Summer Reading Challenge 2026 – Read to the Beat

This article is brought to you by Slough Borough Council, on behalf of Slough Libraries for the attention of all Primary schools. 

Summer Reading Challenge 2026 – Read to the Beat

Slough Libraries are delighted to announce details of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge – Read to the Beat. The Challenge will harness the universal appeal of music to inspire the next generation of readers in the UK. The link between music and storytelling runs deep. Think rhythm, self-expression and creativity. 

Children aged 4+ can complete the challenge by enjoying six library books over the summer, collecting free goodies along the way to motivate their progression. Those that finish will be awarded a medal and certificate to celebrate their achievement. There’s also a mini Challenge for younger siblings, who will be rewarded with stickers.

The Challenge presents reading as a fun and enjoyable activity and encourages children to become lifelong book lovers. It helps prevent the trend for reading skills to dip over the summer holidays and enhances and supports the school’s reading initiatives. The Challenge is inclusive to children of all abilities as they can choose any library books that appeal to them to complete it.  

Children joining the Challenge will be able to access an exciting, free programme of themed activities that give them the opportunity to explore and perform music and rhythm in a variety of forms, developing confidence, expression and literacy skills in a fun and supportive way. 

Slough Libraries will be launching the challenge on Tuesday 30th June. It’s free to take part -children just need to be library members. It’s quick and easy to join.

The challenge will end on 12th September, so children have plenty of time to complete.

There is also the opportunity for children to join the Challenge online at 

summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Schools can access a range of materials and activities to encourage your pupils to participate, including posters, newsletter copy and social media assets. You can also book themed assemblies, outreach visits, or class visits to a Slough library.

Please make your requests by emailing library@slough.gov.uk with Read to the Beat in the subject line.

New for this year

Slough Libraries have received support from the Reading Agency to develop some new initiatives:

  • Targeted year group sign-up, with materials provided for all children in that year group to participate (parent/carer permission will be required) and the option to have a certificate/medal presentation at the school or library. This is offered to schools on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Junior Ambassadors programme – training and a toolkit for children to promote the Challenge to their peers and encourage them to participate and complete the Challenge. There will be the opportunity to deliver an assembly jointly with library staff. This would suit junior librarians or reading buddies/champions in your school
  • Working with schools to adapt the Challenge for pupils with additional needs

 

Further information:

Alison Beer – Principal Libraries Outreach Officer (Children and Young People)

alison.beer@slough.gov.uk