Best Internet Providers in Reading, PA for You

Reading Internet Resources for Low-Income Families

The digital divide affects families across Pennsylvania, including in Reading. Lack of access to the internet or adequate devices can leave many families isolated in terms of work and education. We assembled the following list of digital resources to help families in Reading access the technology they need in the modern world.

Discounted Distance Learning Devices in Reading

• Reading School District: The Reading School District is loaning Chromebooks to students for use during the school year as part of a multi-million dollar statewide initiative. This Chromebook loan program is limited to one per family.
• Pay It Forward PA: This community outreach program by the Violence Prevention Center of Berks offers deeply discounted computers to low-income families in Reading. Pay It Forward also runs an apprenticeship program to train Reading youth in computer repair and refurbishment.
• PCs for People: PCs for People collect, refurbish, and redistribute laptops and desktop computers with the intent of providing these devices to low-income individuals. Potential recipients can receive a laptop for between $0 and $150 if they meet certain eligibility requirements, including being under the 200 percent poverty level or being enrolled in an income-based government assistance program.

As an alternative, there are also discounted computers for purchase to consider. Several stores in Reading refurbish old computers and resell them at low prices. The stores below are just some of the friendly businesses offering this service in the Reading area:

• Double Click Computers
• Fatherboard Computers
• Mashburn Computers

Remote Learning Programs and Virtual Child Care Centers in Reading

• Reading School District: The Reading School District operates a Virtual Academy for students who thrive academically in non-traditional settings. This free online program combines Edgenuity’s curriculum with Common Core standards and is available for students in grades K through 12.
• Overdrive KIDS: Overdrive KIDS, in partnership with the Reading Public Library, provides library cardholders with free access to kid and teen-friendly audiobooks and e-books.
• TrueFLIX: Library cardholders in Berks County can also access TrueFLIX for free by logging in with their library card barcode. TrueFLIX offers a wide range of educational videos and reading resources.
• Berks Library Virtual Events for Kids: Berks County libraries also offer a range of kid-friendly virtual events, including Zoom story hours and group crafting activities.
• Berks County Intermediate Unit: This educational service agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers subsidized daycare for low-income families. Families can apply for the program directly online.

Free Wireless Internet Access in Reading

• Xfinity Hotspots
• Reading Public Libraries
• Wi-FiMap.io Reading Free Wi-Fi Map

Public libraries in Berks County offer free Wi-Fi. At some of the locations, Wi-Fi is even available from the parking lot if people want to work in their cars, giving you a comfortable way to bypass slow internet or no service at home. Here are some of the Reading libraries with free Wi-Fi access:

• Reading Public Library — 100 South 5th St.
• Reading Public Library (Southeast) — 1426 Perkiomen Ave.
• Reading Public Library (Northwest) — 901 Schuylkill Ave.
• Wyomissing Public Library — 9 Reading Blvd.
• Mifflin Community Library — 6 Philadelphia Ave.

A lack of internet access shouldn’t hold back any Reading family. To ensure that you always have access to the internet in Reading, take a look at our Wi-Fi map below, as well:

Free Wireless Internet Access in Reading, PA

501 Crescent Avenue

Reading, PA 19605

1621 N 13th St Po Box 15234

Reading, PA 19612

400 St Bernardine Street

Reading, PA 19607

1170 Berkshire Blvd

Wyomissing, PA 19610

633 Court St 15th FL

Reading, PA 19601

2205 Ridgewood Road

Wyomissing, PA 19610

504 North Park Road

Wyomissing, PA 19610

1235 Penn Ave Ste 205

Wyomissing, PA 19610

501 Washington St

Reading, PA 19601

505 Penn St FL 2

Reading, PA 19601