Saturday 5 July to Saturday 13 September.
If you want to ensure your child continues their reading journey over the summer holidays then look no further than the Summer Reading Challenge, designed by , delivered by libraries.
The theme this year is ‘Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors’. This exciting new theme will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.
The Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at primary aged school children, but children and teens of all ages can sign up for free at their local library from Saturday 5 July. The aim of the Challenge is to keep children reading over the summer holidays when there can sometimes be a ‘reading dip’. Children are encouraged to read up to 6 books before Saturday 13 September.
Children will need to be a member of the library to participate, but joining the library is free and can be done or in your local branch.
There are lots of reading formats to keep children interested. Fact books, stories, poetry, graphic novels, eBooks, joke books and audiobooks – it is all reading! Children will receive rewards for every book they read and when they complete the Challenge after their sixth book read, they will receive a certificate and a colourful wristband.
We also have plenty of events and activities in our libraries over the summer, so check out your library’s events’ webpage to see what is happening.
The Challenge is suitable for all reading abilities, so head along to your local library on Saturday 5 July to start your summer reading journey!
You can also find us at Newlands Corner on Saturday 5 July between 11am and 2pm, where we will launch the Challenge this year. We have author Lucy Reynolds and storyteller John Kirk coming along for some outdoor inspired events, and lots of garden themed activities with our partners from and . Book a place or just drop by to join in the fun!
Volunteering support for the Summer Reading Challenge
Every year we welcome volunteers over the age of 14 years to help support the Summer Reading Challenge participants.