Libraries strike a chord with families for the holidays
Children across Central Bedfordshire are being invited to join this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, a nationwide push to keep reading habits alive during the long break. The 2026 edition, themed “Read to the Beat”, blends books and music and runs in local branches up to 5 September. It is part of the National Year of Reading 2026, with a focus on creativity and the arts.
Organisers are asking youngsters to complete six books over the summer. Families can count traditional library loans as well as e-books, audiobooks and magazines, so children can choose what suits them best—from stories and graphic novels to factual reads. The scheme is free to join at any council-run library, and there is additional support for children who need it, including dyslexia-friendly titles and accessible e-audio through BorrowBox.
“Reading for pleasure helps children build confidence, imagination and creativity, and this fun music-themed challenge gives families a fantastic opportunity to keep reading throughout the summer holidays,” said Councillor Tracey Wye, the executive member responsible for Library Services. “We look forward to welcoming children into our libraries and seeing them discover new stories, interests and adventures.”
How to take part
Registration is available in person at any Central Bedfordshire Council library throughout the summer. On signing up, children pick their reading and track their progress with the library team. Those who complete all six books will receive a certificate and medal, and will be entered into a branch-by-branch lucky dip for a chance to win a £40 voucher for The Works to spend on books, arts and crafts.
A council spokeswoman said: “Families can sign up for the challenge at any council library throughout the summer. Children who complete the challenge will receive a certificate and medal. They will also be entered into a lucky dip at their library for the chance to win a £40 voucher for The Works, which can be used to buy arts, crafts and books.”
What’s on in local branches
Alongside the core reading challenge, libraries will host themed sessions that mix stories, rhythm and performance. Highlights include:
- Once Upon a Sound: an interactive story-and-music experience where children try instruments and build soundscapes. For ages 4–7. £4 per child.
- Book Beats: workshops featuring beatboxing, looping, rap and spoken word, inspired by familiar books and led by the Leicester Poet Laureate.
Confirmed timings for Once Upon a Sound on Tuesday 21 July are as follows:
| Library | Time |
|---|---|
| Leighton Buzzard Library | 11.15am–12.30pm |
| Flitwick Library | 2pm–2.45pm |
| Biggleswade Library | 4pm–4.45pm |
Why it matters locally
For many families, the summer can be a tricky stretch to keep children engaged without screen time taking over. A structured target—six reads in a flexible format—gives parents a clear, manageable goal. The music thread helps reluctant readers find a way in through rhythm, rhyme and performance, while accessible formats ensure that children with differing needs are not left out. With branches in towns such as Leighton Buzzard, Flitwick and Biggleswade taking part, the offer is spread across the area so most families have an option within reach.
The challenge also points children towards local cultural life. Sessions like Once Upon a Sound encourage hands-on discovery, and Book Beats introduces spoken word techniques that may spark interest well beyond the summer. The voucher draw adds an extra nudge, but the most valuable reward is often the routine of choosing books, visiting the library and talking about what’s been read—habits that strengthen confidence as pupils head back to school in September.
Practical details at a glance
- Dates: now until 5 September 2026.
- Cost: free to join the reading challenge; £4 per child for Once Upon a Sound (ages 4–7).
- How to join: sign up at any Central Bedfordshire Council library.
- Goal: read six books in any mix of print, e-books, magazines or audiobooks.
- Accessibility: dyslexia-friendly books and BorrowBox e-audio/e-book options available.
- Rewards: finisher certificate and medal; entry into a library lucky dip for a £40 The Works voucher.
Full details, including any additional event dates for Book Beats and further activities, are available from your local library counter. Staff can advise on suitable titles, getting started with BorrowBox, and spaces for sessions where booking is required.
