This is an annual programme that encourages children to keep reading during the summer holidays, ensuring they are ready for a great start to the new term in the autumn.
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme is Story Garden - adventures in nature and the great outdoors.
Developed by The Reading Agency this year’s Challenge aims to encourage children to explore the magical connection between stories and nature.
The annual Summer Reading Challenge is open to pre-school and primary school aged children and is for all reading abilities. It is free to take part.
How to take part:
- Children sign up at their local library or mobile library where they’ll be given a collector’s folder and bookmark
- Read six library books of their choice during the holidays
- Collect a sticker for each book read
When they finish, they will receive a certificate and medal. Under-3s will receive a special sticker medal.
Children can sign up from Saturday 5 July. Once the holidays start, they can collect their stickers any time their library is open.
Summer Reading Challenge Volunteers
Our Young Volunteers (12-17 years old) have an essential role to play in the Summer Reading Challenge:
- Promoting the Summer Reading Challenge to families
- Asking the children about the books they have read
- Helping with library activities
Please read our Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer role description.
Ask at your library for details of how to sign up as a volunteer or complete the library volunteer form below selecting option "Summer Reading Challenge volunteer aged 12+ years old".
We will require consent from your parent/guardian and a reference from your teacher.
You can find out more about all of our opportunities to get involved at volunteering with Cambridgeshire Libraries.
If you are 18+ years you will need to complete a volunteer application form which requires two references.
Summer Reading Challenge video
Watch our video for the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, Story Garden to find out more.
Please watch in YouTube for more accessibility options. - opens in a new tab
Activities
Libraries hold special listening sessions where children can talk to a member of staff or a young volunteer about the books they are reading.
