Summer Reading Challenge 2026
Saturday 4 July - Saturday 5 September
The Summer Reading Challenge is an annual event aimed at 4 – 11 year olds. Children are encouraged to read six (or more) books of their choice during the summer holidays.
Read to the Beat is the theme for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge. Created by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with public libraries, this year’s Challenge encourages children to explore the connection between storytelling and music.
Featuring beautiful illustrations by artist Harry Woodgate, Read to the Beat offers young readers a world of stories, music and fun filled adventures.
How the challenge works
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Children can join at any of our seven libraries from Saturday 4 July.
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Borrow books and get reading. You can read any books!
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Children will receive a special sticker for each of the 6 books read.
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Children who complete the challenge will receive a medal, a certificate and be entered into a draw to win one of many fantastic prizes.
- Children who sign up for the challenge on Super Sign Up Saturday and complete the challenge will be entered into an additional prize draw to win another special prize.
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Children under 4 can also take part and get their own booklet and stickers.
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Children can also take part online. Visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org for more information. For help and guidance on how to sign up to the online challenge visit https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/help
Super Sign Up Saturday - Saturday 4 July
Join us on Saturday 4 July for Super Sign Up Saturday, the exciting launch day of the Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat!
Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge and enjoy a day packed with fun activities and special guests.
What’s Happening?
Meet Your Favourite Characters
Look out for special character appearances across our libraries who will be around to meet children, take photos and talk about how amazing the challenge it is and why you should register:
Peter Pan
Wimbledon Library: 9:30am–12:20pm
Raynes Park Library: 2:00pm–4:30pm
Queen of Hearts
Morden Library: 9:30am–12:20pm
Colliers Wood Library: 2:00pm–4:30pm
Spider-Man
Mitcham Library: 9:30am–12:20pm
Pollards Hill Library: 2:00pm–4:30pm
Princess Belle
West Barnes Library: 12:00pm–4:00pm
Extra Prize Draw
Children who register on Super Sign Up Saturday and go on to complete the Summer Reading Challenge will be automatically entered into a second prize draw for a chance to win family tickets to the Paddington Bear Experience.
Children MUST sign up on Saturday 4 July AND complete the challenge to be eligible for the extra prize.
Take a Fun Photo
Strike a pose with our inflatable music props and giant photo frame to celebrate joining the Summer Reading Challenge. There will be special areas at each libary on Super Sign Up Saturday for you to get your music vibes pictured! What better way to kickstart the Summer Reading Challenge than a funky photo memento?
Prizes
All children who read all 6 books for the Summer Reading Challenge will be entered into a prize draw to win the following prizes:
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With special thanks to our generous sponsors:
Summer Reading Challenge Events
As part of the Summer Reading Challenge, our libraries will be hosting a range of fun, free activities and events throughout the summer to help keep children engaged with reading.
From craft sessions and themed activities to special workshops and family-friendly events, there's something for everyone to enjoy while taking part in the Challenge.
We will be continuing to add events to our schedule. Take a look at the events programme so far! 📚☀️✨
Volunteering opportunities
The Summer Reading Challenge is an annual event aimed at 4 – 11 year olds. Children are encouraged to read six (or more) books of their choice during the summer holidays. Merton Libraries are once again looking for volunteers to help keep children reading throughout the summer holidays for the Summer Reading Challenge.
Deadline to apply is Tuesday 30 June 2026.
For more information or to apply to volunteer with us this summer, head to the volunteering section.