Over 3,750 people took part in this year's Summer Reading Challenge in West Berkshire Libraries!

The Summer Reading Challenge is presented by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries. The theme of this year's challenge was Story Garden, which aimed to inspire children's imaginations and explore the connection between storytelling and nature through the power of reading.

2721 children visited a West Berkshire library to take part in the challenge to read six books over the summer holidays, while ninety more joined in digitally via the Summer Reading Challenge website. All the children who completed their challenge received a certificate and a medal to celebrate their achievement.

Additionally, 409 pre-school children participated in a Mini Challenge, and 634 people participated in the challenge for older children and adults.

The most popular children's books borrowed during the challenge were 'Diary of a Future Billionaire' by Pamela Butchart and 'Impossible Creatures' by Katherine Rundell.

Councillor Nigel Foot, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, Sport and Countryside, offered his congratulations to all who took part and said,

"What a brilliant result for Summer Reading Challenge 2025! It's terrific that so many people take pleasure in reading. The benefits are endless, not least that it encourages children to keep up their reading over the holidays and, really, for the rest of their lives!

"I'd like to give a huge thank you to all of our staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make this year's challenge a success, and for encouraging so many people into the library over the summer holidays to enjoy reading books."

It is free to join and borrow books from West Berkshire Libraries for all people living, working, or studying in West Berkshire. Babies and young children can have their own library cards and borrow up to fifteen books at a time.

There are also e-books and e-audiobooks available to borrow for free. Find details, including current library opening hours, at www.westberks.gov.uk/libraries.