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Summer Reading Challenge

Marvellous Makers, Summer Reading Challenge 2024

In Inspire libraries Saturday 6 July - Sunday 1 September

The Summer Reading Challenge will be back in Inspire libraries this summer. This year's challenge is Marvellous Makers and we're tapping into our imaginations, telling amazing stories and coming up with lots of fun new creations, as we celebrate the creative arts.

Summer Reading Challenge 2024 logo for Marvellous Makers on a background of grass and sky. 7 illustrated characters surround the wording.


About the Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries. The challenge, aimed at children aged 4 - 11 years, is to read six or more library books over the summer,  encouraging them to keep up the reading habit over their long break from school. 

There is a different theme each year.  In 2023, Ready, Set, Read! was developed in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust and celebrated play and participation, encouraging children to get involved in games and sports in any way that best suited them.  10,135 children in Nottinghamshire took part in our libraries.

Children who take part in the Summer Reading Challenge:

  • are more enthusiastic about reading
  • maintain their reading level over the holidays
  • return to schools keen and ready to learn
  • boost their confidence and self-esteem.

To find out more click here

How the challenge works

  • Children sign up at the library to start their Challenge.
  • Borrow books and get reading!  Children choose the books they want to read, recording what they have read along the way.  Library staff and volunteers are on hand to chat to children about books they have read.
  • For every book read, children will pick up stickers (some are smelly!) along with other rewards as they progress through the challenge
  • Every child who completes the challenge, by reading 6 library books, receives a medal and certificate.
It’s all free, fun and a great way to keep children reading over the summer holidays.

Mini Challenge: There is a bite sized version of the Summer Reading Challenge is also available for children aged 3 and under.  Find out more here.

Children can also take part online for digital rewards.

What to read on the Summer Reading Challenge

Children can read any books they like on the Summer Reading Challenge; stories, fact books, poetry, jokes, graphic novels. 

Our children's book recommendations page has inspiration. There are lots of ebooks and audio books that can be borrowed from the library online to help complete the online challenge.

Explore a selection of books inspired by the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge theme on our pintrest board below; celebrating the power of play, sports and games.