More than 5,000 children took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge through Wiltshire libraries, choosing their own books to read over the school holidays.
The Reading Agency's free challenge ran from 4 July to 5 September. It encouraged children aged four to 11 to read six books at their own pace and collect rewards along the way.
This year’s theme, ‘Read to the Beat’, celebrated the connection between reading and music. Children could choose fiction, non-fiction, comics, graphic novels, picture books, eBooks or audiobooks. Those who completed the challenge received a certificate and medal.
Readers aged 16 and over can also take part in Wiltshire libraries’ adult reading challenge, which is open until Saturday 5 December 2026. The free challenge invites participants to read three books, with everyone who finishes entered into a prize draw for a £50 book token for the winner and a £25 book token for each of two runners-up.
Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge gave children a reading goal for the holidays, with the freedom to choose books that interested them and rewards to collect as they progressed.
“Our adult reading challenge offers that same choice of what to read, whether it is a printed book, eBook or audiobook. There is still time to sign up at any Wiltshire library and read three books by 5 December.”
To join the adult reading challenge, visit any Wiltshire library. Library membership is free.
More information is available at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries-news
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