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Summer Reading Challenge

Congratulations to everyone who took part in  Ready, Set Read! Summer Reading Challenge 2023!

Developed in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust, ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ has celebrated play and taking part, and encouraged children to join in with reading, games and sports, in any way that best suits them in all our libraries over the summer. Over 7000 children registered in East Sussex and over 4000 read 6 books during the summer.

Keep your reading during the Christmas holidays with The Winter Mini Challenge.  You can register online with The Reading Agency to unlock lots of digital rewards.

Winter Mini Challenge logo
Summer Reading Challenge Character Illustration

Illustrations by Loretta Schauer and © The Reading Agency 2023

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?

The Summer Reading Challenge is a national annual programme produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries.

You can find out about this year’s theme and why the Challenge is important here: The Reading Agency partners with the Youth Sport Trust for ‘Ready, Set, Read!’

GO to Frequently asked questions
Ex Boxall event

Illustrations by Loretta Schauer and © The Reading Agency 2023

How to take part

  • You will need your library card and PIN (Forgot your PIN? Reset your PIN here)
  • If you don’t have a library card you can join the library online or in your library.
  • Sign up to the Challenge from 8th July onwards.
  • Visit your library to collect a reward (we’ll ask to see your event sign up ticket)
  • Borrow six library books to complete the Challenge. This can include eBooks, eAudiobooks and books on CD
  • As you bring your books back let us know you’re doing the Challenge so we can give you your prizes!
  • See our FAQs below for more information or contact us

Summer Reading Challenge decoration

The Youth Sports Trust have thought of some Fun things to try at home with your family and friends to keep active over the holidays.

 Summer Reading Challenge Events 2023
  • Can I join two children to Summer Reading Challenge using one library card?
    No. Each child must have their own library card and PIN to sign up to the Challenge so that we know how many children take part. Your child can join online and we will post their card to you, or you can join them in the library.
  • Can I use my adult membership card to sign my child up to Summer Reading Challenge?
    No. your child will need their own library account to take part. Remember, there are no overdue charges for children under 16, so it’s worth them having their own membership! Your child can join online and we will post their card to you, or you can join them in the library.
  • I don’t know my child’s PIN
    You can reset your child’s PIN online or by asking in the library.
  • My child can’t read yet, can they still do the Challenge?
    Yes! They can take part by sharing books with you or a friend, or by listening to CD audio books or e-audio books. You can also borrow multisensory stories from our Bag Books Collection if your child has learning disabilities. You can find out more about these here
  • Why do you want to know what school my child goes to?
    We offer children the chance to have their certificate presented in school if they complete the Challenge so we need to know which school to send it to. Once we have sent out all the certificates we delete this information. We also visit as many schools as we can to tell children about the Challenge so it’s useful for us to know how many children from each school take part. You do not have to give us this information if you prefer not to.
  • My child is under 3. Can they sign up for the Challenge? They love books!
    As some of the prizes for the Challenge aren’t suitable for children under 3, we have the Pre-School Challenge for them to do instead. Sign them up and we will give you a collector’s card for stickers. When you’ve shared 6 books they will get a special medal sticker!
  • • How do I register my child as a finisher when they’ve read their 6 books?
    Log into your child’s library account with their card number and PIN. Click on ‘personal details’ and scroll until you see Summer Reading Challenge 2023. Enter the date your child completed and the name of their school in September. Tick the ‘certificate in school’ box if they want their certificate presented in school. Don’t forget to visit the library to get their medal!

go back to SRC page

Tell us when you finish the challenge!

Last but by no means least! When you've finished the challenge follow the instruction here so that we can ensure that your certificate gets to you safely.

Ready, Set, Read!

The Challenge is on!

All children who want to sign up need their own library membership. Join the library

You need to know the library PIN for your child's account. You can reset it you have forgotten it in the library or online. Reset PIN

Teacher's Reading Challenge

Join the Teachers' Reading Challenge

Run by The Reading Agency in partnership with the Open University, the Teachers' Reading Challenge is an opportunity for teachers to expand their knowledge of contemporary children's books.

Digital Library

Decoration Cat dancing
Loretta Schauer and © The Reading Agency 2023

Children can read any library book they want, including: eBooks; audiobooks; comic books and even eMagazines. A shared story with a friend or family member also counts towards the challenge.

Explore our children digital collection
eBooks from Libby - eAudiobooks from Borrowbox - eComics from ComicPlus - eAudiobooks from Ulibrary

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