Read to the Beat!

This year’s Challenge is Read to the Beat!, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and powered by Universal Music Group UK. 🎶🎼🎵🎹🎶🎵🎼

The theme inspires children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how reading and music both ignite imagination and creativity.

 

Kingston Libraries are also partnering with Kingston Music Service to deliver a wonderfully intune programme of music making and story telling!

 

 

2026 Launch Dates

Saturday 4 July - 1 September 2026

 

What is the challenge this year and how does it work?

 

1. Sign up

Go to a library to sign up. You need to have your own library card to take part. On sign up you will receive the Read to the Beat sticker booklet. Borrow some books! Choose whatever you like to read.

 

2. Read books!

Read 6 books or more over the summer holidays, and let us 

know as you read each one. You will collect small prizes:

 

Book 1:  Sticker 1 (cat)

Book 2:  Sticker 2 (book) and Storytime magazine

Book 3:  Sticker 3 (headphones)

Book 4:  Sticker 4 (guitar) and bookmark

Book 5:  Sticker 5 (dog)

Book 6:  Sticker 6 (drum), certificate and medal on lanyard

 

Mini-Challenge for under 5s

• Children aged up to 4 can take part in the mini-challenge

• Sign up and receive the mini-challenge card

• Share 6 or more books and receive a sticker for each one

• Receive a special gold medal sticker when you reach 6 books

 

🎸Our programme with Kingston Music Service🎸

Over the summer holidays, Kingston Libraries will host a grand tour of music making, cometitions, and storytelling with Kingston Music Service!

🪕Stay tuned for more information! 🎹