Children invited to join Summer Reading Challenge in Wiltshire libraries

Tuesday, 7 July 2026 07:10

Children across Wiltshire are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, which launches in all libraries across the county on Saturday 4 July.

Last year, 6,342 children took part through Wiltshire libraries.

The free challenge, created by The Reading Agency and delivered through libraries across the UK, encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six books over the summer holidays. Along the way, they will collect rewards before receiving a certificate and medal for completing the challenge.

This year’s theme, Read to the Beat, celebrates the connection between reading and music.

Children can choose the books they want to read, whether that’s fiction, non-fiction, comics, graphic novels, picture books, eBooks or audiobooks. They can complete the challenge at their own pace throughout the summer.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way for children to keep reading over the school holidays while enjoying everything our libraries have to offer.

“I’d encourage families to visit their local library, sign up for free and take part.”

Children can sign up at any Wiltshire library from Saturday 4 July and have until Saturday 5 September to read six books. Library membership is free, and children will receive a sticker booklet and a joiner’s bookmark when they register for the challenge.

Wiltshire libraries also offer Story Sharers for children under four and Story Adventurers for older children looking to set themselves a longer-term reading goal.

More information about the Summer Reading Challenge at https://readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/our-programmes-and-campaigns/summer-reading-challenge/.

More information about Wiltshire libraries at https://libraries.wiltshire.gov.uk.