 4.
Many shops & businesses will be open late during Shop the Block – Grab a few friends to shop & dine downtown!
Our event gives customers the chance to celebrate longer, stay socially distant, and enjoy fun shopping experiences all season long. Businesses, restaurants, and salons in Reading are working together to make this an amazing event, so be sure to follow Shop The Block Instagram and Facebook pages!

Colonial Chorus Players: A Little Women Christmas
2025-12-05 - 2025-12-06 | Colonial Chorus Players, 1249 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA — This holiday season, Colonial Chorus Players of Reading is proud to present the premiere of A Little Women Christmas, a new radio play based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott.
“This adaptation centers around a year in the life of Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy from one Christmas to the next,” says Jennifer Estabrooks, who adapted the novel for the stage. “It’s the story of a family struggling through war, poverty, and sickness, but they never lose their abiding love for one another, sense of humor in the midst of difficulties, or hope for the future.”
A Little Women Christmas is performed like a live radio play by The Lux Radio Theatre in 1949, with a studio audience, announcer, sound effects done live on stage, radio ads, and even famous Hollywood actors, such as June Allyson, Peter Lawford, and a teenage Elizabeth Taylor.
Performances are December 5 and 6 at 7:30 PM and December 6 and 7 at 2 PM at the Old Hose House Theater, 1249 Main Street, Reading. All tickets are $20 and are available at www.ccp1961.org. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door 30 minutes before showtime with cash, Venmo, or PayPal only.
The ensemble cast features Katie Mulno, Kat Plano, Shannon Fay, Gaby Estabrooks, Alexander Slocum, Katie Broach, Sue Brother, David Murgo, Peter Cavicchio, Martin Brother, and Scott Estabrooks under the direction of Laura J. Bilodeau.
The show is appropriate for all audiences and runs approximately 90 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.

Reading Education Foundation Festival of Trees
2025-12-06 10:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Parker Middle School, 45 Temple Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
The Reading Education Foundation’s beloved holiday event returns December 6–7 with entertainment, family fun
Reading, MA — The Reading Education Foundation invites the community to climb aboard the Polar Express for its annual Festival of Trees, taking place Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Parker Middle School, 45 Temple Street, Reading.
This beloved holiday tradition features live entertainment, delicious food, fun activities for kids, and the chance to win one of nearly 100 beautifully decorated trees.
Admission is $5 per individual or $10 per family, good for the entire weekend, and includes all entertainment.
For advance ticket sales, event details, or to learn how to donate a tree, visit ReadingREF.com.

Celebrate the Season with the Reading Community Concert Band
2025-12-06 12:00 - 17:00 | Parker Middle School, 45 Temple Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
The Reading Community Concert Band (RCCB) has been bringing music to our town since 1994, first as a summer band and now as a year-round community ensemble. Founded by Cara Canady and carried forward by dedicated directors and musicians, RCCB continues to unite developing and experienced wind players through performances that blend serious repertoire with fun, accessible favorites. Under the direction of Stephen Bloom since 2017, the band proudly keeps its focus on community!
Upcoming Concerts:
Festival of Trees — Saturday, December 6 at Parker Middle School, 45 Temple St.
Holiday Concert — Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 PM, First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn St.
Many RCCB concerts are held in the beautiful sanctuary of the First Congregational Church, while town concerts take place outdoors on the Town Hall lawn (weather permitting).
Come join us and experience the joy of live music in Reading!

Reading Community Singers “Hope for the Holidays” Concert
2025-12-06 19:30 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA — Reading Community Singers invites everyone to our Annual Holiday Concert on December 6 at 7:30 at Reading Memorial High School – this year entitled “Hope for the Holidays.” It’s a Concert filled with Love, Hope, Dreams, and Peace on Earth for All, for this Holiday Season and Always. There’s a delightful mix of music and dancing to Celebrate the season – Christmas, Hanukkah, Family – with Classic and Modern Favorites, and a very special guest. As the title suggests, there will be songs to make the Holidays even warmer and hopeful – such as “Be A Light”, The Jonas Brothers’ “Like It’s Christmas”, “What the World Needs Now (Is Love)”, as well as a Medley from “A Muppet Christmas Carol”. These last two musical numbers will also spotlight our Youth Chorus. It’s a wonderful evening of seasonal entertainment for all ages.
This year, RCS’ Featured Guest Performers will be several soloists, duets, and small groups, selected from our very own talented membership!
Whatever Holidays you celebrate, take a well-deserved break from your preparations and plan to join RCS for an enjoyable evening of Musical Mirth, Warmth, and Merrymaking! Tickets are available from any Chorus member, as well as online and at the door, with discounts for Seniors and Students – Children under 5 are Free. For Advance Tickets go to: www.ReadingCommunitySingers.org/tickets/

