2026 Summer Reading Challenge!

A brand-new harmony of books and beats is coming to Derby City Council’s Derby Libraries team this summer for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge – ‘Read to the Beat’! The annual challenge is delivered by the Reading Agency and public libraries, and it’s completely free to take part. 

This year – which is the National Year of Reading – it will be in partnership with Universal Music Group UK, celebrating the joy of music and the power it has to move, inspire, and connect us – all through the magic of reading.  Read to the Beat is brought to life with illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator, Harry Woodgate.

The challenge kicks off on Saturday 4 July and runs until Saturday 29 August. To complete it, children are challenged to read six library books of their choice over the holidays. Whether they prefer fiction, fact books, joke books, picture books, audiobooks, or eBooks, everything counts – as long as it is borrowed from the library.

Children can sign up for the Challenge by popping into their local library. The only requirement is that you’re a library member but don’t worry if you haven’t joined yet! It’s easy to join when you come to the library – and completely free.

As well as taking part in the challenge, children and their families can enjoy free events across Derby Libraries from Monday 27 July. These interactive sessions are specially designed to bring the ‘Read to the Beat’ theme to life, blending the magic of storytelling with the energy of music, hands-on art, creative poetry, and rhythm-based play – perfect for parents looking to keep their children inspired and entertained throughout the holidays.

Details of Derby’s Summer Reading Challenge are available on the Derby Libraries website. All events are free but places are limited and booking ahead through your local library is essential. All children must be accompanied by an adult.