Musical adventures await in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge

CHILDREN in East Sussex will have the chance to discover new books as part of an annual reading initiative supported by local libraries.

Youngsters aged four to 11 will be set the challenge to read six books during July and August as part of The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge.

The theme: ‘Read to the Beat’ is backed by Universal Music Group UK and aims to inspire children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how reading and music can ignite imagination and creativity.

Children will also be able to take part in activities in libraries throughout the summer that celebrate the connection between storytelling and sound.

Last year more than 6,700 children registered for the Summer Reading Challenge.

East Sussex County Council’s lead member for transport and environment, Cllr Peter Griffiths, said: “I have been an avid reader all my life and there are so many benefits to children being encouraged to read: from building their knowledge and their communication and language skills; to developing self-confidence – not to mention the immense enjoyment that can be experienced whilst getting stuck into a really good book.”

Cllr Griffiths added: “We highly recommend a visit in the months ahead to one of our welcoming and friendly libraries to discover a range of books and activities. It’s anticipated that these experiences will not only provide entertainment for young people during the long summer holidays, but hopefully also deliver some new-found musical knowledge.”

It is free for children to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge and those taking part will receive special stickers and other rewards. After completing six books young readers will earn a certificate and a medal.

The workshops on offer at libraries include a range of different musical activities for children of all ages, including African drumming, making instruments from recycled materials, producing stop-motion animation and soundtracks and interactive storytelling sessions.

Furthermore, claymation film-making sessions, guided by experts from Press Play Films will be on offer to youngsters as well as a chance to take part in set design.

All events are free, but booking is required with activities running between Saturday, July 4 and Saturday, September 5 across the county.

Children can read any library book of their choice including fiction, non-fiction, picture books or books they share with parents and carers. eBooks, eAudiobooks and books on CD also count towards the challenge.

Families can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge and book the activities on offer at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/src. Alternatively, children can sign up in their nearest East Sussex library with their library card and PIN.

Visit your local library website to find out more about borrowing books online Find a library near me in East Sussex | East Sussex County Council.

Notes to editors:

The Summer Reading Challenge is a national annual programme produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries. The partnership will use the power of music to tackle the decline in children’s reading enjoyment and inspire a new generation of readers in the UK.

For more information visit Summer Reading Challenge.

ENDS

Rebecca Durrant

Friday, 3 July 2026