Summer Reading Challenge 2025 – Reading loves reading

On this page:
What is the Summer Reading Challenge?
This years challenges
Volunteers needed
Other summer events and activities

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?

The Summer Reading Challenge is a free, fun way for the whole family to enjoy reading over the summer. Children, teens and adults can join in by completing reading challenges and entering prize draws at their local library.

Last year 1,247 children took part in The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge at Reading Libraries.

This year the whole family can join in! Children can challenge parents, carers and even their teachers to read alongside them. Each challenge is free to join and we no longer charge overdue fines.

The challenge takes place from Saturday 24 May to Saturday 13 September 2025.

To complete a challenge, you need to read 6 books over 3 visits (Book Bingo, 3 books, over 3 visits).

At each local library, all finishers of each challenge will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win one of our main prizes.

This years challenges

Mini Challenge – Under 5s

7 x Duplo sets to be won

Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge – primary school children

7 x Lego sets to be won (Certificate and small prize for all finishers)

Book Bingo – teens and adults

7 x Amazon Vouchers to be won

Volunteers needed

Are you aged 14 to 18 and enthusiastic about books and reading? We’re looking for young people to support children in enjoying this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

If you are passionate about books, love working with children, or want to gain experience that will boost your CV or university application, this is your chance to get involved and make a real difference.

As a volunteer you will:

• inspire children to read and complete the challenge
• support library activities and events
• receive training and guidance from library staff
• build confidence and even make new friends

Volunteering places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis. Applications close Thursday 31 July 2025.

Apply to be a volunteer

Other summer events and activities

Each library will be running lots of free and low cost activities throughout May half term and the summer school holidays.

All our summer events will appear on our What’s On Reading page nearer the time.

We look forward to seeing you this summer!