About Reader Server
Reader Server connects a Readwise Reader library to MCP-compatible clients for people working with saved reading material. It supports filtered, paginated document listing and can include document content when requested.
Key features
- 01Filter documents by folder and update time
- 02List documents with pagination
- 03Include HTML content on request
- 04Includes a standalone Reader API skill
Use cases
- 01Find articles in a Reader folder
- 02Retrieve recently updated reading material
- 03Let compatible clients access document content
MCP support
It is an MCP server that exposes Readwise Reader documents to compatible clients through `list_documents`, with optional content and filtering.
Configuration
Local server config is the same for every client. Copy it into your client’s MCP config file.
Tools
Local servers expose tools only once running on your machine, and the maintainer has not provided a tool list.
Details
From the project READMEReader MCP Server
Overview
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that seamlessly integrates with your Readwise Reader library. This server enables MCP-compatible clients like Claude and VS Code to interact with your Reader library, providing capabilities for document listing, retrieval, and updates. It serves as a bridge between MCP clients and your personal knowledge repository in Readwise Reader.
Components
Tools
list_documents- List documents from Reader with flexible filtering and pagination.
- Input:
location(string, optional): Folder to filter by. One ofnew,later,shortlist,archive,feed.updatedAfter(string, optional): Only return documents updated after this ISO8601 timestamp.withContent(boolean, optional): If true, include HTML content in results (default: false).pageCursor(string, optional): Pagination cursor for fetching the next page.
- Returns:
- JSON object with a list of documents, each including metadata and (optionally) content, plus pagination info.
Usage with MCP Clients
Claude Desktop / VS Code / Other MCP Clients
To use this server with Claude Desktop, VS Code, or any MCP-compatible client, add the following configuration to your client settings (e.g., claude_desktop_config.json or .vscode/mcp.json):
uv (local server)
{
"mcpServers": {
"reader": {
"command": "uv",
"args": [
"--directory",
"/absolute/path/to/your/reader/server",
"run",
"main.py"
],
"env": {
"READWISE_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your-token-here"
}
}
}
}
- Replace
/absolute/path/to/your/reader/serverwith the actual path to this project directory. - Replace
your-token-herewith your actual Readwise Reader API access token. - Alternatively, you can specify the
READWISE_ACCESS_TOKENin an.envfile located in the project directory.
For more information, see the Readwise Reader API documentation and MCP documentation.
Reader Skill
This repository also includes a standalone skill for interacting with Readwise Reader API directly via HTTP requests. The skill provides knowledge and examples for using the Reader API without requiring an MCP server.
Features
- List, create, update, and delete documents
- Full API coverage (list, save, update, delete, tags, bulk operations)
- Authentication and rate limit guidance
- Code examples in Python
Installation
npx skills add xinthink/reader-mcp-server --skill reader
For more information on installing and using skills, see the Vercel Labs Skills documentation.
Usage
Once installed, the skill will be automatically triggered when you ask about Readwise Reader, saving articles, or managing your reading list.
Comments
New to MCP?
From what the protocol is to installing your first server, these answers cover most first questions.
An open protocol that defines how AI applications connect to external tools and data in a uniform way. Clients talk to the model; MCP servers provide tools, resources and prompt templates. They exchange standard messages, so one server can be reused by many clients.