About our programmes
Summer Reading Challenge
The 2024 Challenge starts on 22 June online and in Scotland, and on 6 July in England and Wales.
The Summer Reading Challenge is a FREE holiday activity for children. It's all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children's reading skills and confidence. The Challenge runs every year throughout the summer holidays, and all children aged 4-11 are welcome to take part.
Children can read anything they like (really - anything!) and collect free rewards for their reading.
This year's theme and how to take part
This year's Challenge theme, Marvellous Makers, is all about creativity. From dance to drawing, junk modelling to music, there's something for everyone! Children will be able to find new reads linked to their favourite creative arts, and access free activities at the library.
Children can take part for FREE, either at the library OR online:
- You can sign up at your local library and take part in person. A librarian will give you a special collector folder and help you find books to read. You'll collect special stickers and rewards for your reading.
OR - You can take part online by signing up here, on the official Challenge website. You'll set up a profile with a reading goal and log your books. When you reach your goal, you will unlock a virtual badge and certificate.
Please note, the in-person and online Challenges are separate. Physical incentives like medals are only available via the library, for those taking part in the in-person Challenge.
More information
The Summer Reading Challenge is developed by The Reading Agency, delivered in partnership with public libraries, and funded by Arts Council England. Each year, the Challenge motivates around 700,000 children to keep reading over the summer holidays.
This year's theme, Marvellous Makers, has been developed in partnership with Create, a leading charity bringing the creative arts to those who need it most. The bespoke illustrations for Marvellous Makers are created by the brilliant illustratorm Natelle Quek.
You can keep up to date with all of The Reading Agency's latest children's activities and offers by following us on Facebook.
Winter Mini Challenge
The Winter Mini Challenge encourages children to keep up their reading habits over the winter holidays, with this free-to-access website featuring rewards for reading and reviewing books.
Taking part is simple. Children read at least three books of their choice in the winter holidays and add them to their online profile. Reaching their online reading goal will unlock a limited-edition virtual badge and a special Winter Mini Challenge certificate to print off and keep.
If your child enjoyed taking part in a Challenge and you can help us share the experience with even more children, please consider donating to The Reading Agency by clicking here.
If you would like to make a larger gift, legacy pledge or can support our fundraising in any way, please email [email protected]. The Reading Agency receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill payer’s permission. Customer care 08448479800. Charity No 1085443.