Council encourages children and young people to ‘read to the beat’ this summer

The council is encouraging families to visit their local library during the summer, to embrace the joy of reading and explore the connection between music and stories for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge.

Delivered in partnership between The Reading agency, public libraries and powered by Music Group UK, this year’s theme is ‘read to the beat’, highlighting how both music and reading can ignite imagination and creativity.

The free challenge is open to children aged 4 to 11 throughout the summer holiday period and runs until 12 September. Children can take part by signing up online or visiting their local library to join the challenge.

As part of the challenge reading for pleasure is actively encouraged, and for each book read, children will receive stickers and character cards. The aim is to also encourage participants to engage with the series of events and activities being hosted across libraries, who, upon attending, will receive a sticker for actively taking part.

Upon reading six books, a certificate and medal will be awarded.

Children taking part can also collect a range of resources from their local Cheshire East library, including a Summer Reading Challenge sticker book and Storytime magazine, helping to keep them engaged and inspired throughout the challenge.

The 2026 collection features 55 titles across different reading levels, including early readers, middle grade, and dyslexia-friendly books – covering all genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry. The challenge also celebrates music in all forms – including drumming, opera, K-pop and more.

The events and activities taking place across Cheshire East libraries for The Summer Reading Challenge are assisted and supported by a host of volunteers – many of which are young students who themselves have previously successfully completed the challenge as children.

Councillor Rob Vernon, Cheshire East cabinet member for Communities and Engagement, said:

“In today’s digital age it’s really important to help children discover the joy of reading, and that's what The Summer Reading Challenge is all about - firing up the imaginations of our kids.

“Reading is a safe, fun and educational form of escapism, letting kids explore new worlds and new ways of thinking, and that's always going to be good for the mind.

“The Summer Reading Challenge helps boost confidence and literacy skills over the summer, but also supports children transitioning to new school years or key stages, while giving them the opportunity to attend free and fun library events with other kids of all ages over the holidays.

“Our brilliant library staff are available to welcome families looking to get involved over the summer, so please pop into your local library for more information, or check out the individual Facebook pages for each Cheshire East library, and come along to one of the events over the summer.

“A massive thank you to all our volunteers who continue to support our staff in the running of these events and activities throughout the school holidays".

The challenge also supports the 2026 National Year of Reading, a UK-wide campaign backed by the council that aims to inspire people of all ages to discover or rediscover the enjoyment and lifelong benefits of reading.

Earlier this year, Cheshire East Council signed the National Year of Reading pledge and is working with partners and communities across the borough to help make reading a regular part of everyday life. By encouraging children to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge, the council hopes to foster a love of reading from an early age and support the campaign’s ambition to create a nation of readers.

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