Read to the Beat: Summer Reading Challenge 2026

Read to the Beat is coming to a library near you this summer!

 

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge will inspire children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how reading and music both ignite imagination and creativity.

 

This year's Challenge is brought to life with illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Harry Woodgate.

 

The challenge runs from Saturday 18 July to Saturday 5 September in all Essex libraries and mobile libraries.  There will also be a special early joiners’ day on Saturday 4 July.

 

There are six stickers for children to collect over the summer.  They earn them by telling us about the books they have read, or doing related activities. (A list of suggested activities is on the sticker folder given to each child taking part.) After collecting six stickers, they earn their certificate and medal. A ribbon to show off their medal can be bought from the library (while stocks last) for 50p each.

 

Children can read any library book of their choice; fiction, non-fiction, picture books or books they share with parents and carers – they all count.  Children under four are not forgotten, with a special version of Read to the Beat just for them.

 

The Summer Reading Challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with libraries and powered by Universal Music Group UK. It is open to all children, free of charge.

 

Keep up to date with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge by following Essex Library Services on Facebook and Instagram, @EssexLibraries.