The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and supported by Universal Music Group UK. It encourages children aged four to 11 to read six or more library books to help maintain their reading skills and confidence over the summer.
“ This initiative provides the perfect opportunity to help our children develop a lifelong love of reading and encourages positive extra-curricular activity during the school holidays.
“In 2025, 171 new participants joined the challenge in Walsall, an 11 per cent increase compared to the previous year. “
Councillor Matthew Eason, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing
Walsall Council
The year’s theme, Read to the Beat, inspires children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how reading and music ignite imagination and creativity. It celebrates music’s power to move, inspire and connect us all through the magic of reading.
In 2025, Walsall’s seven community libraries organised 98 activities to coincide with the challenge. More than 1,700 children took part, with 1,260 pupils successfully completing it. This year, even more activities are available across the borough.
This year’s challenge features illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator, Harry Woodgate and launched on Saturday 4 July in England and Wales. It closes on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Children can take part for free, either at their local library or online:
Children can sign up at a local library and take part in person. A librarian will provide a special sticker booklet and help them choose suitable books. Participants can collect stickers and rewards as they read.
OR
Children can also take part online by signing up on the Summer Reading Challenge website
Please note, the in-person and online challenges are separate. Physical incentives for any in-person challenges, such as medals, are only available via individual libraries.