Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge is back in Kent Libraries!
It's running between Saturday 5 July to Saturday 6 September in Kent. It’s free and open to all children aged 4 to 11.
This year’s theme is Story Garden - Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors. This exciting new theme will inspire your child to explore the magical connection between storytelling and nature.
The 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, Story Garden, is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with libraries across the UK.
Take part your way
To take part in the Summer Reading Challenge, your child can sign up at one of our libraries or via the Reading Agency website.
Join the Summer Reading Challenge at any of our Kent Libraries
Children can sign up and take part at any library or mobile library in Kent. They must be library members to join and get extra rewards.
They’ll get a folder to track their reading. The more books they read, they will earn:
- stickers to decorate their folder
- a bookmark after 2 books read
- a packet of seeds after 4 books read
- 6 books read, children have completed the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge! They can collect a medal and certificate from their local library.
To get each reward, your child must visit a library and speak to a member of staff. Books must be borrowed from the library to count toward the in-library Summer Reading Challenge.
Join online with The Reading Agency
Or why not join and sign up on the Reading Agency website to take part in the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge online.
You don’t need to be a library member to join online.
Your child can:
- set their own reading goals
- read any books they like
- unlock digital rewards.
Children can visit any library in Kent after finishing online to collect a medal and certificate.
Reasons to take part
The Summer Reading Challenge provides:
- an amazing way to boost confidence and self-esteem
- better preparation ready to return to school in the autumn
- support for the move into a new year group.
The library offers free access to books and fun family activities all through the summer.
Free events and activities across Kent
Our libraries are bringing the Summer Reading Challenge to life with a packed programme of free events and activities for children and families.
This year’s theme, Story Garden, invites children aged 4 to 11 to explore the link between reading and the great outdoors, where nature and imagination come together. From storytelling sessions and craft clubs to STEM activities, gardening, and upcycled/recycled crafts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As part of the fun, Animate Arts returns with the Paper Beehive workshop, an imaginative and hands-on experience that brings creativity to life.
Join the adventure and discover the magical world where stories grow.
Find free library events near you.
Books to explore
Children can read anything they like, from stories, comics, poems, audiobooks, or eBooks. If it gets them reading, it counts!
Explore The Reading Agencies recommended reading list.
Keep up to date
Stay up to date on the Summer Reading Challenge in Kent Libraries, including events and activities, by following Kent Libraries, Registration and Archives on:
Follow the Summer Reading Challenge on Facebook.
To keep up to date follow The Reading Agency on Twitter and use the hashtag #SummerReadingChallenge and #StoryGarden.
Story Garden illustrations by Dapo Adeola and © The Reading Agency 2025.
Delivered in partnership with libraries
The Summer Reading Challenge is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries across the UK.
