Summer Reading Challenge 2026

Join the free 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat at your local library or online 

Dear parents and carers, 

We are facing a national crisis in children’s reading. Recent research shows that only 1 in 3 children and young people now enjoy reading (Clark, et al., 2025), and 1 in 4 children in the UK cannot read well by age 11. The Reading Agency and public libraries are working to change this with the Summer Reading Challenge – a FREE, UK-wide programme. Last year, over 575,000 children took part with nearly 12 million books being read. Sing from the rooftops! We’re so thrilled that the theme for the Summer Reading Challenge 2026 will be music. 

Your child (aged 4–11 years) can join the Summer Reading Challenge this summer. It’s fun, free and helps keep up reading skills over the holidays! 

• set a reading goal  

• read whatever they like – books, eBooks, audiobooks, picture books, and more 

• join in with library events 

• Earn stickers, rewards and even a certificate 

Starts 4 July and ends 5 September  

It’s a great way to boost confidence and make reading fun!  

For fun digital activities and book recommendations, take a look online: summerreadingchallenge.org.uk 

You can take part online for free or go to the library. 

https://libraries.leeds.gov.uk/what-you-can-do/children-and-young-people

Please join the challenge and keep your child reading this summer! 

Many Thanks 

The Cookridge Team