The Summer Reading Challenge is Here!
Get ready for Summer Reading Challenge 2026, ‘Read to the Beat’, arriving at your local Staffordshire library this Summer on Saturday 4th July!
The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge is Read to the Beat, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and powered by Universal Music Group UK.
The theme inspires children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how reading and music both ignite imagination and creativity.
This year’s Challenge is brought to life with illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator, Harry Woodgate.
Children aged 4-11 are invited to set a reading goal and collect rewards for their reading.
It’s FREE to take part, and last year of the 10,555 children who took part in Staffordshire, 75% told us they had improved their reading skills over the holidays.
Why should my child sign up?
• They will be better prepared to return to school in the autumn.
• The Challenge supports the move into a new year group.
• Becoming more independent in their reading boosts children’s confidence and self-esteem.
• The library provides free access to books and fun family activities all through the summer.
• Library staff are on hand to offer support and book recommendations.
• Your child will be part of a UK-wide programme developed by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with the public library network.
Are you excited to join ‘Read to the Beat’ this Summer?
Keep an eye on our social media and ask your local library team for more information.
Find out more at https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/ or pop along to your local library on Saturday 4th July to sign the kids up!
In addition, libraries will also be offering the Mini-Challenge for pre-school aged children from our libraries. The Mini Challenge is a bite sized version of the Summer Reading Challenge for our youngest readers. Children collect stickers on a special collector card for the books they borrow and read.