PRIMARY school children are being invited to take part in the 26th annual Summer Reading Challenge at Wellington Library.

Launched on Saturday, July 5, the challenge offers children the chance to win prizes for their reading all summer long.

Participating children, aged 4–11, will be challenged to reading six books - in line with this year’s theme ‘Story Garden: Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors’ - before Saturday, September 6, collecting stickers, a medal and a certificate along the way.

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, said: “This is a fantastic way to encourage more children to pick up a book and discover how reading can entertain and inspire.

“Libraries across Somerset will be buzzing with free activity packs, nature-themed events, and a handpicked collection of books designed to spark curiosity and creativity and keep children reading.”

Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency said: “The Summer Reading Challenge continues to be a bright light in what has recently been an uncertain picture of children's reading. Story Garden will create magical spaces where children can explore and be curious, combining the joy of reading with the proven wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature."

A spokesperson for the campaign said: “Now in its 26th year, the Summer Reading Challenge continues to be a tradition for families across the UK.

“Delivered in partnership with public libraries and completely free to join, the challenge is designed to ignite a lifelong love of reading—especially during the long summer break when reading habits can slip.

“And it’s making a real impact: in 2024, the Challenge reached nearly 600,000 children and sparked over 100,000 brand-new library memberships.”

For more information, search for the Summer Reading Challenge 2025 on the Somerset Council website.