Exeter Community Library
🏢 Berks County Public Libraries · Reading, Pennsylvania
Exeter Community Library
Born in 1999 out of the lower level of the old Dunn barn and now one of Berks County's busiest branches, Exeter Community Library serves Exeter Township and St. Lawrence Borough from its purpose-built home at 4569 Prestwick Drive — open two evenings a week and early Saturday mornings.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–7pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–5pm |
| Thursday | 10am–5pm |
| Friday | 10am–5pm |
| Saturday | 8am–3pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 4569 Prestwick Drive, Reading, PA 19606
Phone: (610) 406-9431
Website: berkslibraries.org
Plus Code: 87G6844P+9P (Reading, PA)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Exeter Community Library
The Exeter Community Library traces its roots to June 1999, when a small community collection opened in the lower level of the Dunn Community Center — a repurposed historic barn in Exeter Township. Within a few years the library outgrew that space, and on November 4, 2006, it celebrated the grand opening of its current standalone building at 4569 Prestwick Drive in Berks County. By 2019 circulation had surpassed 266,000 items annually, cementing its status as one of the busiest branches in the county. That same year the library earned PA Forward Gold Star status from the Pennsylvania Library Association, recognizing its commitment to all five literacy domains: basic, information, civic & social, health, and financial. Independently governed but networked through the Berks County Public Libraries federated system of 19 libraries, an Exeter library card opens the shared SPARK catalog and statewide digital resources to every cardholder.
⭐ What makes this library special
- PA Forward Gold Star library (2019) — recognized by the Pennsylvania Library Association for promoting all five literacy domains
- Circulation exceeded 266,000 items in 2019, one of the highest annual tallies in Berks County's 19-library network
- Two program rooms hosting hundreds of free events for children, teens, and adults each year
- StoryWalk® on the grounds — outdoor reading path for families and early learners
- Slapshot's Reading Program: children ages 3–18 who complete reading logs earn free Reading Royals hockey tickets
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Exeter Community Library cardholders can borrow, stream and research for free through these digital services:
📚 Services
- Shared SPARK catalog (berks.sparkpa.org) — borrow from all 19 Berks County Public Libraries with one card
- Study rooms available for individual reservation
- Circulating admission passes to local cultural venues
- Interlibrary loan (ILL) for items not in the local or county collection
- StoryWalk® outdoor reading path for families
- Little Free Library on site
- Public computers, printing and 24/7 free Wi-Fi
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and early literacy programs
- Slapshot's Reading Program (Reading Royals free ticket incentive, ages 3–18)
- Teen programs and activities
- Adult programming and educational workshops
- Community room events and meetings
- Summer reading challenge for all ages
📍 Nearby Libraries in Berks County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Reading · Browse all Pennsylvania libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Exeter Community Library get started, and when did it move to Prestwick Drive?
The library opened in June 1999 in the lower level of the Dunn Community Center — originally the old Dunn barn — in Exeter Township. It quickly outgrew that space, and on November 4, 2006, it moved into its purpose-built home at 4569 Prestwick Drive. The new building allowed the library to expand its collection, add two program rooms, and grow into one of the busiest branches in the Berks County system.
What is the PA Forward Gold Star, and why did Exeter Community Library earn it?
PA Forward is a literacy initiative of the Pennsylvania Library Association that measures library commitment across five areas: basic, information, civic & social, health, and financial literacy. Exeter Community Library achieved Gold Star status in 2019 — the highest recognition level — reflecting its broad programming, community partnerships, and services that address all five domains for patrons of all ages.
What is the Slapshot's Reading Program at Exeter, and who can participate?
Slapshot's Reading Program is a partnership with the Reading Royals ECHL hockey team. Children ages 3 to 18 who complete a library reading log earn a free ticket to a Royals home game. It's a seasonal incentive program designed to encourage reading and celebrate Berks County's local hockey team — ask at the circulation desk for the current log and redemption details.
Does an Exeter library card work at other Berks County libraries?
Yes. Exeter Community Library is part of the Berks County Public Libraries federated system of 19 independently governed libraries across 23 locations. All member libraries share the SPARK catalog (berks.sparkpa.org), so your Exeter card lets you borrow from — and return to — any branch in the county, and gives you access to the same Libby and POWER Library digital resources.
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