Children and families across Hartlepool are invited to join the biggest reading adventure of the year as Hartlepool Community Hubs and Libraries launch the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge.
The FREE challenge, which runs from Saturday 4 July to Saturday 22 August, encourages children to discover the joy of reading. This year it’s called Read to the Beat! and celebrates the joy of music and the power it has to inspire, connect and bring people together through reading.
It gets underway with a special Super Sign-Up Saturday event at Community Hub Central on Saturday 4 July from 10am to 12 noon, where families can sign up for the challenge, explore the library's book collections and enjoy a range of fun, music-themed activities.
The challenge is open to children aged 5-11, with a Mini Challenge also available for children under five. Each child sets their own reading goal.
Hartlepool’s hubs and libraries will be buzzing with stories, creativity and musical inspiration as children discover books inspired by music from around the world, including stories, poetry, graphic novels and non-fiction for all reading levels. Best of all, the books are free to borrow.
Every child who takes part will receive a sticker booklet, reward stickers, a bookmark and a Storytime magazine.
Those who complete the challenge will be invited to a special medal ceremony in Community Hub Central at the end of August, where they will receive a medal and certificate from the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Sue Little and meet local author Adam Bushnell and some much-loved book characters. They will also be entered into a prize draw to win a £20 gift voucher.
The Summer Reading Challenge is run nationally by The Reading Agency, this year in collaboration with Universal Music Group.
Adding to the excitement this year, Hartlepool’s library service is one of only five around the UK to receive the gift of a piano from the Lang Lang International Music Foundation in support of the challenge – two pianos in fact – one for Community Hub Central and one for Community Hub South.
Councillor Rob Darby, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council's Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said: "The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to help children develop a lifelong love of reading and explore their creativity while having fun over the summer holidays.
"Reading is one of the most important skills a child can learn - it opens doors to new adventures and opportunities, boosts their confidence and imagination, and supports their learning throughout life.
"Building a love of reading from an early age is so important, and I would encourage parents and carers to get involved too by reading with, and to, their children.
"Come and join us for a fun-packed summer as we ‘Read to the Beat’, and sincere thanks to the Lang Lang International Music Foundation for the wonderful gift of the two pianos, which will add such magic to our events!”
Children can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at any time at any Hartlepool community hub or library, or they can find out more and sign up online at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/communityhubs