No results matched your search criteria.
Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge is back for 2026!
The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK library sector’s biggest free annual reading event. It is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered by libraries. This year, it will be in partnership with Universal Music Group UK whose artists will champion the joy of reading and sharing their own stories of creative expression.
Whilst the school summer holidays are a well-deserved break for children, their reading can 'dip' during the long summer holidays if they do not have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure. This can be a problem for schools come the new term so, we’re backing the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge once again to support you and your child’s reading journey over the summer holidays!
All libraries in Derby will be running the Summer Reading Challenge throughout the summer.
How will the Challenge help my child?
The Summer Reading Challenge helps children maintain their reading skills by:
- Encouraging reading for pleasure; this is one of the most important contributory factors in a child’s reading ability
- Offering them a wide range of stories and fact books to read. This has a positive impact on a child’s reading ability, range and motivation
- Boosting their confidence with reading which leads to a more positive attitude towards reading and learning
- Evidence shows that children who enjoy reading are likely to score highly on reading assessments and those who use libraries are twice as likely to be above average readers
The Summer Reading Challenge gets three quarters of a million children into libraries to keep up their reading skills and confidence during the long holidays…because everything changes when we read. - The Reading Agency
What’s the theme for 2026?
This year’s theme is Read to the Beat! Which celebrates the joy of music and the power it has to move, inspire, and connect us – all through the magic of reading. This year’s challenge is brought to life with illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator, Harry Woodgate.
How does it work?
- The Challenge is to read 6 books.
- It starts on Sat 4 Jul and finishes on Sat 29 Aug.
- Free events will be taking place from Mon 27 Jul.
- There are more reading ideas and fun themed activities available on the Summer Reading Challenge website.
Who can take part?
- Children aged from 4 to 11 years but younger and older children are welcome to join in too
- Children must be a member of the library to take part. If they aren’t already members, they can join for free! Find out more about how to join the library or ask library staff
What books can children read?
- There is an official Read to the Beat book collection, but children can read any books they like - fact books, stories, joke books, picture books, audiobooks and eBooks - just as long as they are borrowed from the library.
- For younger children and those learning to read, it’s fine to read or share library books with a parent or carer.
What events can children attend?
All Derby’s libraries will be hosting fantastic events for children and families to run alongside the Summer Reading Challenge.
All events are FREE but booking is essential, please book by calling the number of the library you wish to attend. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
You can find an event near you by visiting the Derby Libraries events webpage.
Events coming up
Join Derby Libraries
