Barnsley Libraries launch Summer Reading Challenge at Barnsley’s Big Weekend

Barnsley Libraries are calling all families across the borough to join the biggest reading adventure of the year by signing up for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat!

The challenge officially launches in Barnsley on ‘Super Sign-Up’ Saturday, 11 July as part of Barnsley’s Big Weekend and we can’t wait to see you there.

We’re excited to bring the nationwide Summer Reading Challenge back to Barnsley Libraries this summer, inviting children aged up to 11 years to take on the challenge to read six books over the summer holidays.

Delivered by The Reading Agency, in partnership with public libraries and powered by Universal Music UK, the theme for this year’s challenge is ‘Read to the Beat!’ which is all about inspiring children to explore the connection between stories and songs and celebrating the joy, magic and power it can have to move, inspire, and connect us – all through the magic of reading.

Children can sign up for free at their local library where they’ll receive a sticker book to record their reading achievements over the summer and a special copy of Storytime Magazine. Children can read whatever they like, including fact books, autobiographies, eBooks, audiobooks and even magazines – as long as it’s borrowed from one of our libraries and it’s something they enjoy. They’ll earn rewards as they go and be presented with a special certificate and medal at the end.

During the summer holidays, our libraries will also be hosting an exciting range of free music themed activities linked to the theme ‘Read to the Beat’, including performances of ‘The Duck with No Luck’ from the Concerteenies, Tell Tale Heart’s Suitcase Stories, DJ and drumming workshops and creative crafting sessions. A full list of activities can be found on the Libraries event page.

To officially launch the challenge, Library @ the Lightbox is joining the Big Weekend celebrations by hosting several musical performers, including Barnsley Intermediate Band, Barnsley Town Concert Band and Cawthorne and Dodworth Junior Bands. They’ll also be running free drop-in craft sessions throughout the day for all the family to enjoy.

Matt O’Neill, Executive Director for Place, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is all about igniting children’s excitement and love for reading during the summer holidays.

“Reading isn’t just about reading books at school or something you have to do, it’s about enjoyment, captivating imagination, inspiring creativity and discovering new worlds. The Summer Reading Challenge is a wonderful way to inspire children to read over the summer whilst maintaining literacy skills.

“We’re excited to welcome families to our wonderful libraries and help imaginations bloom as part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, whilst also enjoying everything our libraries have to offer.

“Don’t forget to join the Big Weekend celebrations in the town centre and sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge whilst you’re there”.