Children reading outside. Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels.
Cornwall Library Service is inviting children across the Duchy to take part this year’s ‘story garden’ Summer Reading Challenge.
The challenge, created by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with local libraries, encourages children aged 4-11 to keep reading during the break from school. There’s also a mini challenge for children aged 0-4.
The challenge officially starts on Saturday, July 5, and this year’s theme, Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors, encourages children to explore the magical connection between storytelling and nature.
By enjoying six library books of their choice – which can be fiction books, fact books, audiobooks or comics - children collect stickers and earn rewards throughout the summer holidays. Those who complete the challenge will receive a medal and certificate.
Families can sign up to their local library in person or via the Cornwall Council website. Library users can borrow books for free and access thousands of e-books and audiobooks online. There are no late return fees either.
In 2024 Cornwall’s young readers embraced the challenge and the Duchy had one of the highest participation rates in the country.
More than 8,500 children across Cornwall (15%) took part and nearly half of the young readers who joined their local library specifically for the challenge have continued to borrow books.
Councillor Sarah Preece, the Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Localism and Planning at Cornwall Council, said: “Every year the Summer Reading Challenge inspires thousands of children throughout Cornwall to head to their local library to explore books and comics.
“It’s a brilliant way to nurture a love of reading, and it’s fantastic to see that so many youngsters who signed up for the challenge last year are still visiting their local libraries.”
Throughout the summer there will be a range of free events and activities taking place in libraries across the county.
Stay updated by following Cornwall Libraries on Facebook, or pop into your local library to find out more.
Press release issued on June 27, 2025