This is quite possibly the cream of the crop when it comes to public libraries in the North Shore area. I've been borrowing books, movies, and music at this location for nine years, and I have never been disappointed by their policies or their inventory. The staff is a healthy mix of positive work ethics and nonchalant attitude. Never have I felt as though I was walking into a hole in the wall museum,operated by snobby pseudo-intellectual curators. I feel as though the relatively casual atmosphere is maintained due to public appeasement and understanding that the average citizen may feel inhibited walking into a library (where one may expect cranky women with blue hair and bifocal reading glasses to shoot a death stare of silence upon entrance.) The selections at the Reading Public Library are seemingly infinite and their catalog never ceases to settle in an obsolete state or rotation. Their music section is widely varied, with a heavy emphasis on seventies glam/punk and eighties new wave/synth pop, which is right up my alley. As a voracious consumer of comics and graphic novels, many of my voids have been filled, as this section is booming with vintage Marvel/DC fare, along with quirky underground comix reading material. One of this libraries' useful hallmarks is their inclusion of a quiet computer study area, which has been very convenient for me over the years. This room is cut off and isolated for those who need to maintain unwavering focus on personal projects, schoolwork, finances, and the like. As if this isn't a formula for the perfect library, there are vending machines located on the basement level near the book sale room. Yes, you can also eat, drink, and merrily read books at this location, unlike most libraries that scoff at a rumbling stomach or the slightest hint of dehydration. For media geeks of all ages, I cannot rave enough about this library and it's wide range of largely unrivaled assets! read more

We were peacefully gaming, when one of my friends, got a little upset with one of the kids on a computer. It wasn't anything big, but he had just changed schools, and he wanted to play with us. The kid said no, and my friend got a little mad. Nothing big, but the librarian still stepped in to break it up, nothing much. Then we came up with a compromise. However, later on, the librarian decided that we had enough gaming, and kicked us out! We didn't even do anything. There wasn't even anyone waiting in line for the computer. This act even goes against the law. Then, she tried to blame us that we had created a hostile environment earlier in the day. They held us on a 30 min limit on the computers, even though everyone else was not held to the same standard. She also tried saying that the library was closing, even though it was still half an hour away from closing time. read more

It's an absolutely BEAUTIFUL and classic New England library! The librarians are helpful and responsive. The space is beautiful and *feels* welcoming...until you start exploring. I am so disappointed that a political agenda is pushed top to bottom at the library. For instance, they recently held a specious "banned books" event where they ask people to take political action against SUPPOSEDLY banned books, which is a hoax. (For details, read this article: https://www.dailysignal.com/2023/05/11/fact-checking-dispels-the-book-banning-fiction/#:~:text=PEN%20America%20advocates%20on%20behalf,the%202021%2D2022%20school%20year) This is an absolute LARP in response to parents who don't want X-rated material in the kids' room; that's not book banning, that's curation and appropriateness for children. My kids are advanced readers and I can't let them explore freely in the library because there is so much inappropriate material for children, for example, "This Book is Gay" includes graphic material tutoring children on how to perform an*l s*x. It's in the teen room for ages 12-18--COMPLETELY inappropriate. There are also the usual divisive identity/sexuality-focused events for kids like 'draw a coat of arms for LGBTQ+ and allies.' It would be nice if the library focused on the huge literacy problem in this country instead of pandering to identity politics. This library is definitely not a safe space for kids--watch them closely and/or order books for pick-up. So sad. I also want to understand why the city pays the salary of a DEI apparatchik at this library. I do not believe city money should be spent on this nonsense. Libraries could have stepped up and stayed open to serve the whole population during the covid restrictions, yet they stayed closed for years, which no doubt contributed to the huge decline in academic scores and literacy we see in children. I hope this library can be renewed to be about more than virtue signaling and posturing. Communities benefit from excellence in libraries. read more

this library is kept clean overall but doesn't have much for study spaces. The books are kept in good order and they have a good variety. read more

Reading Public Library - front doors - Libraries Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

Quiet, comfortable, spacious. Their website offers events that suit all ages. Good area and peaceful.

Wonderful library with happy to help librarians. Lots of fun events too. Everyone always smiling.

Free books. And when you don't bring them back on time? still free. Good selection of books and dvds. I like the online system that lets you order a book and it also sends you a reminder when it is due. I think they need more videos for the kids section, and Sundays they are closed??? But overall a very good library. read more

I am extremely fortunate to be physically close to 3 public libraries. The Reading Library is by far my absolute favorite. A gorgeous new building, a fantastic caring staff, and updated resources and equipment. I hope they are able to fully open soon. read more

I take my young daughter to the library every 2 weeks and we both enjoy our time here very much. The staff are always helpful and friendly which is really the perfect combination in customer service. The librarians in the children's section are especially nice, and always there to help out. For example, we were looking for a biography recently for an upcoming book report, and the librarian made a terrific suggestion. My daughter really enjoys looking around, and there are always displays featuring books centered around a particular holiday/theme. Located in a beautiful old building this library is exceptionally well maintained. I love books and am not a fan of these new electronic books(Kindle, etc...). Just my opinion, but there is something special about a "real" book. Support your local library. read more

Really a fantastic library. Great staff. The book collections can be spotty, but with the whole NOBLE system, you can get almost anything you need in a few days. Whoever buys their DVDs has an incredible eye for film and documentary. read more

Very nice facility with wonderful staff. Better collection as compared to several other towns.

I go to the library at least once a week. The library has great programs for kids. My daughter enjoys the free story time programs. All of the librarians are very helpful and friendly. I borrow mostly fiction novels for myself. I would prefer to read on my kindle, but I have found that the online book selection is lacking. I hope they expand their ebook soon. The print book selection is fine. read more

I love the library. I can walk there from my house. This is the best local library I have ever had in my life. They have a great selection of books, DVD's and magazines. I've been know to go in and stand and read at least 5 magazines. Plus you can take magazines home too. Plus I love the online system. Sends me reminders that I have books due. also can search the whole system, of other libraries and get books sent to the Reading library for pick up. I love that. I've ordered so many books this way. The staff is pretty nice too. The offer great discounted passes to area museums and activities which is great too. read more

This is a first rate place everyone in the building is always so nice. Thank you for making me say I'm so glad this town has such a great library every time my family or I come here. read more

I worked with this library for my Eagle Scout project which had me assisting the relaunch of their Internet & software training class. I love the people who work there, and it is a fabulous building which used to be a school itself! Usually parking, but depends on timing too. My go to childhood spot as well. read more

I love the library, always have since I was a little kid and where I lived growing up we had an incredible library - Reading does a really good job at living up to that. The staff are, for the most part, very friendly and helpful, the place always seems to be open. I particularly like that everything is online now, I can renew books online, request books and see when they've arrived. Also, they have really cool tote bags you can buy as a donation that say Reading Public Library that I use for grocery shopping - I really like the play on words there I guess. read more

RPL is a great library. The staff is consitently helpful and knowledgable. The resources are great and the programming has broad appeal. The children's room in particular has a fantastic staff and programming for all ages. read more