Now in its 25th year, the Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read for pleasure over the summer holidays. The goal set by East Sussex Libraries is to read 6 weeks over the 6-week break. A prize is awarded for every book they read and after the sixth book is read, they receive a medal and certificate too!

Register for the Summer Reading Challenge

Joining the Summer Reading Challenge is simple! From 8 July 2023 when the challenge starts, you can sign your child up until 9 September 2023 when it closes. Registration won’t be open beforehand but in the meantime, feel free to read up on the challenge.

Why should my child take part?

Each year the Challenge motivates over 700,000 children across the county to get reading while also building their literacy skills and providing them with a fun activity.

Also, this year’s theme is Ready! Set! Read! and is in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, encouraging children to read but also stay active over the school holidays.

Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said:

“We know for too many children reading and physical activity levels fall during the summer school holidays, setting them back in term[s] of literacy and physical development. This is why as a national children’s charity, we are delighted to be partnering with the Summer Reading Challenge this year. We are working together to bring brilliant and imaginative stories to life through movement…”

Upcoming library events

From meeting the author, Priscilla Mante to learning circus skills, East Sussex Libraries have an array of exciting free events for children over the summer. Here are some of our favourites:

John Kirk’s Story Hunt

This event requires registration, and is taking place at Peacehaven Library, Newhaven Library, Forest Row Library, Uckfield Library, and Heathfield Library.

‘We The Wild Ones’ with Ed Boxall

Registration isn’t requires. Simply add to your calendar and choose between attending at Battle Library, Wadhurst Library, Hollington Library, Hampden Park Library.

Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge and what your local library has to offer.