Summer Reading Challenge

Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s biggest free reading for pleasure programme for children.

Taking place annually, the Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to keep reading during the summer holidays.

Children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the long summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure. The Summer Reading Challenge helps by regularly reaching over 700,000 children each year, motivating them to visit their local library and keep reading during the holidays, and in turn helping them to maintain their reading skills and confidence.

This year’s theme is Story Garden

This year’s theme is Story Garden - adventures in nature and the great outdoors. This exciting new theme will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme, features artwork from award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola, whose stunning illustrations will bring the Story Garden theme to life; creating an enchanting world where children can find magical creatures, plants and flowers to inspire their next reading adventure. 

Volunteering

Volunteer and be a reading hero!

Make a difference and become a hero for young readers this summer.

Worcestershire Libraries are looking for enthusiastic young people aged 13 to 24 to volunteer during the Summer Reading Challenge. If you are passionate about books and enjoy working with children, this is a fantastic opportunity to share your love of reading while gaining valuable skills and experience.

As a volunteer, you will:

  • inspire children to read and complete the challenge
  • support library activities and events
  • receive training and guidance from library staff
  • build confidence and make new friends

Volunteering is fun, rewarding, and can count towards schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. In 2024, 149 young volunteers gave over 2,000 hours of their time to support the challenge—six even used their experience towards their DofE accreditation!

How to get involved

Help make this summer one to remember and apply online using the link below:

Apply to volunteer

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