Children's Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge, organised each year by The Reading Agency, encourages children to keep reading during the summer holidays. Children set a reading goal and collect rewards for reading anything they enjoy.
There is also a Winter Mini Challenge which starts in December and runs until February and is online only.
Last year's Summer Reading Challenge 'Marvellous Makers', celebrated children's creativity and imagination through reading and creative activities.
In 2024, 2315 children in Thurrock aged between 0 and 16 years old joined the Summer Reading Challenge. Of these, 1448 children read 6 books or more.
The challenge asks children to read or listen to library books over the summer.
If they read 6 books, they get a certificate and an eco-friendly wooden medal. Children under 4 years-old get a gold sticker medal. If children read 8 books, they receive a limited edition bookbag.
Throughout their reading they can get a special collector's folder and stickers.
Summer Reading Challenge 2025
The next Summer Reading Challenge theme will be announced in the Spring and Thurrock Libraries is taking part once again!
Although it is free to join the Summer Reading Challenge, children must have their own library card.
It's easy to join the library. Children can borrow up to 14 books to read and, for the Summer Reading Challenge they can choose 3 books per visit to talk about.
Children can talk with our staff and volunteers or be creative by making something or drawing a picture inspired by their chosen book.
The Reading Agency also runs an online Summer Reading Challenge. This is separate to the challenge run by our libraries. Medals, bags, certificates, folders and stickers are only available for those taking part in person at our libraries – while stocks last.
For more information, go to the Summer Reading Challenge.
There is also an opportunity for young adults aged 13-17 years old to volunteer with us during the summer, supporting staff in running the Summer Reading Challenge in libraries across Thurrock. Look out for further information after the Easter school holiday break.
Summer Reading Challenge school shield
Our Summer Reading Challenge school shield is awarded to the school that has the most students finishing the challenge compared with the total number attending the school. In 2024 it was won by Woodside Academy.
For a chance to have your school's name engraved on the shield, ask your friends to take part and complete the annual Summer Reading Challenge. Every school in Thurrock, whether big or small, has an equal chance to have its name put on the shield and keep it for the year.