The 'Big Summer Read' which is targeted predominantly at primary school–age, encourages children to continue reading over the summer months. This year’s theme, The Story Tree, is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing children to read at their own pace and follow their own reading interests.
Maintaining reading over the summer period can be a challenge, and the Big Summer Read provides a simple, free way for families to get involved. This is particularly important as this is the National Year of Reading and during 2026 everyone is being encouraged to take time to read. Children that read 5 books will get a bookmark, and those that read 10 books will get a certificate acknowledging the achievement and this can be celebrated in school.
The programme will run from 29 June to 31 August 2026, and children can take part by signing up at their local library.
