Young people invited to join reading challenge

Wakefield Council is calling on families across the district to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge – Read to the Beat.

The adventure begins with Super Sign-Up Saturday on 4 July and continues throughout the summer holidays. Children can sign up free at any district library. They can borrow books, join events, and collect free incentives and rewards.

Libraries will be transformed into magical spaces full of music, creativity and stories. Families are invited to visit the library on launch day to sign up for the free challenge and take part in fun, themed activities throughout the summer.

Children sign up to read six books over the summer to win prizes, certificate and a medal. There is also a special mini challenge for under 4’s so that they can join in with the fun.

The 2026 theme, Read to the Beat, is all about celebrating the joy of music and the power it has to move, inspire, and connect – all through the magic of reading.

Now in its 27th year, The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge inspires hundreds of thousands of young readers across the UK each summer. Last year alone, over 11 million books were borrowed from libraries during the challenge including audio and eBooks.

For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge, visit https://readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/our-programmes-and-campaigns/summer-reading-challenge/

To find out more about your local library, see https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/libraries-and-local-history/your-local-library