Summer Reading Challenge

This summer children can tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.

Read to the Beat

This year's Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat, invites children across Leicestershire to explore the creative power of storytelling and music. Delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with Leicestershire County Council libraries and powered by Universal Music UK, the challenge features wonderful illustrations by Harry Woodgate.

The link between music and storytelling runs deep. Think rhythm, self-expression, and creativity. By harnessing the universal appeal of music, this year’s challenge opens doors to inspire the next generation of readers in the UK. Children will have the opportunity to hear from inspiring musicians at the top of their game and champion the joy of reading. Children simply set their own reading goals, borrow books from their local branch, and collect exciting rewards along the way.

To add to the fun, we have partnered with Bosworth Battlefield and The 1620s House and Garden. Every child that joins the Summer Reading Challenge gets free entry to Bosworth Battlefield and The 1620s House and Garden – simply take along the Read to the Beat booklet and a paying adult.

We also have activities for you to enjoy during the summer holidays. Ask at your local library, look at our events page or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

About the challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge is a free, annual national initiative run by The Reading Agency to keep children aged 4 to 12 engaged with reading over the school holidays. Children simply read or listen to six or more library books or visit reading events over the summer to earn special rewards.

Children who take part:

• are more enthusiastic about reading.
• maintain their reading level over the holidays.
• return to schools keen and ready to learn.
• boost their confidence and self-esteem.

To find out more see the Summer Reading Challenge page

For our youngest library users, aged 0 to 3 years, we also host a dedicated Mini Challenge so they can join in the fun.

How it works

Taking part is easy. Children can:

• sign up at their local library to start their Challenge.
• earn stickers throughout the summer by borrowing books and attending special events in our libraries. Find your nearest branch or view upcoming holiday activities on the Books and Reading page.
• chat about books with our friendly library staff and volunteers about books they have read.
• collect rewards and incentives along the way to encourage them to read.  
• earn a medal* and certificate by collecting six stickers to complete the challenge.

(*Children aged 0-3 years will receive a gold sticker medal).

It’s all free and is a fun way to keep children reading over the summer holidays.

Taking part online

Children can also complete the challenge digitally by taking part online. Sign up for a website profile directly on the Summer Reading Challenge platform to unlock digital rewards (a parent or carer's email address will be required to approve the signup).

What to read

Children can read any books they like for the Summer Reading Challenge; stories, fact books, poetry, jokes, graphic novels. If you need some inspiration, you can browse the library catalogue. Also, this summer we have curated a fantastic collection of books based on our Read to the Beat theme which includes books about:

• musicians and characters discovering music
• sound science
• cultural traditions
• rhythm
• storytelling through sound
• breaking down barriers to music
• creative expression and following your dreams.

If you are taking part in the online challenge or prefer listening to stories, we also have a large selection of children's eBooks and eAudiobooks.