Summer Reading Challenge 2026 - Read to the Beat
Running in Slough Libraries from 30 June to 12 September.
Discovering how reading and music can ignite imagination and creativity
Slough Libraries are delighted to announce the theme for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat. This exciting new theme will harness the universal appeal of music to inspire the next generation of readers.
The annual Summer Reading Challenge is delivered by the Reading Agency, in partnership with public libraries across the UK, and it's free for children to take part. Throughout the summer, children joining 'Read to the Beat' can discover new books, participate in free activities at their local library, and combine the joys of music and storytelling to develop their confidence, creativity and self-expression.
The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4-11 to keep reading during the summer holidays – and to enjoy their own choice of books. Children can challenge themselves to read six books from Slough Libraries over the summer and collect stickers and rewards along the way to keep them motivated. Those that complete are awarded a medal and certificate.There’s also a separate mini sticker Challenge for younger siblings.
The challenge presents reading as a fun and enjoyable activity and encourages children to become lifelong book lovers. It helps prevent the trend for reading skills to dip over the summer holidays and enhances and supports the school’s reading initiatives. The Challenge is inclusive to children of all abilities as they can choose any library books that appeal to them to complete it. You’ll need to be a library member to sign up. It’s quick, easy and free to join.
Children will be encouraged to give their opinions on the books they have read through book chats with library staff and volunteers.
Slough Libraries will be celebrating the Summer Reading Challenge with an exciting, free programme of themed activities that give children the opportunity to explore and perform music and rhythm in a variety of forms, developing confidence, expression and literacy skills in a fun and supportive way.
Visit the events page to discover all the family activities on offer.
Find out more at the Summer Reading Challenge website.