Summer Reading Challenge
Get ready to turn up the volume on reading this Summer with the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge!
The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat launches across Northamptonshire Libraries on Saturday 4 July. The Reading Agency have partnered with Universal Music Group UK to bring the theme to life.
LibraryPlus are inviting children aged 4 to 12 years old to celebrate the joy of music and the power it has to move, inspire and connect us, all through the magic of reading.
Delivered in partnership with public libraries, children will have the opportunity to discover musical genres and cultural influences. This will be achieved through the specifically curated reading list and engaging activities that celebrate the connection between storytelling and sound.
From rap to rock, orchestras to K-pop, the #SummerReadingChallenge booklist is packed with music-themed adventures, graphic novels, poetry and non-fiction for every kind of reader. Get ready to borrow, read and groove your way through summer with LibraryPlus.
The Summer Reading Challenge 2026, Read To The Beat, runs from Saturday 4 July to Saturday 12 September. Children can sign up for free at their local library throughout the summer.
For anyone who hasn’t visited us before, just email your local library and request a specifically created Summer Reading Challenge social stories so you know what to expect before you walk through the door!
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.
Each child gets a free sticker booklet when they sign up. They are encouraged to read, or listen to 6 books over the summer, for each of the 6 books they receive a sticker to complete the booklet and receive a certificate and medal.
All of which are brought to life with illustrations by award-winning author, Harry Woodgate.
It’s fun, it’s local, and best of all, it’s free!
The challenge runs from 4 July to 12 September. Just come to your local library from 4 July and sign up for free.
To borrow library books, you need to be a library member. If you’re not already a member, you can join the library for free.
Aged 14 plus? Why not spend some time this summer volunteering at your local library to help out with the Summer Reading Challenge?
It’s a great chance to meet new people, gain experience in working with children, and it looks great on your CV or UCAS form! Ask at your local library for more information.
These Summer Reading Challenge volunteering opportunities are only available at the following libraries:
Libraries across the county will be running a range of free and fun activities for children this summer, children can take part in an array of music-themed events and creative sessions at their local library.
Activities include:
- Drumming workshops
- Make your own instrument crafts
- Magic shows
- Performances
Visit our library events page to find something for you!
The Summer Reading Challenge has been running since 1999 and inspires a passion for reading outside the classroom. It has successfully engaged over half a million children annually for more than 25 years.
In today's challenging landscape, where only 1 in 3 children report enjoying reading - a dramatic 33% decline since 2005 - the national Summer Reading Challenge transforms reluctant readers into enthusiastic ones, with 95% of participants reading for enjoyment weekly after completing the challenge.
Last year alone, the Challenge created over 100,000 new library members and facilitated the borrowing of 13.4 million books during the summer months.
Beyond just increasing reading volume, the programme builds confidence and improves skills for 70% of participants, with effects that extend well into the school year.
Last updated 10 June 2026