Celebrate the Season with the Reading Community Concert Band
2025-12-07 15:00 - 17:00 | First Congregational Church of Reading, 25 Woburn Street, Reading, MA, United States

Breakfast with Santa at the Aleppo Shrine Center
2025-12-13 08:30 - 11:00 | Aleppo Shrine Center, 99 Fordham Rd, Wilmington, MA, 01887, United States
Breakfast with Santa, December 13, 2025, 8:30 am to 11:00 am at the Aleppo Shrine Center, 99 Fordham Rd, Wilmington, MA 01887
$20 for a family of 5; each additional person, $20.
Includes Breakfast, Visit from Santa, Crafts, Cookie Decorating, and Games!
Please RSVP with the age of your children by November 28th to Maribel at MDeluca@AleppoShriners.com

Hanukkah Story Time at Whitelam Books!
2025-12-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Whitelam Books is excited to host a Hanukkah Storytime on Sunday, December 14 at 3:00PM reading Eight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Story by Charlotte Offsay, and Lost and Found Hanukkah by Joy Preble. Join us for this family-friendly event for readers of all ages which will be held prior to the 4th Annual Community Menorah Lighting on the Reading Town Common.
Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street. This event is free and open to the public – all are welcome!

Community Chanukah Celebration at Jordan’s Furniture in Reading
2025-12-21 15:30 | Jordan’s Furniture, 50 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Chabad of Wakefield invites families to an afternoon of crafts, magic, festive treats, and the lighting of a nine-foot LED menorah on Sunday, December 21, beginning at 3:00 PM on Walkers Brook Drive
Reading, MA — Get ready for a fun, family-friendly Chanukah celebration this Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Jordan’s Furniture in Reading!
Chabad of Wakefield will be hosting a community Chanukah event beginning in the afternoon. Festivities kick off with activities for kids, including children’s Chanukah crafts and face painting, followed by the lighting of a large, nine-foot LED menorah, expected to be one of the highlights of the day. After the lighting, a high-energy magic show will keep young guests entertained, and the celebration wraps up with a chocolate gelt drop in Home Depot’s parking lot, a crowd-favorite moment fun for the whole family. Festive foods, drinks, and treats will be available throughout the event.
When: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Time: Starts at 3:00 PM (activities and menorah lighting; exact schedule may vary)
Where: Jordan’s Furniture on Walkers Brook Drive

Reading to Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 19
2026-01-19 09:30 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Community breakfast, student artwork, musical performances, and a keynote address to highlight the annual event at the RMHS
Reading Public Library (RPL), Reading, MA — Mark your calendar and join the community in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 19, 2026.
The celebration begins at 9:30 AM with a community breakfast provided by Reading Public Schools. Come meet representatives from local organizations and view artwork created by students.
The inspirational and uplifting program starts at 10:00 AM, featuring musical performances, student presentations, and a special keynote address.
If your organization is interested in having a table at the PAC (Performing Arts Center), or if you would like to volunteer, please contact the Office of Equity & Social Justice at oesj@readingma.gov.
The event location is wheelchair accessible, and ASL translators are available upon request.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Creative Chaos Emporium Opens Pop-Up Arts & Crafts Thrift Shop in Wakefield
2026-01-24 10:00 - 18:00 | MA
Grand opening Saturday, January 24, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., at 239 North Avenue

