LOVE music? Love reading? Then you’re in for a treat with this year’s summer reading challenge!
Families are invited to join Leicester Libraries and author Waldo Pancake at Town Hall Square on Saturday 27 June for the free launch of Read to the Beat, this year’s summer reading challenge.
The campaign aims to keep children and families reading through the long summer holidays. Read a minimum of six books and collect stickers along the way, with a certificate when you complete the challenge.
This year’s challenge is based around music, encouraging children to explore the connection between stories and songs. On Saturday, Town Hall Square will come alive with stories, music and performance, including appearances from children's author Jim Smith - aka Waldo Pancake, author and illustrator of the Barry Loser books.
There will also be storytelling for all ages, and a live singalong with the UkeTok ukulele club. Activities start from 11am at Town Hall Square, repeated hourly at 12noon and 1pm.
After exploring everything Town Hall Square has to offer, head over to Leicester’s Central Library, where visitors can add their self-portrait to the wall and help to create a Read to the Beat mural in the lobby. Library staff will help children sign up for the summer reading challenge, and there will be plenty of craft activities to enjoy.
For a quieter activity, visit the junior library and explore the Leicester Folklore Artist Residency. Local artist Samantha Jayne Peberdy has created magical fairytale tents where children and families can get cosy, relax and share their favourite stories.
All the events are free, and everyone is welcome.
Assistant city mayor responsible for libraries Cllr Vi Dempster said: “Reading is one of the best ways to spark imagination and build confidence in children, and the summer reading challenge is a fantastic way to keep that momentum going over the holidays.
“This year’s Read to the Beat theme brings together two things that young people love – stories and music – in a really fun and engaging way. With free events, creative activities and plenty of support from our library teams, we’re encouraging families across Leicester to get involved, discover new books, and enjoy everything their local library has to offer.”
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge also supports the National Year of Reading 2026, a UK-wide campaign celebrating the power of reading to improve lives and strengthen communities. By encouraging children and families in Leicester to keep reading over the summer, Read to the Beat helps build lifelong reading habits while contributing to the national ambition of promoting literacy, creativity and learning for all.
Leicester Libraries also offer fun, free or low-cost activities throughout the summer holidays based around the reading challenge, so look out for events over the summer at your local library, and find out more information online at: https://libraries.leicester.gov.uk/-/summer-reading-challen-1
ENDS