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Summer Reading Challenge

West Lothian Libraries participate in the Summer Reading Challenge, produced by The Reading Agency. This years theme is 'Read to the Beat' with free activities for families kicking off from 20th of June 2026!

Turn up the volume on reading this summer!

This summer, The Reading Agency invites children to Read to the Beat! — the music discover the joy of reading through themed Summer Reading Challenge 2026. With a fantastic collection of books inspired by music from around the world, children can explore stories, poetry, graphic novels, and non fiction for all reading levels. Best of all, books are FREE to borrow from the library. As part of the National Year of Reading, libraries are encouraging families to make reading part of their summer adventures. Children can sign up at the library, set their reading goals, and enjoy rewards along the way. Sign up at your local library or visit: Summer Reading Challenge website (opens new window) to take part online.

Summer Reading Challenge 2026

The Summer Reading Challenge is open to all primary school aged children and is designed for all reading abilities. Children can read whatever they like - comic books, fact books, joke books, picture books - just as long as they are borrowed from the library.  Children receive special rewards each time they finish a book and there's a certificate and medal for everyone who completes the Challenge.

Find out more about this year's Challenge and sign up in your local library from Saturday 20th of June or sign up to take part online on the Summer Reading Challenge website (opens new window)

In addition, our libraries will host a wide variety of events and activities for families to enjoy throughout the summer. For more information please check your local library's webpage:  or check in the libraries Read to the beat activities below (click the + to open):

    How to take part in 'Read to the Beat'

    Who can take part? The Summer Reading Challenge is open to all primary school-aged children. It is a flexible programme that is designed for all levels of ability.

    Available in West Lothian Libraries and online on the Summer Reading Challenge website (opens new window) from Saturday 20th of June 2026.

    Take part in your local library (packs available while stocks last):

    1. Visit your local library from Saturday 20th June during library opening hours and sign up to the Challenge for free and receive your 'Read to the Beat' pack. 
    2. Set a personal reading goal for the summer (we recommend six books).
    3. Borrow and read any titles of your choice. You can read anything you like: fiction, fact books, poetry, joke books, picture books, graphic novels, comic books etc...
    4. Collect special incentives from the library each time you finish a book.
    5. Receive a certificate and/or medal for taking part, or for reaching their Challenge goal.

    Take part online:
    1. Sign up on the Summer Reading Challenge website (opens new window)
    2. Set a personal reading goal for the summer.
    3. Receive book recommendations and tips for accessing books for free at home.
    4. Each time you finish a book, add it to your online profile and leave a review. You will unlock digital badges and online rewards along the way.
    5. Unlock a certificate for reaching your Challenge goal.

    You can also play games, enter competitions, share book recommendations, download activities and more on our free, safe, moderated platform Summer Reading Challenge website (opens new window).

    About the Summer Reading Challenge

    The Summer Reading Challenge is run by the Reading Agency for children across the UK and is delivered in partnership with public libraries. It has been running for the past 26 years and aims to foster a lifelong love of reading and tackle the drop off in reading that can happen over the school summer holidays. Children are challenged to read books over the summer and encouraged to enjoy reading for fun.  You can find out more here The Reading Agency - Summer Reading Challenge (opens new window)


    Children's reading can 'dip' during the long summer holidays if they don't have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure. This can be a problem for schools to put right in the new term. The Summer Reading Challenge helps by regularly reaching over 700,000 children each year, motivating them to visit the library and keep reading during the holidays, and in turn helping them to maintain their reading skills and confidence.

    About The Reading Agency

    The Reading Agency is a national charity that tackles life's big challenges through the proven power of reading. We work closely with partners to develop and deliver programmes for people of all ages and backgrounds; our vision is for a world where everyone is reading their way to a better life.

    We help 1.9 million people benefit from reading every year, through our programmes, our tireless campaigning, our excellent networks and our power to influence, challenge and make change happen.

    Find out more about  The Reading Agency (opens new window) here