North Northamptonshire libraries launch the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge
Libraries26 June 2025
This summer, children aged 4-11 can visit Northamptonshire libraries from 5 July to grow their imaginations with the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge ‘Story Garden’.
Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors is the enchanting theme for the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge. Created by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with public libraries, this year’s Challenge encourages 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. Libraries will be transformed into immersive gardens of adventure where children’s imaginations can flourish, supported by free activities and resources. Story Garden aims to inspire curiosity, creativity and connection to the natural world — building reading confidence while promoting wellbeing.
Throughout the summer, children are challenged to read 6 books of their choice: anything from fiction and non-fiction, e-books and audio books and every time they read a book the children receive a sticker to place into their collector card. Upon completing the challenge each child will receive a medal and certificate! The Summer Reading Challenge is free across Northamptonshire libraries and online, helping to keep children stay engaged with reading during the summer holidays.
The Summer Reading Challenge is the biggest event for children in the library calendar. Libraries across North Northamptonshire see a huge rise in visits from children and their families over the summer period from those taking part in the challenge or attending one of the many free events running from libraries.Cllr Gregory Wilcox, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Communities
Last year saw 3652 children take part in the challenge in North Northamptonshire. We hope to see an increase in the number taking part this year and I would encourage all children across the area to get involved.
Children can also participate in an array of free events and nature inspired activities in libraries this summer. For 2025 LibraryPlus have partnered with Family Learning and Teach Outdoors to create a diverse activity offer to keep children entertained: engage in the great outdoors with activities such as teddy bear festivals, nature crowns, seed paper making, planting, bird and butterfly feeders, bug houses, princess parties and magic shows. Plus, we have teamed up with local country parks to support nature trails and fun days!
Sign up for free anytime at your local library from Saturday 5 July or visit Summer Reading Challenge to begin your adventure.
For further information regarding the Summer Reading Challenge and events please ask in your local library branch or visit the North Northamptonshire libraries webpage.