Created by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries across the UK, the Summer Reading Challenge is a free, inclusive initiative that encourages children to keep reading, learning, and exploring throughout the summer holidays.
This year’s event, which is running from Saturday 5 July to Saturday 6 September, has been designed to inspire children to explore the magical connection between storytelling and nature.
To complement the Summer Reading Challenge, Kent Libraries will be hosting a vibrant programme of free events and activities throughout the summer. Inspired by the Story Garden theme, these sessions are designed to spark creativity and imagination through nature-themed crafts, interactive storytelling, and hands-on workshops.
Children have been enjoying the free events at Kent Libraries as part of the Summer Reading Challenge. Picture: Kent Libraries
The official Story Garden booklist features diverse titles and encompasses picture books, early readers and middle grade titles, and includes dyslexia-friendly books. With a mix of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and graphic novels, the collection has been carefully curated to engage young minds with the wonders of the great outdoors.
Taking part is easy and free
Children can sign up for free and take part at any library or mobile library in Kent, where they’ll receive a special folder to track their reading journey. As they read, they’ll get rewards in the form of stickers, a bookmark and a packet of seeds to celebrate their progress.
Families also have the option to join the Summer Reading Challenge online, where children can set their own reading goals, unlock digital badges, and later, when they have completed the challenge, they can visit a library to collect their medal and certificate.
“The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to keep children engaged, inspired, and learning throughout the school holidays.”
Paul Webb, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to keep children engaged, inspired, and learning throughout the school holidays.
“This year’s Story Garden theme is perfect for young readers in the Garden of England and offers them the opportunity to connect with nature, explore their creativity, and discover the joy of storytelling.
“Kent Libraries is proud to offer a welcoming space for families to enjoy free activities and build a lifelong love of reading.”
Simone from Dover library has been reading to children as part of the Summer Reading Challenge 2025. Credit: Kent Libraries
Karen Napier, CEO, The Reading Agency said: "The Summer Reading Challenge continues to be a bright light in what has recently been an uncertain picture of children's reading.
“Story Garden will create magical spaces where children can explore and be curious, combining the joy of reading with the proven wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature.
“Libraries will be hosting inspiring events and activities where nature and wildlife will take children on adventures and plants inspire their next story. We're particularly excited to be working with Dapo Adeola, whose wonderful illustrations will help bring these adventures to life."
To find out what’s happening in your local area, visit https://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/summer-reading-challenge
Notes to Editors
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.
In 2024, the challenge reached 581,301 children and families across the UK, with 542,624 children taking part through their local library service.
