Summer Reading Challenge

Background infomation

The Summer Reading Challenge is an annual national reading challenge presented by public libraries and The Reading Agency. It is open to all primary school-aged children and there is a mini-challenge for pre-school children too.

The Challenge is fun and completely free to take part and aims to encourage children to keep reading and use their local libraries throughout the long summer holidays. There is a different theme every year and this year it’s games, sports and activity. Children will join a fictional team (and their animal mascots!) as they use their skills to weave their way through a summer obstacle course.

When is it running

The Summer Reading Challenge starts in Trafford on Saturday 22 July and ends on Saturday 9 September.

What’s involved

Borrow and read books over the summer holidays to collect stickers and other exciting rewards. Complete the Challenge by reading six books and children receive a medal and certificate and the chance to come along to one of our end-of-Challenge celebration parties in the autumn. 

The books included

Children can choose and read any book of their choice, in any format. Novels, non-fiction books, picture books, graphic novels, eBooks and eAudiobooks on BorrowBox all count towards the six books. Check out the fantastic special Ready, Set, Read! collection and reserve them on our online catalogue.

How to join the Challenge

Pop into any library in Trafford from Saturday 22 July to sign up for the Challenge. If children are not already a member, they can join the library at the same time.

Check out the Ready, Set, Read! website

Children can also sign up for Ready, Set, Read! on the official Summer Reading Challenge website where they can create a free Challenge profile, get book recommendations and tips for accessing books for free at home. They can also review books, unlock digital rewards, and access competitions, videos and games.

Ongoing activities throughout the summer holidays 

Drop into any of our libraries during the summer and complete our Ready, Set, Read! treasure hunt. You can also try your hand at designing your very own sports pennant or pair of trainers. There will be wordsearches, puzzles and colouring galore too.