Manchester children get a free summer reading...

Contents

A summer challenge at every Manchester library
Stickers, rewards and a £100 voucher prize
How families can sign up

More than a hundred Year 1 and 2 pupils were at Wythenshawe Forum Library as Manchester’s summer reading campaign opened with a football-themed storytelling activity, Footy Fairy tales. The launch tied football, music and books together under this year’s “Read to the Beat” theme, which links reading with music, rhythm and creativity.

For families, the practical point is simple: the Summer Reading Challenge 2026 is now running across all Manchester libraries.

Date: 1 July to 12 September 2026.
Time: no single daily time was listed by Manchester Libraries.
Venue: all Manchester libraries.
Cost: free.
Who it is for: children aged 4 to 12, with families, carers and teachers encouraged to help them sign up.

A summer challenge at every Manchester library

The Summer Reading Challenge is a long-running Manchester Libraries programme designed to keep children reading during the school holidays. The council says the challenge has run in Manchester libraries for more than 20 years and is aimed at helping children keep up reading habits over the long summer break.

This year’s challenge runs until 12 September, giving families most of the summer holiday period to visit a local library, borrow books and take part. Manchester Libraries is also promoting the programme through schools across the city, with a particular focus on helping children feel ready to return in September and supporting Year 6 pupils as they prepare for high school.

The 2025 challenge drew 4,079 children, with 1,995 reading six or more books. Manchester Libraries says it hopes this year’s expanded work with schools will help more children join in.

Families looking for other local summer activities can also read about free Manchester family sessions this summer.

Stickers, rewards and a £100 voucher prize

Children who take part can collect stickers and rewards as they read. The programme also includes book review and drawing competitions, lucky draw giveaways including goody bags, and an overall Challenge prize of a £100 voucher.

Manchester Libraries is recommending that children read four or more library books, while also encouraging children to set their own reading goals. Any child who reads four books will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a prize.

Digital reading is included too. The challenge covers digital books and e-audio books available through the free BorrowBox app, so children do not have to rely only on printed library books to take part.

How families can sign up

Families, carers and teachers are being directed to visit their local library, explore the programme of events and sign children up there. The council has not listed a separate booking fee or online-only registration route in the source information.

The launch comes as Manchester celebrates being officially recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City, which the council links to its wider commitment to children using and enjoying local community services.

Councillor Shazia Butt, Executive Member for Culture, Libraries and Leisure, said the challenge is intended to keep children “engaged, learning and having fun throughout the holidays” and said reading for pleasure can help young people build confidence and develop skills.

Her message to children was direct: “the choice is yours” when picking what to read, with the challenge focused on reading for pleasure.

To take part, visit a local Manchester library while the challenge is running from 1 July to 12 September and ask to sign a child up for the Summer Reading Challenge 2026.

Source: Manchester City Council