More than 2,000 children join Sefton Libraries’ summer reading challenge

Cllr Liz Dowd, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries has welcomed the news that just one week into the school summer holidays, more than 2,000 children have signed up with Sefton Libraries for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Cllr Dowd said:
“Over 2,000 sign-ups already is amazing news. Last year, by the end of the summer holidays we had a record 3,100 children signed up and this year we’re at 75% of that number on just the first week.

“It shows just how much families across Sefton value reading and their local libraries and the enthusiasm children have for the Summer Reading Challenge.”

Read to the Beat, is the theme of this year’s challenge. It encourages children to discover the joy of reading over the summer through a music-themed programme of books, activities and events taking place in libraries across Sefton.

Children and families can sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge free of charge at any Sefton Library. Participants can collect incentives as they progress through the challenge and receive a certificate when they achieve their reading goal.

Every year, Sefton is among the top-performing library authorities in the North West for participation in the Summer Reading Challenge, and this year’s early figures suggest 2026 could be another record-breaking summer for local libraries.

Cllr Dowd added:
“We know how important reading for pleasure is for all of us and the huge difference it can make to a child’s confidence and development. In January, we voted to support the Department for Education’s National Year of Reading 2026, which is a UK-wide campaign designed to help more people rediscover the joy of reading.

“Each year, the Summer Reading Challenge gives children across Sefton a positive and fun goal to work towards, while helping them maintain their reading skills over the long break from school.

“I’m delighted thatRead to the Beathas had such an upbeat start in Sefton.”

More information about the Sefton Libraries, including details of your local branch and how to join can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/libraries.

You can find this summer’s programme of "Read to the Beat" activities here.