The Summer Reading Challenge has become an annual tradition in libraries since first launching in 1999. Over 700,000 children take part from across the UK, developing reading skills, reading for pleasure and visiting their local libraries.

It's FREE, it's fun and it's all about enjoying reading throughout the summer holidays. Adults can register a primary age child to take part and request a free Summer Reading Challenge Pack. The pack contains stickers to reward your child every time they complete a reading task throughout the summer.

Delivered in partnership with national children's charity the Youth Sport Trust, The Reading Agency and public libraries, this year's Summer Reading Challenge aims to keep children's minds and bodies active over the summer break, empowering young people to forge new connections with others and unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading.

At Swindon Libraries, we’re supporting the Summer Reading Challenge: Ready Set Read from Saturday 8th July 2023 until Saturday 9th September 2023.

Joining the Summer Reading Challenge in Swindon

Children can sign-up at any Swindon Library between 8^th July – 9^th September. It’s free to take part. Find out more here.

Supporting Children with SEND

We encourage as many children as possible to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge, and thanks to Swindon Stories we have a helpful guide for children with SEND, showing alternative ways to participate. Look out for our Interactive Story Performances for Children with SEND too. More details here.

Fun Family Activities

Whilst the Summer Reading Challenge pack is all about children keeping up with their reading over the holidays, Swindon Libraries have events planned to support sport and play too. Find out about our free activities here.

Competitions

Our wonderful Children’s Library Patron, and award-winning author and illustrator Steve Antony, has created his annual art competition with an invite to a fantastic celebration evening as a prize. Meet Steve and receive a copy of his brand new book! 

What’s more, all completers of this year's Summer Reading Challenge will be entered into a prize draw to join our Steve Antony celebrations in January. Find out more here.

Teen Book Bingo

For older, or more advanced, readers who may not be interested in stickers and a medal, we have created a Book Bingo challenge for young people age 12-19. All completers have the chance of winning a £30 Waterstones voucher! Find out more here.

Resources

Find out about the benefits of your child having a library card and sign up to our monthly newsletter. Discover book suggestions, as well as additional free summer events around Swindon.  More details here.