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Read to the Beat Website | Join the Library | Summer Crafts
This year’s Challenge is called Read to the Beat and it’s all about music! It’s been designed to tie in with the National Year of Reading 2026.
It’s running Friday 17th July to Saturday 5th September
How does it work?
Sign up at your local library and collect your Read to the Beat sticker booklet and stamp card - then choose your books and take them home to read.
Don’t forget to bring your library card with you. You can borrow any library books, read our e-books, or listen to our audiobooks.
When you return your books to the library, you will collect stamps on your stamp card and stickers for your poster. There are six stickers to collect in total.
The Challenge
- Read any six books over the course of the challenge by signing up from 17th July.
- Any book from the library counts – including magazines, e-books and audiobooks.
- Collect stickers for the books read, gaining a certificate and a medal for reading 6 books.
- If you complete the challenge, you will be entered into a lucky dip at your library for the chance to win a £40 voucher for The Works to buy arts, crafts and book!
- Craft activities will be running in all libraries, as well as other events – ask at your local library for more information.
- There will be a treasure hunt running in all libraries.
Not sure what to read?
If you are looking for inspiration take a look at some recommended reads - don't forget reading magazines and comics counts too!
Plus don't forget about our online services; reading e-books, audiobooks and e-magazines will get a stamp on your stamp card too!
- BorrowBox - borrow and download e-books and audiobooks
- PressReader - read newspapers and magazines online
You can find more information on how to access these here
Illustrations © Harry Woodgate 2026. Read to the Beat © The Reading Agency 2026.
Page last updated: 4th June 2026