Tameside Libraries turn up the volume on reading with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge

Libraries across Tameside are inviting children to discover the joy of reading through Read to the Beat! – the music-themed Summer Reading Challenge 2026.

The free, annual challenge, organised by The Reading Agency, launches with Super Sign-Up Saturday on Saturday 4 July, calling on families across Tameside to join the biggest summer reading adventure of the year.

Tameside’s libraries will be transformed into magical spaces full of music, creativity, and stories. Families are invited to visit their local library to sign up for the challenge, explore the book collection, and take part in fun, themed activities.

Read to the Beat is for everyone aged 4 to 11 and involves reading six library books (including eBooks and eAudiobooks), which are free to borrow, collecting stickers for their booklets and rewards along the way.

For completing the challenge, they will receive a medal and certificate, which they are encouraged to take back to school in September to celebrate their achievement. If they finish before 19 September, they will also be entered into a prize draw to win a disco package – including a karaoke machine with a microphone, disco ball, and disco lights.

A Mini Challenge is also being run for preschool children, ensuring even the youngest readers can join in the fun. Children who have not reached the age to join primary school in September can collect a Read to the Beat Mini-Challenge card on which to collect stickers when they read books, plus a gold medal sticker when they complete the challenge.

Children have all summer to take part in Read to the Beat, including many free activities and events to help enhance the experience. These include treasure hunts, making your own bee drum, listening to fantastical stories, creating magnificent Lego Robotics, a silent disco, and even becoming a hip hop DJ.

A full list of exciting activities can be found at http://www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries/srcactivities.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture Cllr Leanne Feeley said: “Super Sign-Up Saturday is all about igniting children’s excitement for reading right from the start of the summer holidays.

“We’re so excited to welcome families to our libraries as part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge!

“The 2026 theme, Read to the Beat, is all about celebrating the joy of music and the power it has to move, inspire, and connect us – all through the magic of reading.”

Now in its 27th year, the Summer Reading Challenge inspires hundreds of thousands of young readers across the UK each summer. Last year alone, over 11 million books were borrowed from libraries, including audio and eBooks.

With a collection of books inspired by music from around the world, children can explore stories, poetry, graphic novels, and non-fiction for all reading levels, to help prevent the dip in reading which can occur over the summer holidays.

As part of the National Year of Reading, libraries are encouraging families to make reading part of their summer adventures. Children can sign up at their local Tameside library, set their reading goals, and enjoy rewards.

Find more details at www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries/src to begin the adventure.