Books, music and creativity came together at Swindon Central Library on Saturday as families gathered to launch this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.
The 2026 theme, Read to the Beat, encourages children to keep reading throughout the school holidays while discovering the links between stories, music and imagination. The free challenge is open to children of all ages and runs in libraries across the borough until 13 September.
The launch event at Central Library in Regent Circus featured award-winning author and illustrator Steve Antony, Children’s Library Patron for Swindon Libraries, who officially opened the celebrations with a special storytime session.
Young visitors enjoyed a packed programme of free activities, including face painting, temporary tattoos, musical-themed craft sessions, bookmark making and sing-alongs, while many picked up their Summer Reading Challenge packs to begin their reading journey.
Swindon Dance and Signal Festival also joined the celebrations, offering dance, poetry and performance workshops for older children before rounding off the day with an open mic session in the library courtyard.
Councillors Matt Hinton, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services, and Kate Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, attended the launch alongside Steve Antony to encourage families to take part.
Councillor Hinton said: “Our libraries play a vital role in supporting reading, learning and community connections all year round, and the Summer Reading Challenge is one of the highlights of the calendar.
“‘Read to the Beat’ combines the joy of reading with music, creativity and imagination, giving children a fun reason to keep picking up books throughout the summer holidays. It was fantastic to see so many families at the launch event and I would encourage everyone to sign up and get involved.”
Councillor Tomlinson added: “Reading for pleasure is one of the best ways to support children’s learning, confidence and wellbeing, especially during the long summer break.
“The Summer Reading Challenge helps children maintain their reading skills while having fun, and it’s great that participation is completely free. There are activities and support available for children of all ages and abilities, including dedicated resources for children with SEND, helping to ensure every child has the opportunity to take part.”
As well as earning rewards for their reading, participants can enter Steve Antony’s annual art competition, with winners receiving a signed book and an invitation to a special celebration event.
Teenagers aged between 12 and 19 are also being encouraged to join in through the Teen Book Bingo challenge, with everyone who completes the card entered into a prize draw to win a £30 Love2shop voucher.
The Summer Reading Challenge continues until Sunday, 13 September, with libraries across Swindon hosting a programme of free events and activities designed to keep children reading, learning and entertained throughout the summer holidays.
