Turn up the volume on reading this summer.
This summer, The Reading Agency invites children to discover the joy of reading through 'Read to the Beat!' the music-themed Summer Reading Challenge 2026.
With a fantastic collection of books inspired by music from around the world, children can explore stories, poetry, graphic novels, and non-fiction for all reading levels. Best of all, books are free to borrow from the library.
As part of the National Year of Reading, we're encouraging families to make reading part of their summer adventures. Children can sign up at their local Southend Library, set their reading goals, and enjoy rewards along the way.
The Summer Reading Challenge 2026 runs from 18th July to 29th August.
Children can drop into the library to talk about the books they have read from: 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm, Monday - Saturday at The Forum 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm, Monday - Friday and 10am - 1pm on Saturday at branch libraries Sign up at any Southend Library from our early sign-up day: 11th July!