The Summer Reading Challenge for children is back at libraries around the borough.  

Children aged between 4 and 11 years old are invited to dive into books and improve their reading skills over the summer. They can earn free stickers and prizes in the library as part of the annual challenge. Further prizes are available by scanning the QR code on stickers. If they complete their challenge, they will also be given a medal and certificate.

This year’s theme of Read to the Beat! celebrates the joy of music. Children can choose from a suggested list of 55 fiction, non-fiction and poetry books, audiobooks or graphic novels – or, instead, they can decide to read any book they want to by 12 September. The challenge is led by the national Reading Agency

Children can set other goals such as listening to an audiobook, reading a book recommended by a friend or visiting their local library at least 6 times.

Free events – including this weekend

They can also enjoy free music activities and performances in libraries over the summer.

Writer Truly Johnston will lead fun sessions at Acton and Ealing Central libraries this Saturday (18 July), helping children to create songs to go with her book, The Shell Keepers.

The sessions take place from midday to 1pm at Acton Library and from 2pm to 3pm at Ealing Central Library.

Children’s author Candida Mosoma will host a storytelling session on Monday 3 August from 11am to midday at Northolt Library and from 2pm to 3pm at Southall Library.

Building a passion

Councillor Lauren Wall, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to encourage children to keep reading over the school holidays and build a passion for books. I’d also encourage them to visit our libraries and enjoy the Reading Challenge activities or other events happening in the next few weeks.”

Which libraries are taking part?

• Ealing Central Library
• Acton Town Hall Library
• Northolt Library
• Northolt Leisure Library
• Southall Library
• Northfields Community Library

More information

For more information on free events and activities visit the council’s libraries website

Find out more about the challenge by visiting the official  Summer Reading Challenge website for competitions, book recommendations, and activities throughout the year.