About Reading

Reading, Pennsylvania is a community in Berks County, Pennsylvania. This page consolidates verified public records resources for Reading, including law enforcement, court, vital, property, and government records.

Read more about public records in Reading

Reading is located in Berks County, Pennsylvania and had a recorded population of approximately 94,836 at the last census. County and state agencies serving Berks County are the primary source for most government records affecting Reading residents.

Law enforcement in Reading is served by Berks County Sheriff's Office. Arrest records, booking information, and incident reports are maintained by these agencies and can usually be requested in person, by mail, or via online portals where available.

Court case records for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters in Berks County are maintained by the county trial court of general jurisdiction and, where applicable, by municipal or district courts. Statewide court case search tools published by the Pennsylvania Judicial Branch can also be used to locate cases.

Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates for Reading residents are issued through the Pennsylvania Department of Health (Division of Vital Records), with local copies often available through the Berks County Clerk's office. Real-property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and parcel assessments are recorded with the county Recorder of Deeds and the county Assessment Office.

Most government records held by Pennsylvania agencies are accessible under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, which sets a response window of 5 business days and requires agencies to publish procedures for written records requests. Certain records (juvenile, sealed, victim, and active investigation records) may be withheld or redacted under statutory exemptions.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Reading

Berks County Sheriff's Office

The Berks County Sheriff's Office is staffed with 107 full-time employees, operates a fleet of 30 vehicles and occupies three floors of the Berks County Courthouse. The office is responsible for elements of criminal court, civil court, enforcement of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code and Motor Vehicle Code, and has a licensing issuance and enforcement function.

https://www.berkspa.gov/departments/sheriff

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Reading

Berks County Court Records

FAX: 610-478-6570. https://www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Clerks/Pages/default.aspx · Get Court Records from 20 Courts in Berks County, PA Berks County Common Pleas Court 633 Court Street Reading , PA 19601 610-478-6208 Directions Birdsboro Magistrate Court 321 North Furnace Street Birdsboro , PA 19508 610-582-8615 Directions https://www.usa.gov/

🔗 https://www.berkspa.gov/departments/clerk-of-courts

🏠 Property & Public Records in Reading

Berks County Recorder of Deeds

Property records for Reading, Pennsylvania are maintained by the Berks County Recorder of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Berks County, including Reading.

🔗 https://berkscountypa.gov

Public Records & Services in Reading

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Berks County school administration or the Pennsylvania Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Berks County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Reading police department or the Berks County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Reading Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Berks County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Reading, Pennsylvania residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized third-party providers in Berks County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the Reading Police Department or the Berks County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Pennsylvania Attorney General or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.

About Reading — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The Berks County Jail System processes and houses individuals arrested throughout Berks County. An online inmate lookup service allows the public to search for current detainees held at the facility. Visitation operates on a strict appointment-only basis, with visitors required to follow facility-specific guidelines. Pennsylvania's bail system permits posting through cash or bond, and families seeking information about recently arrested individuals can contact the jail's administrative office for details on the booking and release process.

Arrest Records

Arrest records across Berks County are kept by the Sheriff's Office and individual municipal police departments. Those seeking these records, whether residents, attorneys, or other interested parties, must contact the appropriate law enforcement agency directly. A typical arrest record includes the subject's name, filed charges, arrest date, and booking details. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law governs how these requests are handled, balancing public access to government information against individual privacy protections.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Berks County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can run a background check through the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Pennsylvania State Police also offers resources for Berks County residents seeking detailed criminal records.

Vital Records

The City of Reading's Department of Health and Human Services oversees the vital records for the city, including birth, marriage, and death certificates. Individuals can request copies of these records by visiting the department's office or by submitting an online request through the city's website at https://www.readingpa.gov/health-human-services. The department also provides information on public health programs and services available to residents.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses operating within city limits must secure appropriate licenses and permits from the Department of Licenses and Inspections. This requirement covers business registration, zoning approvals, and various permits for construction projects, renovations, and other commercial activities. Business owners can find necessary forms and detailed information on the city's website at https://www.readingpa.gov/licenses-inspections, streamlining the application process and making sure of compliance with local regulations.

Economy & Demographics

The City of Reading's economy is diverse, with a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries. The city's Department of Community and Economic Development oversees economic development initiatives and provides information on local businesses, job opportunities, and economic data. Residents and businesses can access this information through the city's website at https://www.readingpa.gov/community-economic-development.

Elections & Voter Records

ELECTION HUB for Reading, Pennsylvania voters The Berks County Board of Elections administers elections for the Berks County seat and all surrounding municipalities. Their office operates from 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601, and can be reached at (610) 478-6490. The county's election website is www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Elections. Residents can register to vote online at www.vote.pa.gov, though they must do so at least 15 days before any election. Registration requires a Pennsylvania driver's license or non-driver ID card.
Municipal elections for mayor and city council occur every four years in the city. Candidate information appears on both the Berks County elections website and the city's site at www.readingpa.gov as campaigns develop. Voters can locate their assigned polling place by entering their address on the Berks County elections website.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Reading voters are published by the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Elections (https://www.vote.pa.gov/). Pennsylvania's mail-in voting system is available to all registered voters. Applications for absentee or mail-in ballots must be submitted one week before Election Day, and completed ballots must arrive by 8pm on Election Day to be counted.
  Official Government Resources
  Nearby Cities in Berks County, Pennsylvania

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Quick Access
Pennsylvania Public Records Berks County Records Court Records Criminal Records Property Records
City Info
StatePennsylvania
CountyBerks
Population94,836
Explore Records
Background Checks Criminal Records Inmate Search Sex Offenders Vital Records Property Records Court Records All 50 States Genealogy DMV Records Death Records FOIA
Popular Searches
Background Checks Criminal Records Inmate Search Sex Offenders Vital Records Property Records DMV Records Death Records
Related Resources
Court Records Genealogy Search Military Records Missing Children Asset Search Business Records State Records

Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Reading, Pennsylvania, residents can register online through the Pennsylvania Department of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Berks County elections office. Pennsylvania requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Pennsylvania Department of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Reading, contact the Berks County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
The City of Reading maintains a full records management system that provides public access to a variety of documents and information. Residents and interested parties can access vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, through the City Clerk's Office. The city offers online access to property tax records, zoning information, and other municipal data through the City of Reading's website at https://www.readingpa.gov/.
The City of Reading's Department of Health and Human Services oversees the vital records for the city, including birth, marriage, and death certificates. Individuals can request copies of these records by visiting the department's office or by submitting an online request through the city's website at https://www.readingpa.gov/health-NJ-DE-MD. The department also provides information on public health programs and services available to residents.
Businesses operating within the City of Reading are required to obtain the necessary licenses and permits from the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections. This includes business registration, zoning approvals, and various permits for construction, renovations, and other activities. Business owners can access the necessary forms and information on the city's website at https://www.readingpa.gov/licenses-inspections.