Summer Reading Challenge

The 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, Story Garden begins on 5 July. Story Garden, Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors is the enchanting theme that aims to encourage children to explore the connection between storytelling and nature.

Through reading, children will uncover magical creatures, vibrant plants and enchanting landscapes brought to life by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola.

Reasons to join

The annual Summer Reading Challenge aims to get children reading for enjoyment and promote the use of the fabulous resource that is their local library.

It combines free access to books with fun social activities and a creative online element. At the heart of the challenge is children choosing and sharing any books - in any format - that they like. Novels, fact books, picture books, graphic novels, joke books, e-books and audiobooks all count, as long as they are borrowed from the library.

How does the challenge work

When you join the challenge you will receive a free sticker booklet. The challenge is to read six books over the summer and collect stickers for each one. When six books have been read you earn a finishers certificate and medal. It’s fun, it’s local and best of all, it’s free!

How to join

The challenge runs from 5 July to 20 September. Just pop along to your local library from 5 July and sign up for free. To borrow library books you need to be a library member. If you’re not already a member you can join the library for free.

Summer activities

All libraries are running a series of events and activities for children this summer alongside the Summer Reading Challenge. Visit your local library for more information.

Volunteering

Aged 14 plus? Why not spend some time this summer volunteering at your local library to help out with the Summer Reading Challenge? It’s a great chance to meet new people, gain experience in working with children and it looks great on your CV or UCAS form! All of our Summer Reading Challenge volunteers also get a free goody bag and are guaranteed a fantastic volunteering experience. Ask at your local library for more information. 

These Summer Reading Challenge volunteering opportunities are only available at the following libraries: Corby, Irthlingborough, Kettering, Oundle, Rushden and Wellingborough.

Find out more

For more Story Garden activities you can visit the official Summer Reading Challenge website.

The Summer Reading Challenge is produced annually by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership by libraries.

History of the challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge started in 1999 and helps keep children reading during the summer holidays while schools are closed. With their library's support, it provides a free, fun way to keep young minds active.

In 2024, the Summer Reading Challenge reached nearly 600,000 children and families across the UK, with over half a million taking part through their local library service. Last year alone, the Challenge created over 100,000 new library members and facilitated the borrowing of 13.4 million books during the summer months.

Last updated 18 June 2025