Welcome to Story Garden, the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge

 

All children aged 4-11 are welcome to join the challenge at their local library, starting 5th July.

 

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?

 

The Summer Reading Challenge is a free holiday activity for children. It’s all about reading for fun and developing children’s reading skills and confidence. The Challenge runs every year throughout the summer holidays.

 

How does it work?

 

Head to your local Lewisham Library with your grown up and ask to join the Summer Reading Challenge. If you don’t have a library card (or can't find it) don't worry, we only need to see proof of a parent or guardian's name and address to sign you up to the library.

 

Read six books over the summer holidays, tell us what you think about each book and collect fun rewards. You can read anything you like such as stories, illustrated books, information books, graphic novels (comics), dyslexia friendly books, poetry or audiobooks.

 

Who is it for?

 

Whether you currently love reading or hate it, you only read comics or you prefer to listen to books, the Summer Reading Challenge is for you! We'll help you find the books you’ll love.

 

And if you already love reading, tell us what types of books you like and we'll find more exciting reads for you.

 

What are the rewards?

 

When you sign up to the challenge you will receive a fun booklet with space to add your stickers and book reviews. You'll receive a sticker for each book you read as well as some exciting prizes. When you’ve finished the challenge you'll receive a certificate, a medal and a great big 'well done' from us!

 

Online version of the Summer Reading Challenge

 

You can do the challenge online on the Summer Reading Challenge website. You could even do the library version and the online version. Plus you'll find quizzes, games and activities and a book sorter to help you choose your next favourite read.

 

Summer events and activities

 

All of our libraries will be running fun events and activities throughout the summer which tie in with the Story Garden theme. Please see our events site for details, where you can sort events by library, type and date range.

 

 

 

More information and resources

 

The Summer Reading Challenge theme, 'Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors' will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination by exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature. The artwork is by award-winning illustrator, Dapo Adeola.

 

NEW Voxblock screen free audiobooks and players to borrow

 

Children's ebooks, audiobooks and comics available through the library reading apps

 

Booktrust resource on the benefits of reading

 

Booktrust resource on reading with your child

 

Words For Life resources on supporting your child's literacy

 

National Literacy Trust report on how listening to audio can support learning, wellbeing and reading engagement.

 

Bookmark reading charity on 5 ways graphic novels help to foster a love for reading.

 

National Literacy Trust on children and young people's engagement with poetry