Summer Reading Challenge 2026
The Summer Reading Challenge is back. Read To The Beat runs from Saturday 4 July to Saturday 12 September, children aged 4 to 12 years old can sign up for free at their local library throughout the summer, for further information please find your local library.
How to join
Taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge is easy:
- Just pop along to your local library from 4 July and sign up for free
- Each child gets a free sticker booklet when they sign up
- They are encouraged to read, or listen to 6 books over the summer
- For each of the 6 books they receive a sticker to complete the booklet and children receive a certificate and medal upon completing the challenge
- All of which are brought to life with illustrations by award-winning author, Harry Woodgate
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! 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
- Wellingborough
Activities
Libraries across the county will be running a range of free and fun activities for children this summer, children can take part in an array of music-themed events and creative sessions at their local library.
Activities include:
- drumming workshops
- make your own instrument crafts
- magic shows
- performances
- Kazoo workshops
- open Mic events
Look at the library events page to find something for you!
Last updated 10 June 2026