Summer Reading Challenge 2026

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is Read to the Beat, and it launches at all four Calico libraries on Saturday 4th July.

Read to the Beat is a free national initiative from The Reading Agency, delivered in partnership with public libraries and powered by Universal Music Group UK. It’s open to children aged 4 to 12 and encourages them to read for pleasure over the summer holidays, exploring the connection between stories and music.

How it works

Sign up for free at any of our four libraries, Forest Hill, Manor House, Sydenham or Crofton Park, from Saturday 4th July. Not a library member yet? You can join on the spot.

Children set their own reading goal and can read anything they like, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comics or picture books. Along the way they collect stickers and rewards, with a certificate and medal for those who complete the challenge.

Dates

The challenge runs from Saturday 4th July to Saturday 12th September 2026.

Where

• Forest Hill Library
• Manor House Library
• Sydenham Library
• Crofton Park Library

Pop into your local library from 4th July to get your child signed up and reading.