Friends Speaker Series

Celebrated Authors, Compelling Speakers: Live and On Demand
Discover new perspectives and get inspired with our virtual talks showcasing top authors and thought leaders! Join us now to stay in the know and watch in person at the library or at home, anytime.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Reading Public Library.

Upcoming Speakers

Smithson’s Gamble: The Incredible History Behind the World’s Largest Museum with Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch
A Library Speakers Consortium and Smithsonian Institution Collaboration
Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 2:00 PM EST

Unlock the Hidden Power of Dreams with Sleep Expert Michelle Carr
Director of the Dream Engineering Laboratory in the Center for Advanced Sleep Medicine
Wednesday, March 11th 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT

Book Portals and Journeys of Literary Magic with Kate Quinn
New York Times Bestselling Author of The Alice Network and The Rose Code
Thursday, March 12th 2026 at 7:00 PM EDT

View all upcoming events

Past Event Recordings

Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Dr. Lindsey Stewart
Award-Winning Author and Professor of Philosophy
Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 2:00 PM EST

Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley
Award-Winning Author of Island Queen and Murder in Westminster
Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 7:00 PM EST

Secrets and Second Chances with Liz Moore
New York Times Bestselling and Award-Winning Author of The God of the Woods and Long Bright River
Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 7:00 PM EST

View all recordings