Cumberland Council is inviting children and families to discover the joy of reading, creativity and community as the Summer Reading Challenge returns to libraries across Cumberland from Saturday 11 July until mid-September.
This year's exciting theme, Read to the Beat, explores the connection between stories, music and imagination, encouraging children to discover new books, develop a lifelong love of reading and enjoy all that their local library has to offer.
Delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and powered by Universal Music UK, the challenge is free to take part in and open to all children with a Cumberland Libraries membership – which is also free.
More than just a reading challenge, the programme offers families an opportunity to spend time together, discover new interests and experience their local library as a welcoming community space. Throughout the summer, library staff will be on hand to support young readers, recommend books and help children build confidence as they complete their challenge.
Children can create their own reading journey, aiming to enjoy six books over the summer holidays. Whether they choose adventures, comics, poetry, information books or digital titles through BorrowBox, every book counts.
As they progress, participants will collect themed stickers and receive their own Challenge kitbag. Children who complete the challenge will be awarded a medal and certificate in recognition of their achievement.
Two versions of the challenge are available: a Mini Challenge for children aged 0–3 and a Main Challenge for children aged 4–11.
The Summer Reading Challenge also provides an opportunity for families who may not have visited a library before to discover the wide range of services, activities and support available in their local community. As Cumberland Libraries continues to develop through its Fit for the Future programme, initiatives such as the Summer Reading Challenge help showcase libraries as vibrant, inclusive spaces where people of all ages can connect, learn and thrive.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council's Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
"The Summer Reading Challenge is one of the highlights of the year for our libraries. It brings children, families and communities together, helping young people develop confidence, creativity and a love of reading while having fun during the school holidays.
Our libraries are much more than places to borrow books. They are welcoming community spaces where families can discover new opportunities, take part in activities, access support and meet our fantastic staff, who work hard every day to create positive experiences for residents.
Whether you're a regular visitor or stepping into a library for the very first time, I'd encourage families across Cumberland to come along, get involved in the challenge and see everything their local library has to offer."
The challenge runs throughout the summer in all Cumberland Libraries. Families are encouraged to visit their nearest library from Saturday 11 July to get started.