Summer Reading Challenge

Every year Northamptonshire Libraries deliver the Summer Reading Challenge for 4 to 12 year-olds.

The Summer Reading Challenge 2025, Story Garden runs from Saturday 5 July to Saturday 20 September. This year’s theme is Story Garden which explores nature and the outdoors, created in partnership with award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola.

The theme encourages children to explore their connection with nature through reading. It introduces magical creatures, vibrant plants and enchanting landscapes, all brought to life through books and illustrations.

We have created Social Stories to help anyone with autism feel more comfortable visiting our libraries. We have also created Social Stories specifically for the Summer Reading Challenge - email your local library to get yours.

Why join the challenge

Reading often declines during the summer holidays when schools are closed. The Summer Reading Challenge helps prevent this by encouraging children to read for fun and visit their local library.

Children can choose any books they like, in any format, including:

• novels
• picture books
• graphic novels
• fact books
• e-books and audiobooks

Books must be borrowed from the library to count towards the challenge.

The challenge is free and combines reading with social activities and an online platform to support and motivate young readers.

How the challenge works

Children can join the challenge for free from 5 July by visiting their local library. If they are not already members, they can join the library at no cost.

Each child gets a sticker booklet when they sign up. They are encouraged to read, or listen to 6 books over the summer. They collect stickers as they go and receive a certificate and medal when they finish.

Volunteering

Young people aged 14 and over can volunteer to help with the Summer Reading Challenge. It is a chance to:

• gain experience working with children
• meet new people
• enhance your CV or UCAS application

Volunteers get a free goody bag and a valuable experience.

Volunteering is available at these libraries:

• Brackley
• Brixworth
• Daventry
• Deanshanger
• Duston
• Hunsbury
• Northampton Central
• Towcester
• Weston Favell

Ask at your local library to find out more.

Activities

Libraries across the county will be running a range of free, fun activities for children this summer.

Children can take part in nature-themed events and creative sessions at their local library. For summer 2025, LibraryPlus has teamed up with Family Learning and Teach Outdoors to offer something for everyone.

Activities include:

• teddy bear festivals
• nature crown making
• seed paper crafting
• planting sessions
• bird and butterfly feeder making
• bug house building
• princess parties
• magic shows

We are also working with local country parks to run nature trails and fun days.

History of the Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge has been running since 1999 and helps to prevent the summer reading 'dip' that many young people experience during their summer holidays while schools are closed. With libraries' support, it provides a free, fun way to keep young minds active.

In 2023, the Summer Reading Challenge reached 685,821 children and families across the UK, with 635,115 children taking part through their local library service. The Challenge also drove 133,697 new children’s library memberships which is 42% higher than the 2019 pre-pandemic total.

Last updated 22 July 2025