When my children were growing up, one of the highlights of the school holiday calendar was the Somerset Summer Reading Challenge, writes Cllr Bill Revans.
For two of my children, it was a race to finish.
For one, it was more of a clash of wills – but it helped us to understand that he has dyslexia and get him the support he needed.
Talking about what we were reading and sharing helped us all to understand each other’s interests.
The 2026 challenge, organised by The Reading Agency and supported by libraries across the country, launched on July 4 with the theme 'Read to the Beat', encouraging children aged four to 11 to discover the connections between stories, songs, and creativity.
I recently joined Somerset Council's lead member for communities, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, at the newly reopened Bridgwater Library to help launch the challenge and celebrate the important role that reading plays in children's lives.
Bridgwater Library is an amazing place – a Carnegie Library, funded by the American magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, opened in 1905 and extended in the 1960s.
If only billionaires funded libraries today!
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I remember Caxton the donkey from when I was growing up and was delighted to see he is still there.
This year is also the National Year of Reading.
There has never been a better time to encourage children to pick up a book.
Reading opens doors to new worlds, fuels imagination and curiosity, and helps develop vital skills that can benefit young people throughout their lives.
The challenge itself is simple.
Children sign up through their local library and aim to read six books over the summer holidays.
Along the way, they collect rewards and, on completion, earn a special badge to mark their achievement.
Libraries across Somerset have put together a fantastic range of books inspired by music from around the world, including stories, poetry, graphic novels, and non-fiction titles suitable for every reading level.
Best of all, every book can be borrowed free of charge.
Keeping children engaged with reading during the long summer break is particularly important.
Research consistently shows that maintaining reading habits over the holidays helps children return to school ready to learn, while strengthening literacy, confidence, and enjoyment of books.
As a teacher, I always encouraged children to read because there was a clear difference between those children who maintained reading for pleasure in terms of school performance and those who did not.
Cllr Federica rightly highlights the importance of ensuring every child develops strong reading skills from an early age.
Being able to read well opens up opportunities and helps young people succeed both in education and beyond.
I'd also like to encourage parents, grandparents, and carers to get involved themselves.
Why not set your own challenge to read six books over the summer?
Children are far more likely to develop a love of reading when they see the adults around them enjoying books too.
I have picked my six books.
It will make a nice break from council papers and reports.
Whether it's an adventure story, a mystery, a graphic novel, or a book about a favourite musician, there's something for everyone waiting on the shelves of Somerset's libraries.
So if you're looking for a free, fun, and rewarding activity this summer, pop into your local library and sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge.
You might just discover a new favourite book along the way.
For more information, visit the Summer Reading Challenge website or speak to staff at your local Somerset library.
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