Summer Reading Challenge 2026

The Summer Reading Challenge invites children aged four to 11 to read six books, or the equivalent, over nine weeks of the summer and collect rewards along the way. It is the biggest free reading for pleasure programme in the UK.

In Wiltshire libraries, the challenge runs from Saturday 4 July to Saturday 5 September. Children can sign up for free at any Wiltshire library and will receive a special sticker booklet, sticker and joiner’s bookmark. Registration remains open throughout the summer. The first two weeks are for signing up only, and from Saturday 18 July children can begin collecting stickers for the books they read. They will receive a sticker for each book read and a certificate and medal on completion.

Families can join the adventure at their local library and discover how music and stories can make the world come alive. Children must be library members to take part, but joining is free and easy. For more information, visit: Join the library - Wiltshire Council

Theme

This year’s theme, ‘Read to the Beat’, encourages children to explore the connection between stories and songs and discover how reading and music can spark imagination and creativity. Please see promotional video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMuo6FoK8bk

While the challenge is to read six books, there is flexibility around this, particularly for less confident readers or children choosing longer books. Children can read any books they like; they do not need to be linked to the theme. eBooks, eAudiobooks and audiobooks all count too. The challenge is completely free and can help make a positive difference to children’s confidence, motivation and enjoyment of reading for pleasure.

Read to the Beat collection

Books from the official ‘Read to the Beat’ collection are available to reserve and borrow for free from any Wiltshire library. The collection includes titles for different reading levels, including picture books, early readers, middle grade books and some dyslexia-friendly titles. With a rich mix of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and graphic novels, the collection has been carefully curated to get young readers tapping their feet and turning pages. Read to the Beat! 2026 Summer Reading Challenge Book Collection Announced - The Reading Agency

Children can also visit summerreadingchallenge.org to use the Book Sorter, discover new books and enjoy reading activities, quizzes, games and videos.

For children who would like an additional challenge, including those aged over 11, we offer the ‘Story Adventurers’ club. This is a personal reading challenge where children set their own reading goals, with the aim of reading 100 books. For children under four, we also offer ‘Story Sharers’, a fun family book-sharing challenge.

For more information contact your local Wiltshire library or email: Libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk

Ramsbury Library Opening Times

Monday 2 – 4 pm

Wednesday 10am- 12

Thursday 2 – 4 pm

Saturday 10am – 12