West Northamptonshire libraries launch Summer Reading Challenge for 2026
06 July 2026
Children and families across West Northamptonshire are invited to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge Read to the Beat, a fun, free initiative encouraging young people to enjoy reading over the summer holidays.
Delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with Northamptonshire libraries, the challenge launches on Saturday 4 July and runs until 12 September, with this year’s theme celebrating the joy of music and its power to inspire creativity, connection and storytelling. Developed in partnership with Universal Music Group UK, the Challenge invites children to explore books linked to rhythm, sound and culture, bringing stories to life in new and exciting ways.
The Summer Reading Challenge is open to all children, with a Mini Challenge for pre-schoolers. From 4 July, children can sign up for free at their local library and receive a sticker card plus a StoryTime magazine for main Challenge participants. Children are encouraged to read six books over the summer, earning stickers along the way. Main Challenge participants can also complete 12 optional mini challenges to stay engaged and earn extra rewards.
Children who complete the Challenge will receive a certificate, with main Challenge finishers also awarded a medal and lanyard, and Mini Challenge finishers receiving a Read to the Beat gold sticker.
Cllr Charlie Hastie, Deputy Leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to help children grow in confidence, enjoy stories and build a real love of reading.
“This year’s ‘Read to the Beat’ theme adds something a bit different, and we’re pleased to be offering a range of free activities and support for families in our libraries over the summer. I’d really encourage people to take part and see what’s happening in their local library.”
The Summer Reading Challenge has been running for more than 25 years and continues to inspire hundreds of thousands of children to read for pleasure each year, helping maintain reading skills and build confidence during the school holidays.
West Northamptonshire libraries provide welcoming, inclusive spaces for families to discover new books and take part in a wide range of free activities throughout the summer. This year’s programme includes events such as drumming workshops, silent discos, storytelling sessions and creative craft activities.
In addition, families can now enjoy Story Sacks for free. Each one pairs a popular children’s book with hands-on resources such as puppets, games, soft toys and activity guides, bringing stories to life while supporting early learning through play. They help develop language and vocabulary, encourage creativity and role play, and promote interaction between children and adults, while also making stories more accessible for children with additional needs or English as an additional language. With themes ranging from The Gruffalo and Owl Babies to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Story Sacks can be reserved and borrowed on a child’s library card, offering a fun way to extend the reading experience beyond the page.
Residents are also reminded that refurbishment works are currently taking place at Northampton Central Library as part of ongoing investment into library services. While improvements are underway, library services will continue with minimal disruption, ensuring families can still access books, activities and support throughout the summer.
Families can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge from 4 July by visiting their local library. For more information about the Challenge and events, visit your local branch or the libraries webpage.