Summer Reading Challenge 2026

The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s biggest reading for pleasure programme for children aged 4 to 11. It is designed by the Reading Agency and delivered via public libraries. Children can sign up for free at their local library or online.

This year’s Challenge will be called Read to the Beat.

The challenge aims to encourage all children to read at least six books over the school summer holidays to help avoid the “reading dip” that can happen otherwise. Children who complete the challenge are rewarded with a medal and certificate and there are lots of other prizes to collect along the way.

The challenge runs in all Bexley Libraries from Saturday 4 July to Saturday 5 September 2026. All children need to join in is their library card.

How you can help

• Encourage children to come along to their local library during the summer to join up and keep reading over the school holidays.
• Spread the word to parents and carers about the Summer Reading Challenge and encourage them to bring their children along to a library.

Last year, 3,260 children joined the Summer Reading Challenge in Bexley Libraries. Lety’s see if we can beat that total in this National Year of Reading.

To find out more about the challenge, click here – Summer Reading Challenge – Bexley Libraries