In 2011, Taylor Swift donated 6,000 books worth $68,000 to a Pennsylvania library that was struggling to stay open; 15 years later, it circulated 182,228 items and drew 27,452 program participants in 2025

When financial problems threatened to close public library branches across Berks County, Pennsylvania, a major donation from local native Taylor Swift helped keep them open for thousands of readers. In October 2011, the country music star donated 6,000 new books worth $68,000 (£52,000) to the Reading Public Library system. Fifteen years later, figures from the library network’s official reports show that the system has grown into an important community resource. In 2025, it circulated 182,228 items and welcomed 27,452 people to its programs. Swift’s donation came at a critical time, when cuts to local government budgets were putting heavy pressure on library services.

Rescuing branch services in Berks County

Swift grew up nearby in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. She learned about the Reading Public Library’s money problems through local news reports and decided to help. According to reporting published by regional news outlet WHYY at the time, Swift bought thousands of popular books to refill empty shelves across all four city branches. Each donated book received a gold star on its spine and a special bookplate inside the front cover recognising the pop star’s gift. The donation was shared equally among the main downtown library and three neighbourhood branches. This allowed readers across the wider Berks County library network to borrow the books. The arrival of many popular children’s books, young adult novels, and general fiction helped library managers keep borrowing services running while local officials dealt with tight budgets.

Expanding access and community engagement

In the years after Swift’s widely reported donation, the Reading Public Library expanded its services beyond lending books. It became an important place for residents to learn, find information, and connect with others. Figures published in the Reading Public Library’s 2025 Annual Appeal report show the scale of its work today across four branches. In addition to lending more than 182,000 physical and digital items in 2025, the system recorded 77,812 public computer sessions lasting 30 minutes each. These sessions gave job seekers, students, and local families important access to the internet. The library also expanded its learning programs for people of all ages. In 2025, a total of 27,452 people attended its general programs. Another 3,207 young children took part in early childhood reading programs. Activities include storytimes for young children, after-school sessions for teenagers, and digital skills classes. These classes help older adults and people looking for work learn how to use modern technology.

Serving local patrons through targeted programs

The library system depends on a mix of local government funding and private donations to keep its services running. According to information in the library’s official 2025 Annual Appeal documents, staff members provide personal help to people in need every day. Examples highlighted by the library include one-on-one digital skills lessons for adults changing careers, help with mobile phone enrolment for older people on low incomes, and home book delivery for residents living in assisted care facilities. The library’s official mission statement describes it as a welcoming place that supports the community through free access to information, help finding reliable resources, and opportunities to keep learning throughout life. The main downtown branch at 100 South Fifth Street continues to serve local residents. It is also the main centre for public library services across Berks County. Fifteen years after thousands of donated books arrived with gold stars on their spines, the library system continues to build on that support. It remains an important centre for reading, learning, and public education across central Pennsylvania.