Summer Reading Challenge 2025

West Berkshire Libraries will be challenging primary age children to read up to six library books and to collect free incentives from their local library for their achievements as they read - with medals and certificates for everyone who completes the challenge.

From 1 July, children aged 4-11 years can visit a library to sign up for the free Summer Reading Challenge. The theme of this year's challenge is Story Garden, which is all about inspiring children's imaginations and exploring the connection between storytelling and nature, through the power of reading. There will also be a mini-challenge for pre-school children and one for grown-ups too!

The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way for children to keep up their reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays and prevent the common holiday 'reading dip'.

Councillor Nigel Foot, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, Sport and Countryside says,

"The summer reading challenge is always a highlight of the year. West Berkshire consistently has the highest number of children taking part, in the whole of the southeast. We hope that continues and we have even higher numbers this year! This year's Story Garden theme will certainly inspire young minds to take reading to the great outdoors during the summer holidays."

There are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved by volunteering to help run the Summer Reading Challenge at their local library over the summer. Anyone who is interested should please visit www.westberks.gov.uk/volunteer

For additional activities, games, competitions and suggestions for further reading visit https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

It is free to join and borrow books from West Berkshire Libraries for all people living, working, or studying in West Berkshire. Babies and young children can have their own library cards and borrow up to 15 books at a time. E-books and e-audiobooks are also available to borrow for free. See all details, including current library opening hours here www.westberks.gov.uk/libraries.