Join the Summer Reading Challenge at Your Library

Join the free Summer Reading Challenge at Your Library!

Dear parents and carers,

We’re excited to invite your child to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge – Read to the Beat! – completely free at your library!

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?

The Summer Reading Challenge is a fun, free way for children aged 4–11 to stay motivated to read during the summer holidays. Children can read any library book they enjoy – all of them will count!

Why should my child sign up?

One in four children hasn’t reached the expected level of reading by the age of 11 and many will struggle to keep up at secondary school, despite reading for pleasure being one of the single biggest indicators of children’s development.

The Summer Reading Challenge helps your child to:

  • Build confidence and self-esteem
  • Stay prepared to return to school in the autumn
  • Settle into a new year group
  • Access free books and fun family activities all through the summer at your local library

Your child will be part of a UK-wide programme developed by The Reading Agency, delivered in partnership with the public library network, and this year powered by Universal Music Group UK – whose artists will be championing the joy of reading and sharing their own stories of creative expression. All brought to life with wonderful illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Harry Woodgate.

Your child will be part of a UK-wide programme developed by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with the public library network.

“We’ve joined the reading challenge for the past 4 years and every year it has inspired and encouraged a deeper joy for reading. For a young dyslexic boy the challenge helps make reading fun.” – parent/carer of 6–7-year-old boy

What will my child read?

Any library book they like! South Tyneside Libraries has books for all reading levels, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and graphic novels.

How can my child take part? (Library or online)

At the library:

  • Visit your library to sign up – see if they are running a Super Sign Up Saturday!
  • Choose from library books, eBooks, or audiobooks. Check out the Read to the Beat Collection for suggestions
  • Receive a special sticker booklet and collect rewards for reading

Or online

  • Visit summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
  • Sign up, set a reading goal, and get book recommendations
  • Unlock digital badges and earn a printable certificate

When does it start?

  • Saturday 4 July and finishes Saturday 12 September
  • Use the Library Finder to locate your nearest library.

Don’t miss out – head to your library and sign up this summer!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact library.support@southtyneside.gov.uk

Yours faithfully,
Jolene Dunbar, Children and Families Librarian