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Join the Library
The Story Garden Summer Reading
Challenge starts on Saturday 12th July and finishes on Saturday 6th September 2025.
Children can earn rewards for reading library books through the summer, as well as collecting special character stickers to add to your Story Garden scene.
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, from Saturday 12th July. They will receive a pack with everything they need to get started.
Children can also take part in the challenge online through the official Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge site.
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 Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge!
Ummm - I'm not sure what to read...
No problem! We have lots of ideas and suggestions!
If you are looking for inspiration just follow the links below for recommended reads - don't forget reading magazines and comics counts too!
Plus do not forget about our online services:
- Libby - borrow and download e-books, audiobooks and magazines
- BorrowBox - borrow and download audiobooks
- PressReader - read newspapers and magazines online
Story Garden Illustrations by Dapo Adeola, illustrations and logo © The Reading Agency 2025
Page last updated: 12th June 2025