Wakefield, MA — After a handful of recycled art-making events and a wonderful holiday sale, Creative Chaos Emporium is excited to pop-up in the retail space at 239 North Avenue in Wakefield! Starting on January 24th, the arts & crafts thrift shop is partnering with Project Pop-Up & the town of Wakefield to to help people on the north shore find surprising treasures to inspire new projects while also offering the opportunity for them to re-home creative items they no longer need.
Creative Chaos Emporium has already collected lots of lovely yarn, fabric, sewing supplies, pens, markers, colored pencils, craft books, beautiful papers, antique frames and vintage ephemera. All of these items and much more will be available on the day of the grand opening, as well as during regular hours Wednesday – Sunday. The shop will also be accepting clean, reusable donations of arts & crafts supplies during all open hours – donation guidelines and more at www.creativechaosemporium.com.
More about CREATIVE CHAOS EMPORIUM:
People (especially people who like to make things!) often have so much STUFF. It can be hard to find a place to donate arts & crafts supplies, so these much-loved items sometimes end up in the trash. We’re hoping to offer our community a place where they can re-home creative items they no longer need and find affordable, sustainable and surprising treasures to inspire new projects.
Creative Chaos Emporium was founded in summer 2025 by Wakefield residents Sarah Lynne Reul & Stephanie Hannus, along with Stoneham resident Janet Cohen. While hosting several recycled art-making events throughout Fall 2025 and a holiday sale with the Arts Collaborative of Wakefield, Creative Chaos Emporium collected many secondhand arts & crafts supplies, which will be available for sale at the new location at 239 North Avenue in Wakefield.
Donating supplies to CREATIVE CHAOS EMPORIUM:
Creative Chaos Emporium accepts donations of clean, usable, arts & crafts supplies. More detailed donation guidelines can be found on our website, but in general, we are looking for:

Arts & Crafts Supplies: pencils, crayons, working pens/markers, usable paint (oil, acrylic, watercolor), glue/tape/adhesives, shells, beads, stickers, rhinestones, how-to arts & crafts books/magazines, blank sketchbooks, tools/supplies for printmaking, screenprinting, mosaics, bookbinding, paper craft, stained glass, jewelry making etc.
Fibers & Fabric: clean, usable fabric of at least ¼ yard, yarn (full and partial skeins), tools & materials for sewing, knitting/crochet, wool felting, spinning, weaving supplies, etc.
Upcycling Stuff: clean/empty paper bags/rolls/tubes, bottlecaps, small boxes, corks, glass jars (clean, label-free & with lids); office supplies, etc
Other Interesting, Unusual & Vintage Items: small toys (tiny animals, miniatures/dollhouse items, cars, action figures, dolls, wood blocks, legos, wind-up toys), picture frames, tins, trophies, trinkets, marbles, dice, vintage photographs & ephemera, office supplies, cigar boxes, wooden crates/boxes, wooden card catalogues, drawers & displays.

Generally speaking, if it’s clean and usable as an arts & crafts supply, we’ll likely be able to take it. For the safety of our volunteers & visitors, we cannot take anything hazardous, illegal, smelly, moldy, mildewy or otherwise damaged.
Email hello@creativechaosemporium.com with any questions!
More about Project Pop-Up:
Project: Pop-Up is a publicly-funded initiative created to revitalize storefronts and commercial hubs. With financial and professional support, Project: Pop-Up offers retailers, designers, artists and food purveyors a chance to take their concepts for a brick and mortar test drive.
Over 100 emerging brands and entrepreneurs applied to the pilot program of Project: Pop-Up in the summer of 2021. Over 15 brands were thoughtfully selected for the opportunity. These forward-thinking businesses popped up for two-three months at a subsidized rate and were provided with a suite of resources to help seed their success. The pilot pop-up brands represented a local and diverse mix of business owners, with 100% locally-owned, 80% woman-owned, and 40% BIPOC-owned.
94% of the brands continued to actively grow through brick and mortar retail channels. 53% have converted from pop-up to permanent tenancy. Newton, Needham, and Melrose were thrilled to welcome entrepreneurs, artists, eateries and more to their downtown districts to fill otherwise dormant storefronts with vibrancy and vitality while driving traffic to each area’s core of locally-owned businesses.
More about the Creative Re-Use Movement:
Creative Chaos Emporium is part of a growing network of 200+ Creative Re-Use Centers across the country working to make sure that usable arts & crafts supplies stay out of landfills – so that they can be made into cool new creations by makers like you! Other local creative re-use shops include DIY Thrift & Craft in Concord, NH, Make & Mend in Somerville MA and Swanson’s Fabrics in Turners Falls, MA.

