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.

Find out what's going on at your local library by visiting the Libraries webpage

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

About Walsall Libraries:

The borough of Walsall has seven community libraries and a mobile library service:

• Aldridge Community Library, Rookery Lane, Aldridge WS9 8NP
• Bloxwich Community Library, High Street, Bloxwich WS3 2DA
• Brownhills Community Library, Park View Centre, Chester Road North, Brownhills WS8 7JB
• Darlaston Community Library, 1 King Street, Darlaston WS10 8DE
• Lichfield Street Hub & Walsall Archives, Lichfield Street, Walsall WS1 1TR
• Streetly Community Library, Blackwood Road, Streetly B74 3PL
• Willenhall Community Library, Walsall Street, Willenhall WV13 2EX

For more information, visit the website 

About The Reading Agency:

The Reading Agency is a UK charity that inspires social and personal change through the proven power of reading.

The Reading Agency reaches over two million people a year but with a UK population of over 67 million that's not nearly enough. It aims to get more people fired up about reading because everything changes when you read.

About the Summer Reading Challenge:

The Summer Reading Challenge has been running since 1999 and inspires a passion for reading outside the classroom. With the help of local libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge is accessible to all and provides a fun, free activity for children. The Challenge has successfully engaged over half a million children annually for more than 25 years.

The Summer Reading Challenge is developed by The Reading Agency, delivered in partnership with public libraries, and funded by Arts Council England.