Young readers across Staffordshire are being encouraged to pick up a book and get involved in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, which has launched with a music-inspired theme.

The free initiative, organised by Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries service, aims to keep children engaged with reading throughout the school holidays while promoting creativity, learning and fun.

This year’s challenge, titled ‘Read to the Beat’, explores the connection between stories and music, encouraging children to discover how reading and sound can inspire imagination, build confidence and bring communities together.

Running until Monday 14 September as part of the National Year of Reading, the challenge invites children to borrow and read books from Staffordshire libraries over the summer. Participants can choose from a wide range of formats, including fiction, non-fiction, audiobooks and eBooks, with every borrowed title counting towards the challenge.

Alongside the reading challenge, libraries across Staffordshire will host a programme of themed events throughout the summer, including creative workshops, storytelling sessions and interactive activities inspired by music, rhythm and performance.

Delivered nationally by the Reading Agency, the Summer Reading Challenge is free to join and open to children of all ages, although it is primarily aimed at those aged between four and 11. Organisers hope the initiative will encourage families to enjoy reading together and help children develop a lifelong love of books.

Children can sign up at their local Staffordshire library. For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge, visit summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.