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Library Zone

Why not search above to find libraries in your area to borrow your books? Ask them what activities they have on this winter! 

The Winter Mini Challenge runs from 1 December – 19 February and is an online challenge. Please log three or more books online to be awarded the special badge for your profile and a certificate!

Read more about the Winter Mini Challenge

 

How to take part in next year’s Summer Reading Challenge through the library:

You can join the Summer Reading Challenge at your local library and take part in person when it next launches in libraries next summer.

Alternatively, children can take part in the Summer Reading Challenge online by signing up here. Please note, the in-person and online Summer Reading Challenges are separate. Physical incentives like medals and certificates are only available via the library, for those taking part in the in-person Summer Reading Challenge.

* Regional variations may apply, so check with your local library to find out when Summer Reading Challenge activity will start and end in your local area.

To take part through the library:

  • Visit your local library and tell them your child would like to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge.
  • The library will get you signed up and will give you a special collector folder.
  • Your child will set a personal reading goal for the summer (we recommend six books).
  • Your child can borrow and read books, e-Books and audiobooks of their choice. They can read anything they like: fiction, fact books, poetry, joke books, picture books and graphic novels all count towards completing the Challenge!
  • The library will provide fun reading activities and special incentives along the way.
  • Your child will receive a certificate for taking part, or for reaching their Challenge goal.
  • In addition, many libraries offer a wide variety of events and activities for families to enjoy throughout the summer.

If the Summer Reading Challenge is not running in your local library, your child can still take part online by signing up here.

How to sign up to your local library

Joining your library service is free, and once you are a library member you are welcome to use any library in your local authority. You don’t need a card to read books, meet friends, study or join in free activities in the library.

You do need a library card to take books, films and music out of the library. To get a card, you need to join the library:

  • You can join the library in person. Just pop in to your nearest library.
  • If you join online, you will get your card when you first visit a library. The exact process for joining online depends on your local library.
  • If you already have a library card, you don’t need to sign up again – just visit your local library’s website and check out the free resources they have available. The same library card you use to borrow books in person will give you online access.

Finding your nearest library

  • Your local library sits in a group, or authority, of several library services that are close to each other.
  • Use the box at the top of this page to select your region and find library services near you which are running the Summer Reading Challenge.
  • The ‘Visit website’ button will take you to your local library authority’s website where you will find information on signing up for a library card, your library’s opening hours, and instructions for borrowing books.
  • You might see an “Apply Online” button, an email address, or other instructions. Even if your local library is closed, you may be able to sign up for a library card online.

Information for adults

Schools

Visit our School Zone to access free resources and Challenge ideas for your class.

Families

Visit our Home Zone, full of useful Challenge information for parents, grandparents and carers. For information about supporting reading in the early years visit our Pre-School Zone.

Libraries

Visit our Library Zone to find libraries near you running the challenge, and how to take part.