His private library was probably the biggest of its kind, in 14th century England and was larger than any of the Oxford colleges at that time.

[2] Reade donated and bequeathed some 250 volumes shared between the libraries at Merton, Exeter, Balliol, Oriel, Queen's, and New Colleges, Oxford.

[2][8] Reade's books covered a wide range of subjects including theology, natural philosophy, astrology and astronomy.

[2] Reade's contribution to Chichester Cathedral was the systematic compilation of cartularies, gathering together all the charters and writings concerning the church.

[c]The 19th century theologian and historian William Stephens says he did this "to provide a strong fortress for himself and his successors against troublous times."

[3][11] Reade held a deer park, in Selsey, that was plagued with poachers so much so, that the incensed bishop issued a decree excommunicating the offenders by "Bell, book, and candle", and he ordered that the ritual should be performed at all churches within the deanery.