West Sussex's summer reading challenge returns
It aims to encourage children to keep reading throughout the summer holidays
Last updated 12th Jul 2025
An annual summer reading initiative aimed at encouraging children to keep reading over the school holidays starts today in Sussex (12th July).
The Summer Reading Challenge will take place in 36 libraries across West Sussex, and runs until 13th September.
It's free to take part with a library card.
The initiative, run by the Reading Agency, has been running for 26 years.
Volunteers at the libraries will hand out rewards and prizes to children and talk about the books they're reading with them.
Louisa Cork, the principal librarian for families at West Sussex libraries said: "We’re at the point where parents are coming in and bringing their own children – when they took part in the challenge when they were younger
“We also have a lot of volunteers who are 14 and over who took part in the challenge when they were in primary school
“It’s really important that we encourage children to get into the libraries and promote reading as an enjoyable activity, as well as something that’s going to help with their learning.”
She said this year's theme, story gardens, is all about connecting with nature and the outdoors alongside storytelling and reading.
Last year saw almost 10,000 children take part in West Sussex, and around 340,000 children's books borrowed.
A West Sussex council spokesperson said: "Children of all ages can combine reading with nature and the great outdoors at West Sussex libraries when taking part in Story Garden, the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge.
"The annual initiative aims to encourage kids to keep reading over the school holidays with rewards available for completing the challenge, including a special medal and certificate.
"The challenge runs right across the summer and children aged 4 to 11 can join in anytime from Saturday 12th July to Saturday 13th September.
"Meanwhile, little ones aged four and under can join the Story Garden Mini Challenge and collect stickers as they share library books over the summer, before receiving a special gold sticker and certificate when they finish."
To take part, visit West Sussex Libraries here.