Norfolk libraries invite families to discover the joy of reading

Norfolk libraries are inviting families to take part in The Reading Agency's 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging children to explore the magical connection between storytelling and the natural world with this year's theme: Story Garden - Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors. 

Launching in libraries tomorrow (Saturday 5 July), the Summer Reading Challenge is a free activity for children aged 4-11. It's all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children's reading skills and confidence over the summer holiday. 

Children can read anything they like and collect stickers for their reading as well as take part in nature-themed activities at their local library. For under 5s there is a mini challenge, so they don't miss out. 

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for communities and partnerships at Norfolk County Council, said: "Recent research shows that only 1 in 3 children and young people now enjoy reading, and 1 in 4 children in the UK cannot read well by age 11. 

"The Reading Agency and Norfolk libraries are working to change this with the Summer Reading Challenge. It's been shown to boost children's confidence and self-esteem, as well as help prepare children to return to school in the autumn. 

"We're encouraging families to visit their local library, discover new books, and enjoy a summer filled with fun, imagination and outdoor inspiration." 

Featuring beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Dapo Adeola, Story Garden offers young readers a world of stories, creatures, and nature-based adventures. Children can collect free activity packs, take part in nature-themed events and borrow specially selected books - all designed to keep them curious, active and engaged with reading over the summer holidays. 

To sign up to the challenge, just pop into your local library or visit the website. Children will need to be library members - you can do this in a library or online. It's free of charge and children will receive their own library card, for which there are no overdue fees. 

Now in its 26th year, the Summer Reading Challenge is delivered in partnership with public libraries and is completely free to join. In 2024, the Challenge reached nearly 600,000 children and inspired over 100,000 new library memberships across the UK.  

To find out how to join in the fun and discover events happening at your local library, visit the Summer Reading Challenge page.