The Summer Reading Challenge, presented by The Reading Agency, is delivered in partnership with public libraries and funded by Arts Council England. The Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to enjoy the benefits of reading for pleasure over the summer holidays, providing lots of fun as well as helping to prevent the summer reading ‘dip’. Each year the Challenge motivates over 700,000 children to keep reading to build their skills and confidence.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme – Ready, Set, Read! – has been created in partnership with Youth Sport Trust and illustrated by the brilliant children’s writer and illustrator Loretta Schauer. This year’s sport and play-themed initiative aims to keep children’s minds and bodies active over the summer break, empowering young people to forge new connections with others. The Challenge and the accompanying book collection show that imagination and play can unlock endless possibilities and that the library is where this starts. 

The Challenge will officially begin on the 8th July in England and Wales.

There are two ways you can take part: at Marden library OR online: 

• You can join the Challenge at Marden Library and take part in person. The library will give you a special collector folder, stickers, and other special incentives, and help you find books to read for your Challenge. 

• Alternatively, take part in the Challenge online by signing up here on the official website! Set a reading goal and log your books on your profile. When you reach your goal you will unlock a virtual badge and certificate. 

Please note, the in-person and online Challenges are separate. Physical incentives like medals and certificates are only available via the library, for those taking part in the in-person Challenge.