In all Inspire libraries Saturday 5 July - Sunday 7 September.
The Summer Reading Challenge, aimed at children aged 4 to 11 years, is to read six or more library books over the summer. There are stickers to collect and a medal and certificate when a child completes the Challenge. This year's Challenge is called is Story Garden. Story Garden celebrates nature and the great outdoors, exploring adventure, fantasy and the magical world of storytelling.
Artwork from illustrator Dapo Adeola brings the Story Garden theme to life; creating an enchanting world where children can find magical creatures, plants and flowers to inspire their next reading adventure.
The Summer Reading Challenge is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries across the country.
About the Challenge in Nottinghamshire Inspire Libraries
Librarian Chris introduces Story Garden, Summer Reading Challenge 2025
In celebration of the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, Story Garden we're asking children aged 4 - 11, to get creative and design a dream treehouse that would be perfect for the garden. Children can win prizes for them and their school! The Design Your Dream Treehouse Competition is kindly sponsored by arcpartnership. This competition closed on 31 August. Thanks to everyone who entered, winners will be annouced shortly.
How to take part in the library
Story Garden Sticker Booklet
Children sign up at the library to pick up their Story Garden sticker booklet to start their challenge.
Borrow books and get reading! Children then choose the books they want to read, recording what they have read along the way.
For every book read, children will collect stickers to complete their Story Garden scene.
Every child who completes the challenge, by reading 6 library books, receives a medal and certificate.
Library staff and volunteers are on hand to chat to children about books they have read. It’s all free, fun and a great way to keep children reading over the summer holidays.
Mini Challenge: There is a bite sized version of the Summer Reading Challenge is also available for children aged 3 and under. Find out more.
Children can also take part online for digital rewards.
Sign
up for a website profile direct at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk (children will be
asked to provide a parent/carer email address to approve sign up)
Set a
personal reading goal for the summer.
Record
the books read onto an online profile and leave reviews to unlock digital
badges and online rewards.
Children
will unlock a certificate to download when they reach their goal.
There is help and guidance available to support signing up to the online
challenge from The Reading
Agency.
Please note the in-person and online Challenges are separate. Physical
incentives such as the poster, stickers and medals are only avaiable via the
library for those taking part in-person.
What to read on the Summer Reading Challenge
Children can read any books they like on the Summer Reading Challenge; stories, fact books, poetry, jokes, graphic novels.
The Challenge has a different theme every year. The 2024 Summer Reading Challenge, Marvellous Makers was developed in collaboration with Create, a leading arts charity and celebrated creativity, imagination and the power of reading.
8,165 children in Nottinghamshire took part in the challenge in 2024
By becoming a library member you will be able to borrow
books and items for FREE in libraries across the county, including mobiles. You
can also access eResources, Ancestry and more!