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 to start your summer reading journey. Please make sure you keep reading during the summer because the Challenge will finish on Saturday 12 September!
If you cannot visit one of our 52 libraries in person, you can also take part in the online by signing up on the official Summer Reading Challenge website from The Reading Agency. Please note that the in-person and online Challenge are separate. Physical incentives like wristbands are only available in the library, for those taking part in the in-person Challenge.
Beat maker labs
Get creative with sound in this hands-on music workshop led by Surrey Arts, Surrey’s leading provider of music activities, in celebration of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge and its theme, ‘Read to the Beat’. Using digital music tech, children will experiment with rhythm, record their own sounds and build an original track. This fun, interactive session is perfect for children who love music, creativity and trying something new.
Suitable for children aged 8 to 11 years. Suggested donation £3.
Sessions will be held at the libraries below. Select a session from the list and book online. If unable to book online book, please book in the library holding the session.
Redhill Library on Thursday 23 July, from 11am to 12 noon.
Book tickets online for the Beat Maker Lab at Redhill library
Guildford Library on Thursday 23 July, from 2pm to 3pm.
Book tickets online for the Beat Maker Lab at Guildford Library
Dorking Library on Tuesday 28 July, from 11am to 12 noon.
Book tickets online for the Beat Maker Lab at Dorking Library
Woking Library on Tuesday 28 July, from 2pm to 3pm.
Book tickets online for the Beat Maker Lab at Woking Library