West Reading, Pennsylvania
West Reading is a borough in Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,553 at the 2020 census. It contains a vibrant main street (Penn Avenue) and the large Reading Hospital and Medical Center. It was also the site of the VF Outlet Village, one of the largest outlet malls in the United States. The VF Outlet Village was located in the buildings of the former Berkshire Knitting Mills, which was in operation from 1908 to 1975.[3] The VF Outlet closed in 2020.[4] In addition to its reputable outlet mall history, the borough is known for being the birthplace of Taylor Swift, 14-time Grammy Award winner.[5]
Not to be confused with Reading, Pennsylvania, a city in and the county seat of Berks County.
West Reading, Pennsylvania
United States
March 18, 1907
Samantha Kaag (D)
0.60 sq mi (1.55 km2)
0.59 sq mi (1.54 km2)
0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2)
285 ft (87 m)
4,553
7,664.98/sq mi (2,957.71/km2)
42-83928
History[edit]
The borough was settled in 1873 and incorporated on March 18, 1907. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007.
In 2022, Samantha Kaag, West Reading’s first ever female Mayor, was elected and took office.
In 2023, seven people were killed in the 2023 Pennsylvania chocolate factory explosion.[6]
Geography[edit]
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 0.6 square miles (1.6 km2), all land.
Economy[edit]
The Reading Hospital and Medical Center is the largest employer in the borough and one of the top five employers in Berks County. The parent company, Tower Health, has its headquarters in the borough.