The Summer Reading Challenge is back in Kent Libraries!
It's running between Saturday 4 July to Saturday 5 September in Kent. It’s free and open to all children aged 4 to 11.
This year’s theme Read to the Beat!, celebrates the joy of music and the power it has to move, inspire, and connect us – all through the magic of reading.
The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge collection features 55 captivating titles for different reading levels, spanning early readers, and middle grade titles, as well as dyslexia-friendly titles. With a rich mix of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and graphic novels, the collection has been carefully curated to get young readers tapping their feet and turning pages. The books will be available to borrow for free from public libraries.
Every year, the Summer Reading Challenge plays a vital role in keeping children excited about books. This year’s collection is particularly special as it celebrates the universal language of music – from drumming and dancing to orchestras, opera, rap, K-pop and everything in between.
The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s biggest reading for pleasure programme for children aged 4 to 11. Produced by the Reading Agency and delivered annually in partnership with libraries. While it’s a fun free activity for children across the county, it plays an important part in overcoming the summer reading dip and ensuring children are ready for School in September.
Children aged 4 to 11 sign up through their local Kent library and receive a collector’s poster. They are set a reading goal and borrow books of their choice during the summer, collecting special stickers and incentives along the way.
Library staff and volunteers help children to discover new books that suit their interests and reading level and run a programme of free themed activities in libraries. Children who complete the six-book challenge are presented with a certificate and medal.
Children can take part online, too! www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
The Summer Reading Challenge is the perfect way to support children’s reading habits and to encourage reading for pleasure during the holidays. Ensuring they return ready for a great start to the new academic year.
For more information contact summerreadingchallenge@kent.gov.uk or call into your local Kent library.