Reading Community Arts Center — Local services in Reading

What a hidden gem!!!

We needed a venue for a rather large baby shower. After looking at several possible sites, I happened upon the Reading Community Arts Center Hall of Grace. The mother-to-be's name is Grace, so I thought that this location was going to be perfect. And, it was!

It is located on the western end of Reading's bridal district, with parking spread across several lots that are shared by other bridal shops. In it's most recent past, the building housed an office supply store. However, as in the Cinderella story, this place underwent a "magical" transformation, and is not a BEAUTIFUL venue. Hardwood floors. Brick side walls. Chandeliers. And an eye-catching double sided staircase opposite the entry. The atmosphere is elegant, yet "small town homey". Our guests said that they felt like they were "coming home" and being "embraced" by the family-feel of the building.

The venue is two stories, although we only needed the lower level for our 80 guests. Our cake and cupcakes were set up near the bar on the rear left. Catering was on two tables near the kitchen, left rear. Our gift table was set up at the base of the stairs with two special chairs set up for the parents-to-be. Restrooms are located under the stairwell (men near the bar; women near the catering/rear entrance side).

We reserved the hall for five hours, three for the shower, one to set up, one to take down/clean up. Cost was VERY reasonable.

The BEST part about using this venue was the staff with whom we worked. We reserved the site and worked out all the details with Sandy. She was very professional and detail oriented, making sure that we had everything that we needed well before the date. She answered all my questions with great patience. Bonnie and Nancy were present at the time of the event. They were covering the bar but actually spent a lot of time helping us manage the afternoon. They helped us set up table linens and decorations. The assisted the caterers when they arrived. They monitored our snack bowls for the tables, refilling as needed. We had children present and they helped distribute animal crackers/cookies to those tables. Tom was an added bonus. He came to assist Bonnie and Nancy at the bar but he went above and beyond when we needed someone to quiet people for the before-meal prayer and to gather for the gift opening. Tom has a great whistle and a nice loud voice to get everyone's attention easily. He also kept watch over the catering tables, turning off heaters and refrigerating leftovers before they dried out or burned. Bonnie, Nancy, and Tom mingled with our guests, assisting with little needs that came up. I knew nothing about these things until well after the shower, as people re-capped the positive stories of the event. Bonnie, Nancy and Tom were like family members, we were "visiting their home", and they were meeting our needs and making us feel very welcome.

I'm sure we will be using the Reading Community Arts Center for other future events.

Check out their website for other open-to-the-public events, such as art shows; and for available classes, art and dance.

*Our cake and cupcakes were from Tres Belle. *Our catering from DelightMore. *Our table linens from All...

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