Welcome to the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge
All children aged 4-11 are welcome to join the challenge at their local library, starting 4th 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 sticker book and a special edition of Storytime magazine. You'll also get prizes for each book you read including slime, a rainbow pencil, insect stickers, a wooden spinning top and a flute. 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.
Events and activities
Read to the Beat day
Saturday 25 July, across all of Lewisham’s libraries. 10am-4pm.
An exciting day of author events, workshops and activities embracing the musical theme of the 2026 challenge. Challenge yourselves with our Lewisham themed treasure hunt and discover new ways to read with audiobook listening stations, Voxblock screen free audio player demos, and comics and dyslexia friendly books to borrow.
Plus all of our libraries will be running special workshops and activities throughout the summer. Watch this space for more information or take a look at our event listings. Our regular family events and activities will continue throughout summer.
Book Collection
Children can choose any books they like for the challenge but they might be interested in the Read to the Beat book collection which features titles for different reading levels and includes picture books, early readers and middle grade, as well as dyslexia-friendly books. Lewisham Libraries will feature many more music themed books in addition to the Read to the Beat book collection.
More information and resources
Free online library resources to support young peoples learning and literacy including eBooks, audiobooks, comics and study resources
Voxblock screen-free and internet-free audiobook players and books are available to borrow from Catford, Deptford and Downham Libraries for two weeks at a time, completely free. These intuitive, durable players allow kids to explore stories independently or enjoy hands-free listening during family time.
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