Take part in this summer’s free ‘Story Garden’ Reading Challenge at Leigh-on-sea Library

July 17, 2025

Children across Southend are invited to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, running from Thursday 24 July to Saturday 30 August.

The annual Summer Reading Challenge, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries, encourages children of all ages to keep reading during the summer holidays.

This year’s theme, Story Garden: Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors, invites children to explore the magical connection between stories and the natural world.

All six Southend library branches are taking part, offering free activity packs, nature-themed events, and specially selected books to keep children curious and engaged throughout the summer.

Children can sign up at any Southend library during the challenge or get involved early at our Super Saturday Sign-Up event on Saturday 19 July, 10am to 1pm.

Children will receive a collector’s card and earn stickers for each book they read. After three books they’ll receive a bookmark, and after six books they’ll receive a medal, certificate, and be entered into a prize draw, with prizes kindly donated by Caddies, Adventure Island, Southend Theatres (Panto), and Southend United Football Club.

There’s also a Mini Challenge for under-4s, who can collect stickers and earn a certificate too.

Library volunteers will be available at all six libraries to talk with children about their reading. Timings for sessions vary at the different libraries:

The Forum: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 3.30pm, Monday to Saturday

Kent Elms, Leigh, Shoeburyness and Westcliff libraries: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday; plus 10am to 1pm on Saturday

Southchurch Library: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 3.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (closed Wednesday); plus 10am to 1pm on Saturday

Story Garden sessions will also take place at Garon Park every Thursday from 31 July to 28 August, 10am to 3pm.

Cllr Matt Dent, cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism, said: “We’re really excited to welcome children and families back for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. It’s a brilliant way to spark a love of reading while encouraging young minds to explore nature and creativity. We can’t wait to see our library transformed into a Story Garden this summer!”

To find out more about the Reading Challenge or see what else is happening at your local library, visit:

www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

https://southend.spydus.co.uk

www.southend.gov.uk/libraries