Children will be “reading to the beat” this summer as a challenge combines music and books to keep children reading throughout the summer holidays.
The annual Summer Reading Challenge is back for 2026, but the normally silent challenge is returning with a thump.
Beginning on Saturday 11 July, this year’s challenge has a “musical-theme”.
Children will bop and twirl alongside their usual flip and thumb to keep them reading during their summer holidays.
Those wanting to take part can collect their ‘Challenge packs’ from Guille-Allès library from this Saturday wit
Children will be able to win stickers and prizes
Since 2026 is the National Year of Reading, Jodie Hearn, Head of Children and Young People’s Services, said her team was “pulling out all the stops”.
The challenge has been developed in partnership with Universal Music Group, and will feature music-related books, activities and events for children to take part in over their holidays.
Last year, nearly 2,000 children took part in the yearly challenge.
Children will earn stickers and rewards as their tick off their six books over July, August and September. Those who complete the challenge will win a medal and a free swim at Beau Sejour.
Once again, the library is partnering with children’s charity Bright Beginnings and its literacy programme ‘The Next Chapter’.
Its team will be available all through the summer, engaging children about the books that they’ve read and encouraging them to finish their reading.
