Children across North Somerset invited to ‘Read to the Beat’ this summer

Libraries across North Somerset are getting ready to turn up the volume on reading as the hugely popular Summer Reading Challenge returns this July with an exciting new theme - ‘Read to the Beat!’ 

Delivered nationally by The Reading Agency and run in partnership with public libraries, the free annual challenge encourages children aged 4–11 to keep reading during the summer holidays, helping them stay motivated and confident ahead of the new school year. 

Launching in England and Wales on Saturday 4 July, the 2026 Challenge invites children to explore the joyful connection between stories and music, celebrating how both can inspire imagination, creativity and self-expression. 

This year’s vibrant theme, created in partnership with Universal Music Group UK, encourages young readers to discover books filled with rhythm, sound and storytelling, proving that reading really can get you moving. 

Cllr Mark Canniford, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places at North Somerset Council, said: 

“The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to keep children inspired and engaged over the school holidays, and this year’s ‘Read to the Beat’ theme brings an extra burst of energy and creativity.  

“Our libraries are at the heart of our communities, and we’re proud to offer a fun, welcoming space where children can discover new stories, take part in exciting activities, and build a lifelong love of reading.

“We’re encouraging families across North Somerset to sign up, get involved, make the most of everything our libraries have to offer this summer and discover the magic where books meet music.” 

The Summer Reading Challenge has been a much-loved part of the school holidays for more than 25 years, with hundreds of thousands of children taking part each year. 

The initiative is designed to tackle the “summer reading dip” – where children’s reading skills can decline over the long break – by making reading fun, social and rewarding. 

Children can sign up at their local library, set their own reading goal (with six books often suggested), and collect stickers, rewards and a certificate as they progress through the challenge. 

Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Families, Skills and Lifelong Learning at North Somerset Council, said:

“Reading for pleasure is one of the most powerful ways to support children’s learning, confidence and wellbeing, and initiatives like the Summer Reading Challenge play a vital role in keeping children engaged over the school holidays. 

“We’re proud to support this brilliant, free initiative and I encourage families across North Somerset to visit their local library this summer, take part in the challenge and discover new stories and adventures together.” 

• Craft sessions in every library – with fun, themed activities to spark creativity and bring the challenge to life 

  
  

• Musical launch events on 4 July:

  • Posset Singers at Portishead Library at 10am

  • Show Choir at Clevedon Library at 12pm 

    
    

• Author visits from Hana Tooke:

  • Worle library – 11 August at 10am

  • Yatton Library – 11 August at 2pm

  • Mobile Library (Long Ashton Community Centre) – 12 August at 2pm 

    
    

Frond hands-on crafts to live performances and exciting author events, there’s something for every young reader to enjoy. 

Children can sign up for free at any North Somerset library from Saturday 4 July, choose the books they love, and start their very own reading adventure. 

Whether they enjoy stories, facts, comics or audiobooks, every child can take part - and every book counts. 

So, pick up a library card, grab a book, and get ready to ‘Read to the Beat’!