Almost 5000 children from across South Gloucestershire have taken part in the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge at local libraries, reading over 105,000 books during the school summer holidays.
This year’s challenge was titled ‘Read to the Beat’ and aimed to inspire children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how both reading and music can ignite imagination and creativity.
Developed by The Reading Agency, the Summer Reading Challenge is designed to boost children’s reading engagement and confidence, supporting their wellbeing and helping them to thrive.
Primary school aged children chose books to read and collected stickers to complete their sticker booklet to earn a medal, certificate and a voucher for a free swim at their local Active Lifestyle Centre, provided by Circadian Trust. A mini challenge was also available for pre-school children to help prepare them for starting school.
Throughout the summer, children also enjoyed a wide range of free activities at libraries, including creative arts and crafts, Lego challenges, music and cultural experiences, and inclusive sessions designed for children and families with additional needs.
South Gloucestershire Council Libraries also encouraged children to participate through outreach sessions delivered in partnership with local children’s charity, Turtle CYP. These sessions supported children taking part in the Council’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF), which helped to keep children fed and active during the summer break.
Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, councillor Adrian Rush, and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries, councillor John Bradbury attended a special event at Hanhan Library to celebrate the achievements of everyone who took part this year. They met with local children and presented them with medals and certificates to mark their reading challenge success.
Chair of the Council, councillor Adrian Rush, said: “I am delighted to present medals and certificates to children here at Hanham Library and celebrate the achievements of all the children in South Gloucestershire who have taken part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. The challenge is such an important scheme because it encourages children to keep reading throughout the summer, helping them to build confidence, develop their reading skills and discover the enjoyment of reading for pleasure. It is fantastic that so many participate and I congratulate all of those who have taken part this year.
“It has been wonderful to meet some of the children and their families and hear about how much the Summer Reading Challenge means to them. Thank you to our Library Service, Summer Reading Challenge volunteers, parents, carers and families for helping to make this year’s challenge such a success. Our libraries continue to provide welcoming spaces where children and families can enjoy reading, learning and taking part in activities throughout the year.”
Throughout the summer, dedicated volunteers supported children taking part in the challenge, helping to make the experience fun and rewarding for all.
To find out more about this year’s Summer Reading Challenge and library services for children, young people and families in South Gloucestershire, visit: www.southglos.gov.uk/childrenslibrary
