Cumberland Council is excited to announce that the Summer Reading Challenge 2025 begins this Saturday, 12 July, in libraries across Cumberland. This year’s theme, Story Garden, invites children to grow their imaginations and enjoy a summer full of reading and creativity.
The Summer Reading Challenge is a free initiative that encourages children to discover the joy of reading during the school holidays. To take part, all children need is a Cumberland Libraries membership, which is also completely free.
To complete the challenge, children are encouraged to read six books of their choice over the summer holidays. These can be anything they enjoy, from fiction and non-fiction to joke books, poetry, picture books, graphic novels, and even eBooks and eAudiobooks available through the library’s BorrowBox service.
As they read, children will collect special Story Garden stickers and receive their very own Summer Reading Challenge kitbag. Those who complete the challenge will be awarded a medal and certificate to celebrate their achievement.
There are two age-appropriate versions of the challenge: the Mini Challenge for ages 0–3, with suitable rewards, and the Main Challenge for ages 4–11.
The challenge runs throughout the summer in all Cumberland Libraries. Families are encouraged to visit their nearest library from Saturday 12 July to get started. To find a library near you, please visit our website Find a library near you | Cumberland Council.
For more information, visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.