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Read to the Beat Website | Join the Library | Summer Crafts
The Read to the Beat Summer Reading Challenge
starts on Saturday 11th July and finishes on Saturday 5th September 2026.
Children can earn rewards for reading library books through the summer, as well as collecting special character stickers to add to your Read to the Beat collectors pack.
If they read six books, they’ll get a certificate, another six will earn them a bookmark, and reading a further six books rewards them with a medal.
All children are welcome to join the Summer Reading Challenge free at any library, including the mobile library.
They will receive a pack with everything they need to get started.
If your child doesn’t have their own library card they can join for free at any library during staffed hours, or online.
How do I sign up?
Use your library card to sign up for the challenge by
visiting your local library
You can read any kind of library book - picture books, story books, graphic novels, joke books, non-fiction books or audio books.
If your child knows what books they'd like to read, they can request them for free
using their library card and PIN on the online catalogue, Arena; or using the Bedford Borough
Libraries app; or staff can help them.
Have fun and enjoy the Read to the Beat Summer Reading Challenge!
Plus don't forget about our online services:
- 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