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How to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge at your local library

Children can join the Challenge at the library and take part in person. The 2025 Challenge starts on 21 June in Scotland/online and on 5 July in England and Wales. (Please check start dates with your local library, as regional variations may apply.)

How it works:

• Visit your local library and tell them your child would like to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge. Not sure where your nearest library is? Scroll up and use our handy Library Finder to check.
• The librarian will sign up your child and give them a collector folder. Your child will set a reading goal.
• Your child can borrow and read books, eBooks and audiobooks for their Challenge. They can read anything they like!
• The library will provide stickers and rewards for your child’s reading.

Many libraries offer a variety of events and activities for children and families to enjoy throughout the summer.

If the Challenge is not running in your local library:

Your child can still take part online by signing up here, on the official Challenge website.

Please note, the in-person and online Summer Reading Challenges are separate. Physical incentives like medals are only available via the library, for those taking part in the in-person Summer Reading Challenge.

How to sign up to your local library

Joining your library service is free, and once you are a library member you are welcome to use any library in your local authority. You don’t need a card to read books, meet friends, study or join in free activities in the library.

You do need a library card to take books, films and music out of the library. To get a card, you need to join the library:

• You can join the library in person. Just pop in to your nearest library.
• If you join online, you will get your card when you first visit a library. The exact process for joining online depends on your local library.
• If you already have a library card, you don’t need to sign up again – just visit your local library’s website and check out the free resources they have available. The same library card you use to borrow books in person will give you online access.

Finding your nearest library

• Your local library sits in a group, or authority, of several library services that are close to each other.
• Use the box at the top of this page to select your region and find library services near you which are running the Summer Reading Challenge.
• The ‘Visit website’ button will take you to your local library authority’s website where you will find information on signing up for a library card, your library’s opening hours, and instructions for borrowing books.
• You might see an “Apply Online” button, an email address, or other instructions. Even if your local library is closed, you may be able to sign up for a library card online.