Chair of South Glos Council, Cllr Adrian Rush (back row, centre left) and cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, Cllr John Bradbury (back row, centre right), with volunteers and local children who participated in the challenge at Hanham Library
Almost 5,000 children from across South Gloucestershire took part in the 2026 summer reading challenge at local libraries, reading over 105,000 books during the holidays.
This year’s challenge, ‘Read to the Beat’, was aimed to inspire children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how both reading and music can ignite imagination and creativity.
Developed by the Reading Agency, the challenge is designed to boost children’s reading engagement and confidence, supporting their wellbeing and helping them to thrive.
Primary school aged children chose books to read and collected stickers to complete their sticker booklet to earn a medal, certificate and a voucher for a free swim at their local Active Lifestyle Centre, provided by Circadian Trust. A mini challenge was also available for pre-school children to help prepare them for starting school.
Throughout the summer, children also enjoyed other free activities at libraries, including creative arts and crafts, Lego challenges, music and cultural experiences, and inclusive sessions designed for children and families with additional needs.
South Gloucestershire libraries also encouraged children to participate through outreach sessions delivered in partnership with local children’s charity, Turtle CYP, which supported children taking part in the Council’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme.
