What is the Summer Reading Challenge?
The Summer Reading Challenge is a free programme that takes place every summer in public libraries across the UK. 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’s run in partnership with The Reading Agency and local libraries, and it’s open to all abilities.
SRC 2025 - Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors.
This year's exciting new theme will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.
How does it work?
Children 0-4 years old can take part in our Mini Challenge - 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. Children can collect 6 stamps to complete the challenge.
Children 5-11 can take part in the Main Challenge - 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
There are rewards to collect along the way and a certificate for those who complete. Library staff and volunteers are on hand to help children sign up, collect rewards and choose new books if they need advice or inspiration.
How to sign up?
You can sign up at your local library from Saturday 5th of July.
Challenge starts: Saturday 5th July 2025
Challenge ends: Saturday 13th September 2025
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!
For more information visit the Summer Reading Challenge website