Wolverhampton children can earn medals through free summer reading

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-07-29 11:48 2 min read

Young girl reading a storybook while sitting on a striped bedspread.

Children across Wolverhampton can take part in the free Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat at the city’s libraries from 29 July 2026. The challenge is open to children and includes competitions, free activities, a certificate and a medal for those who complete it.

How to join Read to the Beat in Wolverhampton

The challenge is taking place across Wolverhampton’s libraries, rather than at one single venue. Families can visit their local library to find out more or contact the library service on 01902 552025.

The programme is created by The Reading Agency and delivered with public libraries. In Wolverhampton, it is being supported by the City of Wolverhampton Council.

Wolverhampton children can earn medals through free summer reading

The 2026 theme, Read to the Beat, explores the connection between music and reading. It is powered by Universal Music Group UK and brought to life through illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Harry Woodgate.

Competitions, activities and completion rewards

Children taking part can enter competitions while keeping up their reading over the summer. Those who complete the challenge will receive a certificate and medal.

Wolverhampton’s libraries are also hosting dozens of free activities over the coming weeks, giving families additional ways to take part alongside the reading challenge. The activities are part of the wider library programme linked to Read to the Beat.

The challenge follows the same national theme being offered in other areas, including a free summer library challenge for Plymouth children, but the activities and arrangements described here apply to Wolverhampton.

Date, venue and cost

Event: Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat
Date: From 29 July 2026
Venue: Wolverhampton’s libraries
Cost: Free
Audience: Children
Joining information: Visit a local library or call 01902 552025

No start or finish date, event time, single venue address, transport information or accessibility details were provided in the council announcement. The library service can provide the latest local information when families make contact.

Source: City of Wolverhampton Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source check

The event date, library locations, free entry, activities and completion rewards were checked against the City of Wolverhampton Council source.

Checks