Whitelam Books to Host Book Signing & Conversation with Author Julie Dobrow
2026-01-25 15:00 | Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA – Whitelam Books is pleased to welcome author Julie Dobrow for a book signing and conversation on Sunday, January 25 at 3:00PM. Julie will be discussing her book Love and Loss After Wounded Knee: A Biography of an Extraordinary Interracial Marriage. Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street.
This event is free and open to the public – all are welcome!
About the Event:
Join us for a conversation with Julie Dobrow as she shares her book Love and Loss After Wounded Knee: A Biography of an Extraordinary Interracial Marriage, a dual biography of two activists whose marriage challenged the gender and racial norms of their time. Love and Loss After Wounded Knee offers a dual biography of Elaine Goodale and Ohíye’Sa, (Dr. Charles Alexander Eastman), exploring their individual lives as well as their highly publicized interracial marriage. Both well-known in their own time- Elaine as a poet, journalist, and advocate for Indian education and Charles as writer, public speaker, and ardent activist for Indian rights- their marriage started with a shared vision to work on behalf of Indians. In the face of extreme prejudice, financial burden, and personal tragedy however, the marriage began to unravel. Dobrow paints an intimate, emotional portrait of the Eastmans’ lives drawn from Elaine and Charles’s letters, papers, and hundreds of accounts of the Eastmans’ lives from newspapers. The result is a compelling new history that weds the private and the political, and Native America and the United States of America- entwined yet separated, inextricable yet never fully joined, just like Elaine and Charles themselves.

Reading Police Department to Host Annual Citizens Police Academy
2026-01-28 18:30 - 20:30 | Reading Police Department, 15 Union Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
READING — Chief David Clark has announced that the Reading Police Department is hosting its Winter 2026 Citizens Police Academy (CPA) starting in January.
The CPA begins Wednesday, Jan. 28, and will be held every Wednesday night through March 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Classes will be held at the Reading Police Department, 15 Union St.

The CPA allows for local community members to learn about law enforcement operations from members of the Police Department. The topics covered in the class include:

Investigations
Patrol Procedures
Police in Schools
Domestic Violence
Dispatch procedures
Firearms/Less Lethal Enforcement
Comfort Dogs
Patrol K9

During the course, participants get the opportunity to meet officers who serve their community, explore department equipment and get an up-close look at operations. Graduates who attend at least six of the nine classes are eligible to schedule a ride along with a Reading Police officer.
“The Citizens Police Academy is a great way to strengthen the bond between the community and its law enforcement officers,” said Chief Clark. “Our officers love teaching in the academy and sharing their passion for police work with the community. Anyone interested in learning more about police work should join us.”
Participants must be 18 years old to register, or 16 years old with parental consent. Space is limited to 28 people, with first priority being given to Reading residents.
To register for the academy, download an application here. Applications should be returned in person or via email to Community Service Officer DaLonn Pearson, who can be reached via email at dapearson@readingma.gov.
Any questions or inquiries should be directed to Community Service Officer Pearson at 781-942-6761.

Whitelam Books to Host Stuffie Story Time and Sleep Over
2026-02-06 17:00 | Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA – Whitelam Books is excited to host our Third Annual Stuffie Story Time and Sleep Over on Friday, February 6 at 5:00 PM! We’ll kick off the sleepover with a PJ stuffed toy story time, and then the stuffed toys will stay behind to enjoy a sleepover in the bookstore!
Follow us on social media (facebook.com/whitelambooks and instagram.com/whitelambooks) to see what fun and silliness the stuffies get into before falling asleep. Stuffed animals will be picked up the next morning, Saturday, February 7, beginning at 10:00AM.
This event is capped at 30 stuffie friends, and registration is required. Stuffies can be registered on our store event calendar: whitelambooks.com/news-events. Limit one stuffie participant per person.
Join us for this family-friendly event for readers of all ages. Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street.
This event is free and open to the public – all are welcome!

