Barrio Alegría

09/04/2026

You are more than your work

09/03/2026

"Our stories are embedded in the fabric of who we are, what we do, and how we move forward in the world. Yet, it has not always been easy to find our stories in the pages of books, and that matters greatly to me."

Lizette Epps about the October 3 Story Lane Book Fair and the importance of sharing our stories!

I firmly believe that being a Hispanic author is about more than writing books. It’s about remembering the stories we grew up hearing. The stories told around kitchen tables, during family gatherings, in the car, over a cup of café, or in those conversations where someone says, “Do you remember...

09/03/2026

See what's inside for you!

We've got another banger of a month for you and even.....a lil sneak peek into October bc it's just that 🔥

09/02/2026

The Reading Public Library and Barrio Alegría are proud to present Story Lane: Book Fair and Market on Saturday, October 3 from 1-9PM at RPL Main.

You won’t want to miss this celebration of modern and local literature in the heart of Reading for all ages! Visitors to the fair will find author panels, crafts for families, live poetry reading, food trucks, and a warmly lit night market for bookworms and date night couples alike. We will also have a used book sale inside the Main Library.

Allow us to introduce the presenters of our Book Fair: Jean Esther, Lizette Epps, Kristina Hartz, Laurel Radzieski, and Javier Avilas! These locally loved authors will be presenting on creative writing, publishing your first book, book cover illustrations, and writing poetry.

From 1-3PM, we are excited to host free family story times, crafts, and activities by these local authors: Zully Pina, Ezra Feliciano, José Martínez, Jennifer Ott, and Dr. Tietbohl in the Children’s Department and Teen Loft!

Last but not least, meet the authors and vendors of our evening Night Market: Cindi Abribat, Kathleen Bohannon, Brandi Rose Lush, Manny Cartagena, Susan Pena, Jennifer Adames, Pamela Gockley, and Iris Gonzalez. This talented lineup of authors and poets will be accompanied by delicious food trucks, a DJ, and an Open Mic, led by Aries Franklin-Ortiz (better known as The Poet Smiley)!

More details and spotlights of our incredibly talented lineup are coming soon! In the meantime, we want to shout out our incredible sponsors and community partners who are making our Book Fair possible:

Destination Downtown Reading
City Of Reading, PA - Government
Penn State Berks
Yayos Painting
Anonymous

*Reminder: While our elevator is currently out of service, the evening portion of this event will be hosted outdoors in our fully accessible parking lot. We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause.

09/02/2026

Our brother and friend

A father and son are now leaving their own small mark on a landmark that has watched over their hometown for generations.

09/02/2026

WHERE ALL THE BOOKWORMS AT?!?!?!

The Reading Public Library and Barrio Alegría are proud to present Story Lane: Book Fair and Market on Saturday, October 3 from 1-9PM at RPL Main.

You won’t want to miss this celebration of modern and local literature in the heart of Reading for all ages! Visitors to the fair will find author panels, crafts for families, live poetry reading, food trucks, and a warmly lit night market for bookworms and date night couples alike. We will also have a used book sale inside the Main Library.

Allow us to introduce the presenters of our Book Fair: Jean Esther, Lizette Epps, Kristina Hartz, Laurel Radzieski, and Javier Avilas! These locally loved authors will be presenting on creative writing, publishing your first book, book cover illustrations, and writing poetry.

From 1-3PM, we are excited to host free family story times, crafts, and activities by these local authors: Zully Pina, Ezra Feliciano, José Martínez, Jennifer Ott, and Dr. Tietbohl in the Children’s Department and Teen Loft!

Last but not least, meet the authors and vendors of our evening Night Market: Cindi Abribat, Kathleen Bohannon, Brandi Rose Lush, Manny Cartagena, Susan Pena, Jennifer Adames, Pamela Gockley, and Iris Gonzalez. This talented lineup of authors and poets will be accompanied by delicious food trucks, a DJ, and an Open Mic, led by Aries Franklin-Ortiz (better known as The Poet Smiley)!

More details and spotlights of our incredibly talented lineup are coming soon! In the meantime, we want to shout out our incredible sponsors and community partners who are making our Book Fair possible:

Destination Downtown Reading
City Of Reading, PA - Government
Penn State Berks
Yayos Painting
Anonymous

*Reminder: While our elevator is currently out of service, the evening portion of this event will be hosted outdoors in our fully accessible parking lot. We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause.

09/01/2026

Two organizations contribute to campaign for trail stewardship.

09/01/2026

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we can wield. Share yours, hear others', read MORE!
BOOK FAIR COMING OCTOBER 3

"The gift of storytelling is something to be shared, and I’m thankful for the generations of people who came before me and for being alongside those who will come after me," said Lizette Epps.

08/31/2026

🌟 VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH! 🌟

We’re trying something new! This is our first ever Volunteer of the Month, and we couldn’t think of a better person to start with than J’den! ❤️

And a HUGE shoutout to all of our volunteers. We appreciate you more than you know! This is just our little way of showing some extra love. 🥹✨

Here’s to celebrating the people who help make Barrio what it is! 💛

08/28/2026

Don’t forget! ✨ Join us tomorrow at The Next Step and enjoy food samples from different cultures, meet local food entrepreneurs, and learn about resources to help grow a food business.

Tec Centro 450 S 6th st, Reading PA 19602
Saturday, August 29
2:00–5:00 PM

The event is free. We hope to see you there! 🇻🇪🇩🇴🇲🇽