The Summer Reading Challenge is back, and this year, we're encouraging children to read and be creative...
This year, it's is all about being creative - in lots of different ways! Children taking part in the Challenge will meet the Marvellous Makers, a creative club who are making amazing things for a (fictional) festival at their local library. As they move through their Challenge, children will collect stickers to reveal the missing objects, find out what Tails has been up to, and save the festival!
The Reading Agency's Marvellous Makers theme was developed in partnership with Create, a charity bringing creative arts to those in need. The theme aims to inspire children's creativity and storytelling through reading. Taking place in libraries and online, the challenge will provide opportunities for children to explore their imagination and creativity in a supportive environment through activities like junk modelling, arts and crafts, music and more.
From comics and manga to poetry and novels, children can read anything that catches their eyes on our library shelves to complete this year’s summer reading challenge. To explore all our Summer Reading Challenge events and to book a slot, please visit eventbrite or pop into your local library to find out more.
Summer Reading Challenge 2024 events
Church Street Library
Cat and Hutch.
Friday 2 August from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.
Cat and Hutch are storytellers who bring children's books to life through storytelling shows, workshops, parties and theatre.
Paddington Children's Library
Chinese Calligraphy.
Friday 26 July from 2:30pm to 4pm.
A communication skills workshop, using books and craft activities for younger children of all abilities.
Queen's Park Library
Beyond Blocks.
Thursday 8 August from 2pm to 3:30pm.
Suitable for children aged 7 to 11 years old. Join us for an session with Beyond Blocks.
Mayfair Library
Jewellery making.
Wednesday 24 July from 4:30pm to 6pm.
Marylebone Library
Cat and Hutch.
Friday 2 August from 1pm to 2pm.
Cat and Hutch are storytellers who bring children's books to life through storytelling shows, workshops, parties and theatre.
Pimlico Library
Cat and Hutch.
Friday 2 August from 10:30am to 11:30am.
Cat and Hutch are storytellers who bring children's books to life through storytelling shows, workshops, parties and theatre.
St. John's Wood Library
Chinese Calligraphy.
Monday 29 July 10:30am to 12pm.
A communication skills workshop, using books and craft activities for younger children of all abilities.
Maida Vale Library
Chinese Calligraphy.
Friday 26 July from 10:30am to 12pm.
A communication skills workshop, using books and craft activities for younger children of all abilities.
Charing Cross Library
Chinese Calligraphy.
Monday 29 July from 2:30pm to 4pm.
A communication skills workshop, using books and craft activities for younger children of all abilities.
Victoria Library
Unfortunately due to building works, there will not be any Summer Reading Challenge events at Victoria Library.
Volunteer for the Summer Reading Challenge
Our libraries are looking for volunteers from age 13 onwards to help us deliver events and activities for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. If you fancy developing new skills while having fun, then look no further.
Apply in your local library or email your volunteer expression of interest form to [email protected]. Full training and materials will be provided.
Meet our Summer Reading Challenge heroes
- Michaela, Library Officer at Church Street Library:
The Summer Reading Challenge is a wonderful time in the year as we get to see the joy on children's faces when they tell us about the books they’ve read and the glee when they get their reward.
The challenge gives staff a chance to talk in more depth with children, find out what they like to read, see whether old favourites from our childhood are still popular.
Reading is fundamental and this is a big chance to influence children to love books and promote lifelong reading for fun and escape to new worlds and have a chance to switch off from real life.
- Keira, past Summer Reading Challenge participant:
I had always enjoyed reading, but I completed the Summer Reading Challenge and haven’t put books down since. Reading is now a passion of mine and has strengthened my vocabulary, writing ability, and has paved the way for my career as a journalist. Good English and the ability to spot and tell a story will be an asset in whatever future a young person chooses. Whether they do it for the love of reading, or just to set a goal and see it through, completing the Summer Reading Challenge this summer will be a positive experience in any young person’s life.