Reading, City of

Located in the heart of the city, the Reading Public Library (RPL) is perfectly positioned to address the city's needs. By continually assessing community needs, the library responds to requests for support and serves as an ally for Reading citizens. RPL employs a multi-faceted early childhood literacy program to engage all young, growing minds that come through its doors. It uses pop culture icons to entice children into reading, and became a key partner in the creation of the Summer Learning Coalition, bringing together multiple county agencies to address summer reading loss. With the loss of manufacturing jobs, the city has many production line workers looking for employment. RPL's free computer classes help them master computer skills, maneuver through websites, create resumes, and ultimately identify job opportunities. The library assists with Second Chance Citizens to help people recently released from prison, through temporary library jobs and support services.