Carlton Library

Published 9th June 2026

The UK’s biggest annual reading for pleasure programme for primary aged children returns to Inspire libraries with a challenge celebrating music

We'd love schools to help us spread the word to encourage Nottinghamshire children to get involved and we have a range of ready to use resources to support you.

Go to the resources.

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?

Read to the Beat graphic showing illustrated characters playing instruments on a rootop

Produced by The Reading Agency and run in partnership with libraries across the country the Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to keep children reading over the summer. Taking part can help avoid the potential dip in reading levels over the long summer break and provides free fun for 4 – 11 year olds.

This year's challenge is Read to the Beat, celebrating the joy of music and storytelling.

The challenge runs in Inspire Nottinghamshire libraries from 4 July until 6 September.

How does the Summer Reading Challenge work?

Colourful illustration of books piled on top of each other. Some book spines featuring musical notes and the neck of a guitar.

Children aged 4 - 11

Sign up at their local library for FREE and receive a starter pack consisting of; a sticker booklet, bookmark and Storytime magazine.
Borrow and read library books, of their choice -setting themselves personal reading goals and collecting stickers and character collector cards along the way.
Complete 6 reading goals to receive a certificate and medal.

Library staff and volunteers are on hand to talk to children about the books they have read.

Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge and the activities we have planned at inspireculture.org.uk/summerreadingchallenge

Benefits for pupils

The Summer Reading Challenge helps to

Build reading confidence and independence
Ensure pupils are ready for their autumn return to school, preventing the summer reading ‘dip’.
Support transition between year groups.
Encourage extra-curricular activity - encouraging family engagement with reading.
Enhance and support the mission for all children to read more widely and for pleasure.

Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat - Resources for schools

Inspire would love support from schools to encourage children to sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge this year. There are resources available below to support schools to promote the challenge to their pupils and their families. Plus join in with our live virtual assembly with author and illustrator Bethan Woollvin.

Join author and illustrator Bethan Woollvin and Inspire Nottinghamshire Libraries for a virtual assembly to introduce Read to the Beat, Summer Reading Challenge 2026.
The assembly will explain everything you and your pupils need to know about the challenge. Plus hear from author and illustrator Bethan Woollvin and take part in a draw along. Get pencils and paper ready!

Click the link below to find out more and to book.