This year’s theme celebrates the magic of storytelling and the natural world, brought to life with illustrations by award-winning artist Dapo Adeola. Children can collect free activity packs, join nature-themed events, and borrow specially selected books to keep them reading and exploring all summer long.
The free challenge encourages children to read 6 books — including e-books, audiobooks, or magazines — earning stickers and rewards along the way, once children have read 3 books they can collect a seed pack from their library. Those who complete the challenge will then receive a badge, medal and certificate and be entered into a lucky dip to win a £50 voucher from The Works.
Libraries will also host free activities and crafts. Children can also take part in a treasure hunt upon completing the challenge to be in with a chance of winning a £10 book token.
To join, sign up online or visit your local library. All events will be listed on the Virtual Library.
Books can be borrowed from a local library, or children can read e-books, magazines and audiobooks that they can download for free using their library cards and the Libby and Borrowbox apps.
Tailored resources are also available, including dyslexia-friendly books, graphic novels and audiobooks via the Libby and BorrowBox apps.
Read more about the Summer Reading Challenge online or pop into your local library to find out more.
Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member responsible for Library Services, said:
We’re really excited to welcome children and families back for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. It’s a fantastic way to inspire a love of reading while exploring nature and creativity. We can’t wait to see our libraries transformed into a Story Garden this summer!