Over 600 children are already signed up with Sefton Libraries to join this year's Summer Reading Challenge.

The joy of reading

Read to the Beat is the musical theme of the 2026 challenge which aims to help young people to discover the joy of reading throughout the summer holidays. The Challenge is organised every summer by The Reading Agency and through public libraries across the UK,

Sefton's libraries will be holding musical events and activities throughout the summer to bring the tuneful theme to life.

Record-breaking

Cllr Liz Dowd, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries, said: “This year’s musical theme is appropriate for Sefton because last year we had a record-breaking 3,100 young people signed up with our Libraries to take part.

“I know it’s blowing our own trumpet, but over 2,200 of those young people successfully completed the challenge by achieving their reading goal of six books or more and visiting their library four times during the summer.

“With 608 already signed up in the first week, it shows just how much local families value reading and their local library services.”

Sign up for free

Children and their families can sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge for free at any Sefton Library. They collect incentives, including a book bag, stickers and a bookmark as they progress through the challenge and will receive a certificate presented at a school assembly when they hit their reading goal.

More information about the Sefton Libraries, including details of your local branch and how to join can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/libraries.

You can find this summer’s programme of "Read to the Beat" activities here. 

Every year, Sefton is among the top-performing library authorities in the North West for participation in the Summer Reading Challenge. Last year's sign-up figures represented a 19% increase and the number of children completing the challenge rose by 63%.

One of high notes

Cllr Liz Dowd, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge has helped millions of children develop a lifelong love of reading and also helps bridge the reading dip that can happen during the long summer holidays.

“Read to the Beat will be one of high notes of the year for our libraries teams who are coordinating fun, interactive events that celebrate music, rhythm and creativity alongside the enjoyment of reading.”

Research shows that 95% of young people who take part in the national Summer Reading Challenge say they read for pleasure at least once a week afterwards, while 70% report feeling more confident about their reading.