Libraries Summer Reading Challenge
Turn up the volume on reading this summer with the Summer Reading Challenge 2026, Read to the Beat!
The Summer Reading Challenge runs 4 July to 5 September 2026 in all Oxfordshire Libraries.
This year’s challenge encourages children to explore the creative power of reading and music. Just like songs have rhythm and energy, stories do too!
This fun, free challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with libraries and powered by Universal Music UK. It is the perfect summer activity to build your child’s reading skills and confidence during the holidays. It’s the National Year of Reading, so make reading part of your summer adventures!
How to take part in Oxfordshire Libraries
Children will need to be members of Oxfordshire Libraries.
Join Oxfordshire Libraries today, it’s free!
From Saturday 4 July, children can sign up to the challenge at their local Oxfordshire Library. They will be given a Read to the Beat booklet to keep track of their reading. As they read amazing library books and visit the library to tell us about them, they collect stickers. When children complete the challenge, they receive a Read to the Beat certificate and medal. This year, children who finish the challenge will also get a golden ticket to enter a prize draw to win a fabulous goodie bag.
Read library books of your choice
Children can set their own reading goal – we recommend six books over three library visits. They can read any library books they like, including eBooks and eAudio from Oxfordshire Libraries. Check out the Read to the Beat book displays for fantastic reading ideas.
Mini Challenge
From Saturday 4 July, 0-3-year-olds can sign up to a mini challenge with their own special collector’s folder and stickers. Join in at your local Oxfordshire Library and complete the mini challenge to win a gold medal sticker and Read to the Beat certificate. Children who finish the mini challenge will also get a golden ticket to enter a prize draw to win a fun goodie bag.
Terms and conditions - Summer Reading Challenge Prize Draw 2026
- Entrants are eligible for the Oxfordshire Read to the Beat Summer Reading Challenge Prize Draw when they complete the Challenge. This means they:
- have an Oxfordshire Libraries card of their own and
- have registered for Read to the Beat in an Oxfordshire library and
- have received a certificate, medal and Golden Ticket.
- Valid entries must be written on the official Golden Ticket and include a name, age and contact details.
- Entries must be submitted to Oxfordshire Libraries by Saturday 12 September 2026
- The winners will be contacted by the end of October 2026.
- Only 1 Golden Ticket per person.
- There will be two separate prize draws with different prizes:
- 0-3 years old can only enter the Mini Challenge Prize Draw
- 4+ years old can enter the Summer Reading Challenge Prize Draw
- Winners will be selected at random from the prize draw.
- No cash alternatives to the prizes are available.
- The guarantor of each winner will be contacted by Oxfordshire Libraries during October 2026 and can choose to accept or decline the prize. Prize winner names will only be announced on Oxfordshire Libraries social media platforms with their guarantor’s permission.
- Oxfordshire Libraries will only use information supplied for the purposes of administering this competition and in accordance with data protection principles.
Summer Reading Challenge website
Visit The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge website. It is available all year for great book ideas, fun games, exciting competitions and all the latest Summer Reading Challenge news!
If your child is up for an additional challenge or you can’t visit a library, The Reading Agency’s online Summer Reading Challenge runs alongside the in-library challenge. Children who join the online challenge and reach their reading goal, will unlock a Read to the Beat certificate to print and keep.
For help using the Summer Reading Challenge website and the online challenge, go to: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/help
For general information about the Summer Reading Challenge, visit: https://readingagency.org.uk/
Events
Visit What’s On or contact your local library for family-friendly events and activities.