Read to the Beat - Summer Reading Challenge

Read to the Beat - Summer Reading Challenge

4 Jul 2026 - 5 Sept 2026

Peterborough Libraries

Turn up the volume on reading this Summer!

From 4 July
, head to your local library and help your child’s imagination hit all the right notes by signing up for the Summer Reading Challenge. It’s all about finding your reading rhythm, getting to the beat of great stories, and discovering page-turners that really sing - and best of all, it’s completely free!

The impact of the Challenge is clear:

  • 95% of participants continue reading at least once a week after taking part*
  • 70% report increased reading confidence*

* Source: readingagency.org.uk

Read to the Beat - Summer Reading Challenge

Let voices sing with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge!

From 4 July, join the annual Summer Reading Challenge, run by The Reading Agency and supported by your local library. This year, the theme inspires children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how reading and music both ignite imagination and creativity.

The theme is 'Read to the Beat'—but what you read is entirely up to you!

Children aged 4–11 who sign up will receive a special collector’s card after finishing their first book, plus a sticker for every book they read. Those who read six library books and complete the challenge will be awarded a free bookmark and a 'Read to the Beat' certificate to celebrate their achievement!

Not yet a library member? No problem! You can join online for free and get a temporary membership number to start your reading journey right away.

Read to the Beat at the Library

Join us at the library this summer for fun crafts and activities linked to the Summer Reading Challenge. There's lots to try, including crafts, story writing and more, all inspired by the Summer Reading Challenge 2026 theme Read to the Beat.

Venue:

Stanground Library

Date & time:

Thu 23 July, 10:30am

Venue:

Central Library

Date & time:

Thu 30 July, 10:30am

Venue:

Orton Library

Date & time:

Fri 31 July, 2:30pm

Venue:

Werrington Library

Date & time:

Tue 4 Aug, 2:30pm

Venue:

Bretton Library

Date & time:

Fri 7 Aug, 2pm

Venue:

Woodston Library

Date & time:

Tue 11 Aug, 11am

Venue:

Dogsthorpe Library

Date & time:

Wed 19 Aug, 2pm

The Reading Agency - Tackling life's big challenges through the proven power of reading

What's on

Free computer sessions

Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - Click to see dates

Rhymetime & Storytime

Every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - Click to see dates

Family Activities

Book Clubs

2 Feb 2026 - 2 Feb 2027

Peterborough CoderDojo

7 Feb 2026 - 25 Jul 2026

Education & learning

Story Starters - May Half Term

28 May 2026 - 10:30 - 14:00

Family Activities

Read to the Beat - Summer Reading Challenge

4 Jul 2026 - 5 Sept 2026

Education & learning

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