Now that school's out for summer, a music-themed reading challenge has launched, with libraries across Norfolk encouraging children to take part.
Read to the Beat is this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, motivating children to read during the summer holidays using the power of music.
Nationally, one in four children are unable to read well by the age of 11, and 8.7 million adults in the UK lack basic reading skills.
The Summer Reading Challenge aims to reverse this trend by making reading a positive, social, and creative experience.
By encouraging children to read for pleasure over the summer, Read to the Beat supports learning, creativity, and imagination in a way that’s accessible and engaging.
Beth Southard, Norfolk County Council children and young people's service manager, said: "Research consistently shows reading for pleasure is the biggest indicator of a child’s future success.
"Just because reading is important doesn’t mean it needs to feel like work, or boring. Reading can also be incredibly fun.
"It’s about finding the right type of books, the content that excites children.
"There are lots of wonderful lands, worlds and cultures waiting for us to jump in and explore them."
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All 47 Norfolk libraries and mobile library services are taking part in the Read to the Beat scheme, which ties in with the National Year of Reading.
Last year, 10,330 children up to the age of 11 in Norfolk took part in the Summer Reading Challenge, highlighting the scheme’s popularity in the county.
The Summer Reading Challenge 2026 is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and is powered by Universal Music Group UK.
The national challenge invites children aged four to 11 to set their own reading goals as they explore different musical genres through specially curated reading lists. A mini challenge is also available for under-fives.
Read to the Beat encourages children to discover how stories and songs work together to spark imagination and creativity.
The challenge is brought to life through colourful illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Harry Woodgate.
To further support the challenge, a range of free events will run between July 4 and September 12 at libraries across Norfolk.
Activities include Let’s Dance Silent Discos, Once Upon a Tune, and Radio Play and Sound workshops.
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This year’s edition also includes new digital features to keep children engaged between library visits.
A digital rewards space allows children to scan QR codes on their stickers to unlock exclusive online content.
Each scan reveals a congratulatory video from an author or TV presenter, a music-themed band member character to collect, and a surprise digital reward such as games, magazines or bonus content.
Everyone who completes the challenge will receive a certificate and a medal.
The scheme encourages repeat library visits and supports children’s literacy development in a fun and interactive way.
It also supports library membership and book borrowing, helping keep public libraries at the heart of communities.
As part of the challenge, every child will receive a free Summer Reading Challenge x Storytime Magazine to take home when they sign up.
Children can sign up at their local library and start their reading journey right away.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/NorfolkReadtotheBeat
This article has been published as part of Born & Read in Norfolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing, headline sponsor RWE and sponsor YouGarden.
Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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