The Cornwall Reading Challenge
The Cornwall Reading Challenge is a free programme for children which takes place every summer in libraries across Cornwall. It encourages children to keep reading during the school holidays, helping to prevent the "summer reading dip" and build a lifelong love of books. It is open to all ages and abilities.
Extraordinary Explorers
This summer, Extraordinary Explorers invites children to follow their curiosity and explore the things they love through reading. From sport to science, art to adventure, every book is a chance to go deeper and discover more. All this whilst building confidence and supporting literacy and well being.
How does it work?
1. Sign up and choose your challenge:
The Reading Quest - To complete the challenge, children need to finish 6 books of their choice. They get to choose the format that best suits them:
- fiction books
- fact books
- poetry books
- audio books
- joke books
- picture books
- graphic novels
- ebooks
The One and All Challenge - This is our accessible challenge for those who may be too young, or, for who reading 6 books may not be right. Children or their big people can sign up and enjoy sharing 6 books together or choose from any of the alternative activities to claim a stamp within their booklet. Any of the fun creative activities can be completed multiple times.
2. Collect your stamps and rewards:
After every 2 books or activities pop into your library and collect stamps, stickers and rewards. Library staff and volunteers are on hand to help children sign up, collect rewards and choose new books if they need advice or inspiration.
3. Complete your challenge:
Complete all 6 and claim your rewards:
- A Medal Keyring
- A Certificate
- A Treasure Trail
How to sign up?
You can sign up at your local library from Saturday 11th of July.
Challenge starts: Saturday 11th July 2026
Challenge ends: Saturday 12th September 2026
Why should children take part?
- It boosts reading skills and confidence
- Keeps kids entertained and engaged over the summer
- Great for family time and shared reading
- Encourages curiosity about nature and the environment
- Children feel proud of their achievement!
Please read the Cornwall Reading Challenge Terms and Conditions