The 2025 ‘Story Garden’ Summer Reading Challenge

Denbighshire Libraries are inviting families across Denbighshire to take part in The Reading Agency’s 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging children to explore the magical connection between storytelling and the natural world with this year’s theme: Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors.

The Summer Reading Challenge invites children aged 4–11 to visit their local library, discover new books, and enjoy a summer filled with fun, imagination, and outdoor inspiration.

Featuring beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Dapo Adeola, Story Garden offers young readers a world of stories, creatures, and nature-based adventures. Children can collect free activity packs, take part in nature-themed events, and borrow specially selected books — all designed to keep them curious, active, and engaged with reading over the summer holidays.

Deborah Owen, Principal Librarian for Denbighshire County Council said:

“We’re really excited to welcome children and families back for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. It’s a brilliant way to spark a love of reading while encouraging young minds to explore nature and creativity. We can’t wait to see our library transformed into a Story Garden this summer!”

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage at Denbighshire County Council, said:

“The Summer Reading Challenge is a wonderful way to inspire children to read for pleasure while celebrating the beauty of the natural world. Our libraries play a vital role in supporting literacy and creativity, and this year’s Story Garden theme brings all of that together in an exciting and imaginative way. I’d encourage families across Denbighshire to join in and make the most of everything their local library has to offer this summer.”

Now in its 26th year, the Summer Reading Challenge is delivered in partnership with public libraries and is completely free to join. In 2024, the Challenge reached nearly 600,000 children and inspired over 100,000 new library memberships across the UK.

To find out how to join in the fun visit your local library or go to www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.

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