Summer Reading Challenge

Discover a summer filled with stories, imagination and adventure at your local library. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, whatever you’re into.

We have 4 exciting challenges for different age groups so the whole family can get involved. Find out more about the:

• Mini Challenge
• Summer Reading Challenge
• Young Adult's Reading Challenge
• Adult Reading Challenge.

Each challenge is completely free with chances to win prizes along the way. The real prize is the joy of discovering new worlds and ideas.

All reading challenges take place from Saturday 20 June to Saturday 12 September 2026.

Mini Challenge

Children up to 3 years old can collect stickers for the first 6 books they borrow this summer, from Saturday 20 June to Saturday 12 September 2026.

Summer Reading Challenge

This summer we’re bringing stories to life with The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat, with illustrations by award-winning illustrator Harry Woodgate.

This challenge is for children aged 4 to 11.

This year’s theme is designed to inspire children to explore the connection between stories and songs. We hope children will discover how reading and music both ignite imagination and creativity.

To complete the challenge, children are encouraged to read 6 library books between Saturday 20 June to Saturday 12 September 2026.

For every book finished, they'll receive a prize including:

• stickers
• a bookmark
• a magazine
• a pop badge
• a medal
• a certificate.

If children read more than 6 books, they'll get a special achievement certificate.

Any library book counts towards the child’s total, including our wide range of:

• fiction
• non-fiction
• graphic novels
• comics
• audiobooks
• eBooks.

To sign up and take part, visit any Medway library.

Young Adult's Reading Challenge

This challenge is for young people aged 12 to 17.

The Young Adult's Reading Challenge encourages teenagers to read 6 library books between Saturday 20 June to Saturday 12 September 2026.

Participants who read and return at least one book will be entered into a prize draw. Prizes include:

• a 20% discount code for all participants in the challenge for Fort Amherst Fright Nights
• 2 art material gift bags from Sun Pier House
• book bundles as donated by Wordsmithery
• an ice skating voucher
• a selection of book bundles donated by e.live
• 24 workshop places for various workshops donated by Electric Medway.

Any library book counts towards the challenge, including our wide range of:

• fiction
• non-fiction
• graphic novels, comics, and manga
• audiobooks
• eBooks and eAudiobooks.

To sign up, visit any Medway library.

Adult Reading Challenge

This challenge is open for everyone over 18 years old.

Take some time out for yourself this summer and take part in the Adult Reading Challenge.

Reading is a perfect way to relax, escape, journey somewhere else, or discover something new.

For a chance to win a great prize read, 3 library books from Saturday 20 June to Saturday 12 September 2026.

Any library book counts towards your total.

Participants who finish 3 books will be entered into a prize draw with a chance to win one of our great prizes including:

• a £50 Adult Education voucher
• tickets for The Central Theatre
• tickets for The Fenn Bell Inn Conservation Project Zoo
• Wigmore Lecture tickets.

To sign up, visit any Medway library.