Children invited to ‘Read to the Beat’ with the Summer Reading Challenge 2026

Children across Denbighshire are being encouraged to join this year’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, ‘Read to the Beat’ which launches in local libraries on Saturday, 4 July.

The annual Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 - 11 to continue reading during the school holidays. This year’s theme, ‘Read to the Beat’, celebrates how stories, music and creativity can bring people together, inspiring children to discover new books, explore different cultures and express themselves through reading.

Children taking part can borrow books from their local library, collect rewards as they progress through the challenge and receive a certificate upon completion. The challenge helps to maintain reading skills over the summer break while encouraging a lifelong love of books and learning.

Libraries across Denbighshire will be hosting a range of activities and events throughout the summer holidays to support the challenge and provide fun opportunities for children and families to get involved. One of those activities will include a beat-boxing workshop with Welsh hip-hop artist Mr Phormula.

Debbie Owens, Principal Librarian for Denbighshire Libraries, said:

"The Summer Reading Challenge is a wonderful way to keep children engaged with reading during the school holidays while having fun at the same time. This year’s theme, ‘Read to the Beat’, is all about creativity, rhythm and self-expression, and we’re looking forward to seeing children discover new stories and enjoy everything our libraries have to offer.

"Whether they love adventure stories or fairy tales, there’s something for every child at their local library. We’d encourage families to sign up and join us for what promises to be another fantastic summer of reading."

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

“Music plays an important part in my life, and this year’s ‘Read to the Beat’ will be a fun and imaginative way to help inspire your children to make that link between songs and reading, to pick up a book, develop their confidence and discover new interests throughout the summer

“I would encourage families across Denbighshire to get involved and make the most of the wonderful resources and activities available through our libraries."

The Summer Reading Challenge launches in libraries across Denbighshire on Saturday, 4 July and is a hugely popular part of the libraries summer programme.

For more information, visit your local library and speak to a member of staff about how to take part.

There is more information about our libraries on the website.

The Summer Reading Challenge is a key moment of the government led National Year of Reading, a transformative national initiative designed to reignite a culture of reading for pleasure across the UK.