More than 5,500 children from across South Gloucestershire have taken part in the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge at local libraries, reading over 85,000 books during the school summer holidays.
This year’s challenge was named Story Garden, with children invited to discover tales about nature, the great outdoors and the power of imagination. Developed by The Reading Agency and featuring illustrations by Dapo Adeola, the challenge encouraged children to explore books that celebrate the great outdoors and the power of creativity.
The Summer Reading Challenge is designed to boost children’s reading engagement and confidence, supporting their wellbeing and helping them to thrive. Primary school children chose books to read, collected fun incentives including stickers, and a collector’s poster to earn a medal, certificate and 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.
South Gloucestershire Council Libraries encouraged children to participate through outreach sessions delivered in partnership with Turtle CYP and Coniston Primary School. These sessions supported children taking part in the council’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF), which helps to keep them fed and active during the summer break.
Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Councillor Katie Cooper, and Cabinet Member for Libraries, Councillor Sean Rhodes attended a special event at Downend 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 Katie Cooper, said: “Congratulations to all the children who participated in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. It’s wonderful to see more than 5,500 children enjoying reading and taking part in activities at their local library. The challenge is a fantastic way to keep children reading over the summer holidays. It helps to develop their reading skills and confidence so that they return to school ready to learn while supporting their wellbeing.
“I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to present the children and volunteers with their medals and certificates and hear about the different books they’ve discovered – it’s clear how much they have enjoyed taking part. Thank you to our Library Service, Summer Reading Challenge volunteers and all the families who have taken part this year. Libraries are brilliant family-friendly places with free access to books and activities throughout the year.”
Lindsey Buckler, a parent whose children took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, said: “We love how many options of books our local library has. The children loved moving their characters along and were excited to pick their next read.”
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
