Find out about how to get involved in the Summer Reading Challenge 2025.
The national Summer Reading Challenge takes place in all Brighton & Hove Libraries from Saturday 5 July to Sunday 7 September. The theme of the challenge is Story Garden: adventures in nature and the great outdoors. The challenge is designed to develop children's confidence in reading and encourage children to read for pleasure.
The challenge is for children aged 4 to 11 years, and there is a Mini Challenge for children aged 4 and under.
Each child can set themselves a reading goal for the summer - usually to read six books, with or without the support of a family member or carer. Children receive a Story Garden booklet when they join the challenge and stickers to add to their booklet each time they read a book. If a child achieves their reading goal and completes the challenge, they will receive a certificate.
Children can read any book of their choosing, in any format. Audiobooks, ebooks, picture books and comics all count towards the challenge.
You can borrow ebooks and audiobooks through BorrowBox. You can find games, activities and competitions and collect digital rewards.
If you have dyslexia or a visual impairment, some books in our libraries are available in different or larger fonts and with pages in different colour to facilitate reading.
We also have a selection of dual language books and books in other languages.
If you can’t find a book in a format or language you want to read, please ask a member of staff for help.
If you want some inspiration, here's a list of suggested book titles on the theme of Story Garden.
You can sign up for the challenge in any of our libraries during staffed hours and get your Story Garden booklet. You can also find out more and join the challenge online.
The Summer Reading Challenge is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries.