Read to the Beat - Summer Reading Challenge 2026

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is Read to the Beat.

This exciting new theme encourages children to explore the link between stories and songs, showing how reading and music can spark imagination and creativity.

This year’s theme is brought to life through illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Harry Woodgate.

The challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries, with support from Universal Music Group UK.

How to sign up

From Saturday 4 July 2026, children in the borough can sign up for the challenge at their local Richmond upon Thames library and receive a Read to the Beat pack.

To take part, a child needs to be a member of the library and have their own library card.

How it works

For each of six library books they read or challenges they complete, they can collect a sticker for their collector pack.

Children can update their progress through the challenge at any library in the borough.

Everyone who reads six library books or complete six challenges is rewarded in the library with a medal and certificate.

End date

Read to the Beat ends in the borough on Saturday 5 September 2026.

Events

Find out about events hosted in our libraries by Read to the Beat.

Read to the Beat: Ukulele Concert

The Patch Players and Teddington Ukulele Players bring their heartwarming music to libraries this Summer. Sing, dance, bring family and friends to enjoy!

For children, adult supervision required. The events are free and no booking is required.

Richmond Lending Library:

• Date: Friday 8 August
• Time: 11am to 12pm

Teddington Library:

• Date: Saturday 22 August
• Time: 2.30 to 3.15pm 

Lego Club with Read to the Beat

Everyone loves making things with Lego! Design and build amazing creations and take part in fun Lego challenges.

No experience necessary, and all materials will be provided. For children, adult supervision required. The events are free and no booking is required.

Castelnau Library:

• Date: Friday 7 August
• Time: 10.30 to 11.30am

Whitton Library:

• Date: Friday 21 August
• Time: 10.30 to 11.30am

Hampton Library:

• Date: Friday 28 August
• Time: 10.30 to 11.30am

Contact us

For more information or to book an assembly visit from a librarian, email libraries@richmond.gov.uk