Read to the Beat! celebrates music, rhythm and storytelling, while encouraging children to keep reading and learning throughout the summer holidays as part of the National Year of Reading 2026.
Created by The Reading Agency, and delivered in partnership with libraries across the UK, the Summer Reading Challenge is a free, inclusive initiative that inspires children to discover the joy of reading through stories, imagination and creativity.
Free summer events for families
To complement the Summer Reading Challenge, Kent Libraries will host a programme of free events and activities throughout the summer. From interactive storytelling, to hands-on workshops, families can enjoy a range of activities designed to bring the Read to the Beat! theme to life.
These events offer families an opportunity to engage with libraries and enjoy a summer filled with stories and creativity.
Award-winning author visits Kent Libraries
As part of this exciting programme of free summer events, Blue Peter Book Award winner Gareth P Jones, best known for Dragon Detective, Steampunk Pirates and Ninja Meerkats, will be bringing his fairytale picture books to life in libraries across Kent.
Featuring original sing-along songs and live music, children and families will have the chance to help Gareth adapt stories into musicals through interactive sessions designed to entertain and inspire audiences of all ages.
Taking part is easy and completely free
Children can sign up for free and take part at any library or mobile library in Kent, where they’ll receive a special sticker booklet to start tracking their progress, along with a free special edition of Storytime Magazine while stocks last.
Children taking part in libraries can earn rewards along the way to help keep them motivated as they choose from a range of personalised reading-related goals.
Families can also join the Summer Reading Challenge online, where children can set their own goals and unlock digital rewards.
Once they have completed the Challenge, participants can visit a library to collect a medal and certificate. Children and families eligible for the Home Library Service can also take part from home if they find it difficult to visit their local library.
The official Read to the Beat! booklist features a carefully curated selection of diverse, engaging titles for all reading levels, including early readers, middle-grade books and dyslexia-friendly options, across fiction, non-fiction, poetry and graphic novels.
There is no set reading list, however, and children are encouraged to choose whatever they enjoy most, from books and comics to audiobooks, e-books and cookbooks. With flexible goals, rewards and plenty of ways to take part, the Challenge helps children build confidence and discover the joy of reading in a way that works for them.
Building on the success of last year, when more than 18,000 children took part in the Summer Reading Challenge across Kent Libraries, libraries are encouraging even more families to get involved this summer.
“Take part in the Challenge and make reading a memorable part of their summer.”
Richard Palmer, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services said: "The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to help children maintain and build their reading skills over the school holidays while having fun.
‘This year's Read to the Beat! theme encourages children to discover the joy of reading through stories, music and creativity, whether they are already keen readers or just beginning their reading journey.
‘Our libraries have an exciting programme of free events and activities taking place across Kent, and I would encourage families to visit their local library, take part in the Challenge and make reading a memorable part of their summer."
Karen Napier, CEO, The Reading Agency said: "Read to the Beat! celebrates the joy of music and the power of reading to inspire creativity, confidence and connection.”
“Through our exciting partnership with Universal Music Group UK and the wonderful illustrations of Harry Woodgate, children will be encouraged to discover new stories, explore different musical traditions and keep reading throughout the summer. Libraries will once again play a vital role in helping children unlock the transformative benefits of reading for pleasure."
To find out what’s happening in your local area, visit kent.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge.
Notes to editors
More information at kent.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge
The Summer Reading Challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries, is funded by Arts Council England and supported this year by Universal Music Group UK.
The Summer Reading Challenge has been running since 1999 and helps to prevent the summer reading ‘dip’ that many young people experience during their summer holidays while schools are closed. This proven programme directly addresses the reading engagement crisis by transforming reluctant readers into enthusiastic ones, with 95% of participants reading for enjoyment weekly after completion.
In 2025, over 18,000 children took part in the Summer Reading Challenge across Kent Libraries.
Read to the Beat illustrations by Harry Woodgate , Summer Reading Challenge illustrations and logo © The Reading Agency 2026.
The National Year of Reading 2026 is a national campaign designed to help more people (re)discover the joy of reading and make it part of their everyday lives, addressing the steep decline in reading amongst children, young people and adults.
