The Summer Reading Challenge is back at Derby Libraries for 2025, with a new theme: Story Garden - Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors.
The annual Challenge is delivered by the Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries, and it’s free to take part.
Throughout the summer, children joining the challenge can discover new books, participate in free activities at their local library, and explore the link between reading and the great outdoors, where nature and imagination come together.
The Summer Reading ChallengeOpens in new tab starts on Saturday 5 July and runs until Saturday 30 August. Children need to read six books, which can be factual, fiction, joke books, picture books, audio books and eBooks - just as long as they are borrowed from the library. The challenge is aimed at children aged from four to 11, but younger and older children are welcome to join in too.
As well as taking part in the Challenge, children and their families can have fun at free events at Derby Libraries. Alvaston, Mickleover, Normanton and Riverside libraries will be hosting some fantastic sessions during the school holidays.
Whilst the school summer holidays are a well-deserved break for children, their reading can 'dip' if they do not have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure.
The Summer Reading Challenge helps children maintain their reading skills by:
- Encouraging reading for pleasure; this is one of the most important contributory factors in a child’s reading ability
- Offering them a wide range of stories and fact books to read. This has a positive impact on a child’s reading ability, range and motivation
- Boosting their confidence with reading which leads to a more positive attitude towards reading and learning
Evidence shows that children who enjoy reading are likely to score highly on reading assessments and those who use libraries are twice as likely to be above average readers.
Details of Derby Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge eventsOpens in new tab are available on the Derby Libraries website. Events are free but booking via the library is essential as spaces are limited. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge features artwork from award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola, whose stunning illustrations will bring the Story Garden theme to life; creating an enchanting world where children can find magical creatures, plants and flowers to inspire their next reading adventure.