Summer Reading Challenge 2026
As part of the National Year of Reading, we are encouraging families to make reading part of their summer adventures. Children can sign up to the music-themed Summer Reading Challenge at any Southend Library, set their reading goals, and enjoy rewards along the way.
Read to the Beat! runs from 18 July to 29 August. Children can drop into the library to talk about the books they have read from:
- 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm, Monday to Saturday at The Forum
- 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 1pm on Saturday at branch libraries
Sign up at any Southend Library from our early sign-up day: 11th July
Children aged 4 to 12 years are challenged to read books or complete an activity, which they can talk about with Read to the Beat volunteers and collect special themed stickers. There is also a simplified challenge for Children under 4.
- after collecting 6 stickers, children will be awarded a certificate and medal
- all completers will be included in a prize draw to win fantastic prizes
Children who join the Challenge will get a bookmark and Storytime Magazine. There are six stickers for children to collect over the summer, by talking about the books they have read or doing related activities. (A list of suggested activities is on the sticker folder given to each child taking part.) After collecting six stickers, they earn their certificate and medal and will be entered into a prize draw, with prizes kindly donated by Adventure Island, Southend Theatres and Southend Museum.
This annual Summer Reading Challenge, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries, encourages children of all ages to keep reading during the summer holidays.
With a fantastic collection of books inspired by music from around the world, children can explore stories, poetry, graphic novels, and non-fiction for all reading levels. Best of all, books are free to borrow from the library.
Look out for Read to the Beat! themed activities at your local library.