Summer reading challenge launched for youngsters

Children in Newtown and Welshpool are being encouraged to head to their local library this summer and take part in a nationwide reading initiative designed to keep young people engaged with books during the school holidays.

Powys Libraries have launched the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat, which celebrates the link between stories and music while encouraging children aged four to 11 to continue reading throughout the summer.

The free challenge is available at libraries across Powys, including Newtown and Welshpool, where children can sign up, receive a collector folder and earn rewards as they work towards their reading goal.

Participants can read anything they enjoy, from storybooks and comics to graphic novels, information books, eBooks and audiobooks, with books available in both English and Welsh.

As part of the challenge, libraries will also host a programme of free music themed creative events and activities during the summer holidays.

Councillor Raiff Devlin, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, said: "The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to encourage children to keep reading throughout the summer holidays while having fun at the same time. Reading regularly helps build confidence, creativity and literacy skills, giving children a positive start when they return to school in September."

Children who complete the challenge will receive a certificate, a medal, a family swim voucher through a partnership with Freedom Leisure and entry into a prize draw.

Reading experts say continuing to read during the summer break can help children maintain and improve their literacy skills, while also developing confidence, creativity and a lifelong enjoyment of books.

Families can sign up by visiting Newtown or Welshpool libraries, any other Powys library, or online via the Summer Reading Challenge website. More information about Powys libraries is available at https://storipowys.org.uk/visit-us/ while details of the challenge can be found at https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/