The Read to the Beat Summer Reading Challenge 2026 has got off to a fantastic start across the district with over 1600 children taking part so far!

There is still time to join in, children aged 4-11 years can visit their local library to sign up and read up to six library books by 15 September. Children can collect free incentives for their achievements as they read, with medals and certificates for everyone who completes the challenge.

The theme of this year’s challenge is Read to the Beat, which is all about music and rhythm. It aims to inspire children to explore the connection between stories and songs and discover how reading and music can ignite imagination and creativity.

Councillor Nigel Foot, West Berkshire’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, Sport and Countryside, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many children already taking part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Read to the Beat is a fun and inspiring theme that celebrates the power of stories, music and imagination working together. I hope it encourages even more young people to discover the joy of reading and keep turning pages throughout the summer holidays.”

West Berkshire Libraries are also running a mini-challenge for pre-school children and one for older children and grown-ups too. For more information, visit your local library.

It is free to join and borrow books from West Berkshire Libraries for all people living, working, or studying in West Berkshire. Babies and young children can have their own library cards and borrow up to 15 books at a time. There are also e-books and e-audiobooks available to borrow for free. All details, including current library opening hours, can be found at: www.westberks.gov.uk/libraries.