RMHS Drama Club Presents St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves
2026-02-06 19:30 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Student-created adaptation of St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves premieres ahead of METG competition
Reading, MA — The RMHS Drama Club proudly presents the premiere of an original stage adaptation of St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves, based on the short story by Karen Russell. Created collaboratively by the student company, this bold and imaginative production explores identity, belonging, and the tension between instinct and expectation through a darkly whimsical lens.
This original adaptation will be the offering of RMHS at the statewide METG One-Act Play Festival, and audiences are invited to attend a special town-wide preview performance to support the cast and crew before they compete.
Content Advisory & Age Appropriateness: This production includes themes drawn from the original short story, including coming-of-age struggles, separation from family, loss of identity, and moments of stylized aggression reflecting the wolf-girl metaphor. While no graphic content is depicted, the material may be intense for younger viewers. Recommended for ages 10+. Viewer discretion is advised.
Join us for an evening of inventive storytelling and help send RMHS Drama to the state stage! Ticket information at rmhsdrama.org
Performance Dates:

Friday, Feb 6 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday, Feb 7 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, Feb 8 @ 2:00 PM

Location: William E. Endslow Performing Arts Center at RMHS
Tickets: Available at rmhsdrama.org
Creative Team:
Directed by: Natalie Cunha
Assistant Director: Katie Donovan
Technical Director: Kevin Gerstner
Support local student theater and witness this unique, never-before-seen adaptation!
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Reading Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Colonial Chorus Players presents The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie
2026-02-06 19:30 | Colonial Chorus Players, 1249 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
March 6–15 at the Old Hose House Theater—where secrets abound and a killer may be hiding in plain sight
Reading, MA — Welcome to Monkswell Manor, where some guests check in while others check out—permanently. Colonial Chorus Players proudly presents the longest-running theatrical production in the world, The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, March 6–15 at the Old Hose House Theater in Reading.
The Mousetrap is a mystery set at a remote guest house in the English countryside run by newlyweds Mollie and Giles, where six strangers find themselves stranded during a snowstorm. When the guests learn that a woman was murdered in London the day before, they soon begin to suspect that the killer is among them.
Performances of The Mousetrap are March 6, 7, 13 & 14 at 7:30 PM and March 8 & 15 at 2 PM at the Old Hose House Theater, 1249 Main Street, Reading. Advance tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and students at ccp1961.org. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door 30 minutes before showtime with cash, Venmo, or PayPal only. All seats are reserved seating.
The ensemble cast features Paul D’Onofrio, Andrew Haber, Madeleine Herrick of Reading, Colin Lamusta, Saeed Maseeh, Sorchae McMeel, Jackson Ploof, Michaelyn St. Pierre, and Sharyn Taitz under the direction of Shay Wainwright.

RMHS Drama Club Presents St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves
2026-02-07 19:30, 2026-02-08 14:00 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Student-created adaptation of St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves premieres ahead of METG competition
Reading, MA — The RMHS Drama Club proudly presents the premiere of an original stage adaptation of St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves, based on the short story by Karen Russell. Created collaboratively by the student company, this bold and imaginative production explores identity, belonging, and the tension between instinct and expectation through a darkly whimsical lens.
This original adaptation will be the offering of RMHS at the statewide METG One-Act Play Festival, and audiences are invited to attend a special town-wide preview performance to support the cast and crew before they compete.
Content Advisory & Age Appropriateness: This production includes themes drawn from the original short story, including coming-of-age struggles, separation from family, loss of identity, and moments of stylized aggression reflecting the wolf-girl metaphor. While no graphic content is depicted, the material may be intense for younger viewers. Recommended for ages 10+. Viewer discretion is advised.
Join us for an evening of inventive storytelling and help send RMHS Drama to the state stage! Ticket information at www.rmhsdrama.org
Performance Dates:

Friday, Feb 6 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday, Feb 7 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, Feb 8 @ 2:00 PM

