Read to the Beat – Summer Reading Challenge 2026
The Summer Reading Challenge 2026 is now underway!
Children aged 12 and under are invited to take part by reading up to six library books between 1 July and 15 September. Along the way, participants can collect free incentives, with medals and certificates awarded to everyone who completes the challenge.
There's no need to wait until the school holidays start – children can sign up and begin reading at their local library straight away.
This year's theme, Read to the Beat, celebrates the joy of music and the power it has to move, inspire and connect us, all through the magic of reading. The challenge features illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Harry Woodgate, with support from Universal Music Group UK.
For younger children aged under four, there's also a Mini Challenge, ensuring the whole family can get involved. Residents can find out more and book library events here: https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/library_events.html
Summer Holiday Fun at West Berkshire Libraries this July
Throughout the summer holidays, West Berkshire Libraries will be offering a wide range of free and low-cost activities for children and families. Highlights include:
Newbury Library – Local Author Event – Saturday 18 July, 11am-1pm. You can meet the authors at their tables on the ground floor and buy their books
Newbury Library – Thursday 30 July at 2pm Compose Yourself with Berkshire Music Trust, booking essential https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/library_events.html#?event_id=3575216&companyId=37005
Burghfield Library – Summer Lego Sessions – Friday 24 July, 4pm-5pm
Burghfield Library – Seaside Crafts: Sandcastle and Seaside Pictures – Monday 27 July - Saturday 1 August, during opening hours
Burghfield Library – Thursday 30 July at 11am Compose Yourself with Berkshire Music Trust, booking essential https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/library_events.html#?event_id=3575153&companyId=37005
Hungerford Library – Chess Meet – Fridays 17, 24 and 31 July, 4.30pm-6pm
Hungerford Library – 5-Minute Italian Quick Musical Crafts – Tuesdays 21 July and 28 July, during opening hours (suitable from age 4)
Hungerford Library – Stay Safe Near Water Storytelling Event, led by the Canal and River Trust – Friday 24 July, 2.30pm-4pm
Hungerford Library – Tuesday 28 July at 11am Compose Yourself with Berkshire Music Trust, booking essential https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/library_events.html?event_id=3575173&companyId=37005
Lambourn Library – Summer Activities Allsorts Club – Fridays 17, 24 and 31 July, 10am-4pm
Lambourn Library – Colouring Fun – Saturday 25 July, 10am-12pm
Lambourn Library – Tuesday 28 July at 2pm - Compose Yourself with Berkshire Music Trust, booking essential https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/#?event_id=3575183&companyId=37005
Mortimer Library – Saturday Chess Meet – Saturday 25 July, 10.30am-12pm
Mortimer Library – Children's Activity – Monday 27 July, 2pm-4.30pm
Mortimer Library – Children's Activity – Friday 31 July, 2pm-5pm
Theale Library – Button Castanets Craft – Wednesday 15 July, from 1pm
Theale Library – Thursday 30 July at 12:30pm - Compose Yourself with Berkshire Music Trust, booking essential - https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/library_events.html?event_id=3575253&companyId=37005
