Issue date: 15 June 2026
A celebration of reading and music – that’s the theme of this year’s free Summer Reading Challenge in our West Sussex libraries.
Called Read to the Beat, it encourages children to explore the link between storytelling and sound.
West Sussex County Council’s library service works to help improve children’s reading skills and confidence, which the challenge does in a fun way.
Children can register from 15 June, ready to start in any of the 36 libraries from 4 July. Running throughout the summer until 12 September, the challenge is aimed at children aged 4 to 11 years, whilst under-4s can take part in a Mini Challenge.
Once registered online at libraries.westsussex.gov.uk/src, children receive a special code word. They then reveal this to staff at their local library to get a Read to the Beat sticker booklet and a bespoke edition of Storytime magazine.
Children taking part will have access to a wide range of books -including stories, comic books, audiobooks, information books about many topics, and not forgetting downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks!
They will have all summer to enjoy books and achieve personalised reading goals, returning to the library several times to discuss the books they have been reading with Summer Reading Challenge volunteers, collecting stickers and other exciting rewards along the way.
Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the challenge can apply here libraries.westsussex.gov.uk/src, before 3 July.
A county council spokesperson said: “The work of the county council’s library service is helping to improve literacy, and the challenge is a great way to encourage reading for pleasure during the long summer holiday.
“Children can also become library members for free or refresh their library card if it’s their first visit for a while.
“There are fun activities in libraries throughout the summer too, including a Character Hunt with a prize draw, and events which tie ‘books and beats’ together.
“With 2026 being the National Year of Reading, families are encouraged to ‘Go All In’ on whatever excites and interests them.”
Children who finish the challenge will be rewarded with a Read to the Beat certificate and medal. Even our youngest readers will receive a certificate and gold medal sticker.
Adults may also like to pick up a few books for themselves on their family visit to the library.
Research shows that children enjoy reading and improve their skills when adults around them read too.
