Children invited to join Hampshire Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge 2026

Children across Hampshire are being invited to sign up for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge as it returns to Hampshire Libraries from Saturday 11 July. The 2026 challenge is called Read to the Beat

Jul 1 2026

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Run nationally by The Reading Agency, this year’s challenge is being delivered in partnership with Universal Music Group UK, using the theme of music to encourage children to read for pleasure over the summer holidays.  

Councillor Roz Chadd, Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a simple but brilliant way to keep children engaged with books during the school holidays. Hampshire Libraries always see a fantastic response, and this year’s Read to the Beat theme should make it even more fun for children to get involved. We’d encourage families to visit their local library and sign up.” 

Children can join the challenge at their local Hampshire Libraries branch or online through the Kids’ Zone section of the Hampshire County Council website from Saturday 11 July.  

The Summer Reading Challenge is designed to keep children reading during the long summer break, when reading habits can easily dip without the routine of school. By taking part, children are encouraged to discover new books, build confidence and enjoy reading in a fun and relaxed way. 

In Hampshire, last year’s challenge saw 17,815 children start, with 10,590 going on to complete it. Volunteers also played an important part, giving 5,931 hours of their time to support the programme in 2025, and more are welcome to get involved this year.  

Libraries across the county will be welcoming children and families to take part, with staff and volunteers helping young readers get started, track their progress and enjoy everything the challenge has to offer over the summer. 

The challenge is free to join and open to children of all reading abilities. Whether they already love books or just need a bit of encouragement to get started, the Summer Reading Challenge helps make reading fun, achievable and rewarding. 

For more information about the challenge, families can visit the Hampshire Libraries website or speak to staff at their local library.