Location: William E. Endslow Performing Arts Center at RMHS
Tickets: Available at rmhsdrama.org
Creative Team:
Directed by: Natalie Cunha
Assistant Director: Katie Donovan
Technical Director: Kevin Gerstner
Support local student theater and witness this unique, never-before-seen adaptation!
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Reading Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Whitelam Books to Host Book Signing & Conversation with Author Julie Dobrow
2026-02-08 15:00 | Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA – Whitelam Books is pleased to welcome author Julie Dobrow for a book signing and conversation on Sunday, February 8 @ 3:00PM. Julie will be discussing her bookLove and Loss After Wounded Knee: A Biography of an Extraordinary Interracial Marriage. Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street.
This event is free and open to the public – all are welcome!
About the Event:
Join us for a conversation with Julie Dobrow as she shares her book Love and Loss After Wounded Knee: A Biography of an Extraordinary Interracial Marriage, a dual biography of two activists whose marriage challenged the gender and racial norms of their time. Love and Loss After Wounded Knee offers a dual biography of Elaine Goodale and Ohíye’Sa, (Dr. Charles Alexander Eastman), exploring their individual lives as well as their highly publicized interracial marriage. Both well-known in their own time- Elaine as a poet, journalist, and advocate for Indian education and Charles as writer, public speaker, and ardent activist for Indian rights- their marriage started with a shared vision to work on behalf of Indians. In the face of extreme prejudice, financial burden, and personal tragedy however, the marriage began to unravel. Dobrow paints an intimate, emotional portrait of the Eastmans’ lives drawn from Elaine and Charles’s letters, papers, and hundreds of accounts of the Eastmans’ lives from newspapers. The result is a compelling new history that weds the private and the political, and Native America and the United States of America- entwined yet separated, inextricable yet never fully joined, just like Elaine and Charles themselves.

Whitelam Books to Host Authors Jane Ward & Nancy Bernhard
2026-02-11 18:00 | Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA – Whitelam Books is thrilled to welcome author Jane Ward in conversation with author Nancy Bernhard on Wednesday, February 11, at 6:00pm. Jane will be reading from her new book, Should Have Told You Sooner, while Nancy will share her book, The Double Standard Sporting House, at the event. Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street.
This event is free and open to the public – all are welcome!
About the Event:
Join us for a special double-author event as we host a book launch for Jane Ward (Should Have Told You Sooner) in conversation with Nancy Bernhard (The Double Standard Sporting House).
Should Have Told You Sooner:
While studying art history at a London university, Noel Enfield falls passionately in love with aspiring artist and art school student Bryn Jones. Shortly after Bryn leaves for a five-month painting trip through Italy, Noel discovers she is pregnant. She is ecstatic and believes Bryn will be too—they have plans to marry, after all. But mishaps part the two lovers, and a desperate Noel makes a split-second choice to move forward in a way that will change not only her life but also the lives of everyone she loves.
Three decades later, when she is offered a six-month secondment to a London museum, Noel decides it’s time to prove she really has moved on from that difficult period by returning to the city where she met and lost Bryn. But rather than proving she has persevered, the move lands Noel in the thick of London’s insular art world, with only one or two degrees of separation from her past and the people she once loved. After she reconnects with an old, dear friend and learns finally what kept Bryn from returning to her all those years ago, the very underpinnings of her life are rocked to their core. Some decisions made in the past can never be put behind her, she realizes, and armed with this new understanding, she sets out on a journey to reclaim what—and who—she left behind.
The Double Standard Sporting House:
A high-class brothel that entertains New York’s most powerful men, the Double Standard Sporting House funds a free clinic for women. When the Tammany Hall criminal syndicate takes over the city in 1868 and starts kidnapping girls, the house’s owner, Nell “Doc” Hastings, cannot stay quiet—especially after sixteen-year-old Vivie arrives at the clinic bruised and bleeding.
Resolving to seek justice for Vivie and girls like her, Doc builds an unlikely alliance with religious reformers, a rare honest ward cop, and an alluring newspaper publisher she can’t seem to keep away from. Even with their help, Doc will have to use her sharpest tools—secrets, guile, and a surgical blade—to prevent a dark turn in the sex trade.

Landscape Artist Hillary Scott to Demonstrate for Reading Art Association
2026-02-11 19:30 | First Congregational Church of Reading, 25 Woburn Street, Reading, MA, United States
Award-winning painter shares her oil landscape technique on February 11 at Guild Hall
Reading, MA — On February 11, 2026, the Reading Art Association will present Hillary Scott, who will demonstrate her oil landscape technique. Hillary is an academically trained landscape painter from Northeast Massachusetts.
She earned her BFA in studio art from UMass Lowell, with a concentration in illustration. She illustrated books for many years before transitioning to landscape painting. Hillary has an affinity for coastal scenes, wetlands, and finds endless inspiration in the New England landscape.
The demonstration will be held in Guild Hall at First Congregational Church, 1 Woburn Street, Reading. Entrance to the demo is the middle side door on Sanborn Street at 7:30 PM. Her website is hillaryscottfineart.com.

