Summer Reading Challenge
2025 Summer Reading Challenge, Story Garden
5 July - 6 September
The Summer Reading Challenge is a national annual programme produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries.
Story Garden illustrations by Dapo Adeola and © The Reading Agency 2025
Summer Reading Challenge 2025
Story Garden
This exciting new theme will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.
You can find out more about this year’s theme and why the Challenge is important here
Story Garden illustrations by Dapo Adeola and © The Reading Agency 2025
Join our team of Summer Reading Challenge volunteers!
If you are aged 13 or older, have some spare time and love talking about reading and sharing books with children, why not sign up to be one of our summer Reading Challenge volunteers?
It’s a great way to support your local community and develop new skills and experiences.
How to volunteer for the Summer Reading Challenge 2025
Story Garden illustrations by Dapo Adeola and © The Reading Agency 2025
How to Take Part
- You need your library card and PIN (Forgot your PIN? Reset it here).
- If you don’t have a library card, join the library online or at your local branch.
- Sign up for the Challenge starting 5th July. For children under 4, there is the Pre-school Challenge with stickers for each book read and a special medal sticker at the end.
- Collect your reward at the library (bring your event sign-up ticket).
- Borrow six items, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, or Audiobooks, to complete the Challenge.
- When returning books, inform us you're doing the Challenge to get your prizes!
For more information, refer to our FAQs or contact us.
Story Garden illustrations by Dapo Adeola and © The Reading Agency 2025
Digital Library
Children can read any library book they want, including: eBooks; eAudiobooks; and eMagazines. A shared story with a friend or family member also counts towards the challenge.
Explore our children digital collection
Find out more about our digital offer
Teacher's Reading Challenge
Run by The Reading Agency in partnership with the Open University, the Teachers' Reading Challenge is an opportunity for teachers to expand their knowledge of contemporary children's books.
Summer Reading Challenge 2025
for children aged 4 - 11
Starts: Saturday 5 July 2025
Ends: Saturday 6 September 2025
Registration opens on Saturday 5 July
Pre-school Summer Reading Challenge 2025
for children aged under 4
Starts: Saturday 5 July 2025
Ends: Saturday 6 September 2025