Walsall’s libraries are gearing up for an exciting summer as the annual Summer Reading Challenge launches on Saturday 5 July 2025. This year’s nature-inspired theme, Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors, aims to keep children reading, learning, and having fun all summer long.
Running until Saturday 13 September 2025, the challenge invites children aged 4 to 11 to dive into books that celebrate the magic of stories and the natural world. With free rewards, fun activities, and the chance to earn a certificate and medal, it’s a great way to keep young minds active during the school holidays.
“This initiative is a great way to help children maintain a culture of reading over the school holidays, and I’m looking forward to seeing more children than last year join the challenge,” said Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council.
“Reading is fun, and the Story Garden theme connects reading with nature and provides wonderful opportunities for children to explore both books and the great outdoors. It’s free to join the library and all our libraries are supporting the programme.”
Organised by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries across the UK, the Summer Reading Challenge is the country’s largest reading-for-pleasure initiative, with around 700,000 children taking part each year. In Walsall alone, over 1,800 children joined the challenge last summer.
With research showing that reading levels can dip during the long break from school – and that one in five children still struggle to read well by age 11 – the programme helps children retain their reading confidence and develop positive habits for life.
This year’s theme is brought to life with colourful, engaging illustrations by award-winning artist Dapo Adeola, known for his vibrant work that encourages children of all backgrounds to embrace storytelling.
How to Join the Challenge
It’s simple and fun to take part:
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Sign up for free at any Walsall library and receive a special pencil and your choice of bug mascot – a ladybird, bumblebee or butterfly
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Borrow two books of your choice and start reading
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Collect stickers and rewards as you finish each pair of books
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Read six books in total to complete the challenge and receive a certificate, lanyard, medal and a goody bag
Children can choose any library books they like – from picture books and early readers to audiobooks and eBooks. All reading levels are welcome, and every book counts as long as it’s borrowed using a Walsall Library card.
There’s also an online version available at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk for those who prefer to take part digitally.
The challenge helps children prepare for the new school year in autumn, whether they’re moving into a new class or key stage, and gives families a fantastic reason to visit their local library throughout the summer.
Find Your Local Library
Walsall is home to seven community libraries and a mobile library, all participating in this year’s challenge:
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Aldridge Community Library
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Bloxwich Community Library
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Brownhills Community Library
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Darlaston Community Library
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Lichfield Street Hub
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Streetly Community Library
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Willenhall Community Library
To find out more about opening times, events, and how to get involved, visit:
👉 go.walsall.gov.uk/walsall-libraries