The Summer Reading Challenge is back

Books, beats and big imaginations

Looking for a fun, free way to keep your children entertained this summer? Surrey Libraries have you covered.

The Summer Reading Challenge 2026, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries across the country, returns this July with a brand-new theme, ‘Read to the Beat’, bringing together books, music and creativity in one exciting challenge for children across the county.

Ready to get started? Head to your local Surrey library from Saturday 4 July to sign up, choose your first book and join the challenge.

Hit the right note with free summer activities

Whether your child loves adventure stories, football fact books or listening to audiobooks on the go, the challenge is simple: read, enjoy and have fun.

Aimed at primary school aged children, the Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to help them stay engaged over the school holidays. And they won’t be alone.

Over 10,400 Surrey children took part last year, making it one of the county’s biggest free summer activities for families. Children can join in at any Surrey library and make the challenge their own. They can either read up to six books, or complete six goals of their choice and collect rewards along the way. From stories and comics to eBooks and audiobooks, everything counts, so it’s easy for every child to get involved.

A summer full of stories, music and creativity

Libraries across Surrey will be buzzing all summer with activities inspired by the musical theme. Families can enjoy lively creative workshops and hands-on sessions designed to spark imagination, build confidence and make reading part of everyday fun.

Whether your child already loves books or is just getting started, there’s something for everyone.

And it’s not just the kids who can get involved, older children and young people and adults can sign up for the Surrey Library Quest , part of the National Year of Reading – which gives the chance to win a Samsung Galaxy tablet.

Why it’s worth taking part

The Summer Reading Challenge is a simple way to keep children engaged during the long break. It helps maintain reading skills, boosts confidence and creativity, and offers fun activities that fit easily into family life.

It’s all about making reading fun, flexible and accessible for every family.

Don’t miss out

Visit your local Surrey library from Saturday 4 July and join thousands of children across the county taking part this summer.

Sign up, start reading and make this summer one to remember.