Central Bedfordshire Council libraries are inviting children to take part in the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat, launching on Friday 17 July until Saturday 5 September 2026.
National Year of Reading 2026
The annual challenge celebrates the power of reading through a music-themed adventure. Tying in with the National Year of Reading 2026, Read to the Beat encourages children to explore books linked to music, creativity and the arts while developing a lifelong love of reading.
The free challenge invites children to read six books over the summer holidays, choosing from library books, e-books, magazines and audiobooks. Children can explore whatever interests them, from fiction and graphic novels to non-fiction subjects. Tailored resources, including dyslexia-friendly books and accessible ebooks and audiobooks through BorrowBox, help ensure every child can take part and enjoy reading.
Families can sign up for the challenge at any council library throughout the summer. Children who complete the challenge will receive a certificate and medal. They will also be entered into a lucky dip at their library for the chance to win a £40 voucher for The Works, which can be used to buy arts, crafts and books.
Libraries across Central Bedfordshire will host activities for children throughout the summer, helping families stay engaged with reading during the school holidays. Children who complete the challenge can also take part in a treasure hunt at their local library.
To take part, children need to be members of the library service. Membership is free and families can join online or visit their local library.
More information, reading recommendations and summer activities can be found on the Virtual Library or by visiting your local library.
Book Beat activities hosted by our Inspiring Music team.
Once Upon a Sound
Interactive storytelling and music session where children explore a story through music, experiment with instruments and create soundscapes. Ages 4 to 7, £4 per child.
Tuesday 21 July
- Leighton Buzzard Library, 11:15am to 12:30pm
- Flitwick Library, 2pm to 2:45pm
- Biggleswade Library, 4pm to 4:45pm
Book Beats
Beatboxing, looping, rap and spoken word workshops inspired by well-known books and led by Leicester Poet Laureate, Mr Shay. £4 per child
Friday 24 July
- Stotfold Library, 9:30am to 10:15am (ages 8 to 11) and 10:30am to 11:15am (ages 12 to 14)
- Biggleswade Library, 12:30pm to 1:15pm (ages 8 to 11) and 1:30pm to 2:15pm (ages 12 to 14)
- Sandy Library, 3:15pm to 4pm (ages 8 to 11) and 4:15pm to 5pm (ages 12 to 14)
Friday 31 July
- Dunstable Library, 9:30am to 10:15am (ages 8 to 11) and 10:30am to 11:15am (ages 12 to 14)
- Leighton Buzzard Library, 1:15pm to 2pm (ages 8 to 11) and 2:15pm to 3pm (ages 12 to 14)
- Flitwick Library, 5pm to 5:45pm (ages 8–14)
Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member responsible for Library Services, said:
We’re delighted to be launching this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat. Reading for pleasure helps children build confidence, imagination and creativity, and this fun music-themed challenge gives families a fantastic opportunity to keep reading throughout the summer holidays. We look forward to welcoming children into our libraries and seeing them discover new stories, interests and adventures.