Reading Public Library

Our policy on lending materials: getting a library card, due dates and renewals, late fines, and damaged materials.

Though it can trace its roots to 1763, our institution did not officially become the Reading Public Library, free to all residents, until April 4, 1899 when the City of Reading formally accepted the deed to the property. On that same date, one hundred years ago today, the Board of Trustees of the newly constituted public library held its first meeting.

Founded as an English subscription library in 1763, Reading's Library is one of the oldest, though not continuously operating, libraries in the United States. The original library ceased operation during the Revolutionary War. Beginning in 1808, the membership association known as the Library Company of Reading was formed to re-establish the library. It later became known as the Reading Library, or the Reading Library Company, and operated as such until 1845 when it had to be shut down.

Because of financial and other problems, the library was forced to close its doors on several occasions. It was reopened in 1848 and operated until 1856. The same cycle repeated from 1859 to 1866, and from 1868 to 1888. The library began functioning again in 1888 and has operated continuously to the present. A complete account can be found in the library's history, The Library That Would Not Die (copies are available for a nominal cost at all library locations).

Explore Related Categories