Read to the Beat, Summer Reading Challenge 2026
Saturday 4 July until Saturday 12 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, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and powered by Universal Music UK. The theme this year is ‘Read to the Beat'. Children will discover diverse musical genres and cultural influences through specially curated reading lists and engaging activities that celebrate the connection between storytelling and sound.
The Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at primary aged school children, but children aged 3+ and teens of all ages can sign up for free at their local library from Saturday 4 July. The aim of the Challenge is to keep children reading over the summer holidays when there can sometimes be a ‘reading dip’. Children will need to be a member of the library to participate, but joining the library is free and can be done online 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’s all reading! This year, children can make the Challenge their own and select six goals and/or read six books to complete the Challenge. Children will receive rewards for every goal achieved and book read, and when they complete the Challenge 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 event webpage to see what is happening.
Regular events and activities in libraries.
The Challenge is suitable for all reading abilities, so head along to your local library on 4 July to start your summer reading journey. Please make sure you keep reading during the summer because the Challenge will finish on Saturday 12 September!