Summer Reading Challenge 2026

Turn up the volume on reading this summer!

 

Saturday 11 July to Saturday 5 September

 

This summer, Thurrock Libraries and The Reading Agency invite children to discover the joy of reading through Read to the Beat! - the music-themed Summer Reading Challenge 2026.

 

With a fantastic collection of books inspired by music from around the world, children can explore stories, poetry, graphic novels, and non-fiction for all reading levels.

 

Best of all, books are FREE to borrow from your local library.

 

As part of the National Year of Reading, libraries across Thurrock are encouraging families to make reading part of their summer adventures. Children can sign up at the library from Saturday 11 July or join online through The Reading Agency, set their own reading goals, and enjoy rewards along the way.

 

Please note if you join online with The Reading Agency, the rewards are virtual and you need to print out your own certificate.

 

The Summer Reading Challenge is open to children of all ages  - from babies and toddlers to primary ages and beyond to teens. Parents and carers can share books with babies as part of the mini challenge whilst the main challenge is aimed at school-aged children.

 

Look out for our Read to the Beat special library events across the summer on the library website.

 

Who will win the School Shield this year?

 

Every school aged child who takes part and completes the Summer Reading Challenge by completing their 6 goals will contribute to their school being in for a chance to win the coveted Thurrock Summer Reading Challenge School Shield. Won for several years by Woodside Academy, i Kenningtons Primary Academy won it in 2025.

If children do complete the challenge online by finishing all 6 goals and want to add to their school numbers for the shield please email libraries@thurrock.gov.uk with their name and school and a screenshot of their online certificate. Every success counts!