Representative Haggerty to Hold Community Office Hours
2026-02-12 12:30 - 13:30 | Caffé Nero, 676 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
State Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn) will be holding office hours on Thursday, February 12th, 2026.
The office hours will take place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Historical Artifacts Room at the Woburn Public Library, and at Caffé Nero, 676 Main Street, Reading, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.
Representative Haggerty or a member of his staff will be on hand during these hours to meet with Woburn and Reading residents. The office hours will be held on a first-come, first-served basis with no prior appointment necessary.
“I welcome Reading and Woburn residents to visit during our scheduled hours if they have any questions or concerns regarding legislative matters and government services,” stated Representative Haggerty. “I’m always happy to provide help and take time to listen to constituents.”
If constituents are unable to attend any of these sessions, they can contact his office at (617) 722-2575 or email his Staff Director, Zack Dhaliwal, at Zack.Dhaliwal@mahouse.gov. Representative Haggerty can also be reached directly at Richard.Haggerty@mahouse.gov.

Cartoonist Cara Bean Leads Heartwarming Teen Doodle Workshop at Reading Public Library
2026-02-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Feb. 12 program invites grades 6–12 to create tiny drawings with big meaning in “Doodling Secret Messages”
Reading, MA — On Thursday, February 12, at 4:00 pm, cartoonist Cara Bean visits the Reading Public Library for Doodling Secret Messages, a heartwarming workshop where tiny drawings carry big meaning.
Teens in grades 6–12 will create a series of increasingly small doodles, each paired with a special message to someone — or something — they care about, like a beloved friend, a pet, or a favorite place.
These miniature illustrations become visual love notes, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any holiday where you want to express affection and gratitude. It’s a quiet, creative way to reflect on what matters most — and share it playfully.
Register today; space is limited.
Cara Bean is a cartoonist, art educator, and the author of Here I Am, I Am Me: An Illustrated Guide to Mental Health. Her book was named to the Children’s Book Council’s 2025 Favorites lists for both Middle Grade and Teacher Favorites and was shortlisted for the Graphic Medicine International Comics Awards.
Scan to register or visit:
https://bit.ly/RPLDoodling

Jones to Hold District Office Hours
2026-02-13 10:15 - 11:30 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Residents invited to meet with the House Minority Leader at the Pleasant Street Center to discuss concerns and access state services
BOSTON – House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) will be holding his monthly district office hours in Reading on Friday, February 13, from 10:15-11:15 a.m. at the Pleasant Street Center, located at 49 Pleasant Street.
During office hours, Representative Jones or a member of his staff will be available at the center to meet with constituents on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary.
“I encourage Reading residents to stop by the Pleasant Street Center during office hours to discuss any issues of concern they may have, including questions about legislation and accessing government services,” said Representative Jones. “We are always happy to assist in any way we can and to be a resource to the community.”
Constituents who are unable to attend local office hours can schedule an appointment to meet with Representative Jones at a more convenient time by calling (617) 722-2100 or e-mailing his District Aide, Brittany Carisella, at Brittany.Carisella@mahouse.gov. Representative Jones can be reached at Bradley.Jones@mahouse.gov.
Reading office hours take place on the second Friday of every month at the Pleasant Street Center.

Shop, Sip, and Support Local Businesses at Galentine’s Night
2026-02-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Presence and Co., 557 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA — Reading residents are invited to a fun, community-focused evening on Friday, February 13, at Presence and Co., as locally owned small businesses come together for a night of shopping, food, and live entertainment.
The event will feature live performances by the Reading School of Music — including RMHS student musicians — along with a variety of local vendors, including High Street Tattoo, Kaylash, Mixed Metals Permanent Jewelry, and more.
Organizers hope to create a welcoming space where neighbors can support small businesses, connect with one another, and experience everything Presence and Co.
All are welcome to attend and help celebrate Reading’s vibrant small business community.
Presence and Co. 557 Main Street, Reading, MA
Friday, February 13

Reading Police Department Announces Car Seat Installation Events
2026-02-14 11:00 - 13:30 | Reading Police Department, 15 Union Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
READING — Deputy Chief Christine Amendola is pleased to share that the Reading Police Department will be hosting multiple car seat installation events for residents.
Car seat installations will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month, from Feb. 14 to June 13, at the police station, 15 Union St.
Reading Police have designated car seat technicians on staff who will assist residents with properly installing car seats.
The proper installation of car seats is vital to ensure safe travel and safe driving practices. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 325 children under 5 are saved by car seats in motor vehicle crashes per year.
Car seat installations are free for residents. Residents should bring the car seat manual and the height and weight of their child.
To schedule an appointment, residents should contact Sgt. Cody Costa at ccosta@readingma.gov or call and leave a message at 781-942-6799.

Senator Jason Lewis Announces Virtual Office Hours for February
2026-02-17 14:00 | MA
BOSTON—State Senator Jason Lewis will be holding Virtual Office Hours on Tuesday, February 17, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This will replace the regularly scheduled Virtual Office Hours on February 16, due to the celebration of Presidents’ Day.
Any constituent of Senator Lewis is welcome to attend Office Hours, with no appointment necessary, to discuss any personal issue or legislative feedback with the Senator and his staff.
Virtual Office Hours are held on Zoom. To join the meeting, please visit SenatorJasonLewis.com, use the following link, or enter the meeting information on Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83854164671?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 838 5416 4671
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Each constituent meets privately with the Senator during the Zoom session.
Senator Lewis also holds regular in-person Office Hours in each community of the district (Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winchester).
For further information or any questions, visit SenatorJasonLewis.com or contact his State House office at (617) 722-1206 orJason.Lewis@masenate.gov.

Whitelam Books to Host Story Time with Children’s Author & Illustrator AJ Smith
2026-02-18 10:30 | Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA – Whitelam Books is delighted to welcome Children’s Book Author and Illustrator AJ Smith to our weekly story time as he shares his book Catnip Mouse, Wednesday, February 18 at 10:30am. Join us for this family-friendly event for readers of all ages. Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street.
This event is free and open to the public – all are welcome!
About the Event:
Join us as we welcome special guest, author and illustrator AJ Smith to Whitelam Books to share his book Catnip Mouse at our weekly story time! Vera (the cat) is happily playing alone with her catnip mouse when Gipp (the dog) desperately tries to join the fun. When she doesn’t respond, Gipp decides he’ll impress her with his magic wand but instead accidentally destroys Vera’s toy! Attempting to cheer her up, Gipp offers to use his wand to replace the catnip mouse, suggesting a series of fantastical rhyming alternatives. Would Vera like a ketchup joust? No. A cattle blouse? No! How about a cactus house? NO! Vera’s had enough. And soon neither of them has their favorite toy. Is there some way the friends can patch things up?

Whitelam Books to Host Author Kristin Bair at Monthly Fiction Book Club
2026-02-19 19:00 | Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA – Whitelam Books is excited to welcome author Kristin Bair to our fiction book club on Thursday, February 19 at 7:00pm. Our monthly drop-in fiction book club will be discussing Kristin’s book, Clementine Crane Prefers Not To. Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street.
This event is free and open to the public – all are welcome!
About the Event:
Join us for a special fiction book club meeting as we host author Kristin Bair and discuss her book, Clementine Crane Prefers Not To. Clementine Crane has a few things on her plate: She keeps the peace, picks up the slack, and always puts everyone else first. But when her first hot flash strikes, perimenopause sends her into a tailspin. Between a husband who can’t navigate a revolving door without her, three kids who treat her as their fixer, and a career stuck in neutral, Clementine begins to wonder: When is enough enough?
Overwhelmed and fed up, Clementine takes a stand—one small refusal at a time. She goes on strike, ditching obligations, setting boundaries, and venting her frustrations on social media. When her raw, hilarious, and unexpectedly poignant videos go viral, Clementine finds herself at the heart of a movement she never saw coming.
Clementine can’t stay on strike forever, but can she let a few things fall through the cracks—before she cracks again? Speaking to the emotional, and often invisible, labor that so many women bear, Clementine Crane finally asks: When does it become too much?
