Bedford Borough Council has announced the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge 2025 at Bedford Borough Libraries, running from Saturday 12 July to Saturday 6 September. This year’s theme, ‘Story Garden’, invites children aged 4 to 11 to embark on a free, imaginative reading adventure throughout the summer holidays.
The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to stay engaged with books by earning rewards as they read. Participants will receive a special bookmark with spaces for eighteen stamps, collecting a stamp each time they return a book they have read. Rewards are given after six, twelve, and eighteen books, including a Story Garden certificate, a bookmark, and the much-loved Summer Reading Challenge medal.
All library books count towards the challenge, from picture books and poetry to joke books and fact-filled reads. Audiobooks are also included, both physical CDs and digital versions, ensuring every child can take part, whether they prefer reading or listening. Books can be requested for free by children through the Bedford Borough Libraries website, app, or by visiting any local library.
In addition to the reading challenge, children can enjoy a variety of free craft activities such as junk modelling, pop-up piranhas, and dragon suncatchers. Lego clubs, craft clubs, and story times will also be available throughout the holidays. For a full schedule of events and details of your closest Bedford Borough Library, visit www.bedford.gov.uk/YourLibrary
The Summer Reading Challenge is also accessible via the Bedford Borough Mobile Library, which travels weekly across the borough. Details and timetables can be found at www.bedford.gov.uk/MobileLibrary
All children are welcome to join the challenge, even if they are not yet library members. Joining Bedford Borough Libraries is free for all ages. Parents or guardians can register children during staffed hours or online at any time, with library cards available for collection in person. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult while in the library.
Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture, said, "The Summer Reading Challenge is a wonderful opportunity for children to dive into exciting stories and let their imaginations flourish. With this year’s ‘Story Garden’ theme, we’re celebrating the magic of nature and storytelling, encouraging young readers to explore new worlds through books.
“I warmly invite all children to join in, have fun, and discover the joy of reading that can last a lifetime."
Learn more about the Summer Reading Challenge and how to get involved at:
www.bedford.gov.uk/SummerReadingChallenge2025
Find Bedford Borough Libraries in Bedford town centre, Bromham, Kempston, Putnoe and Wootton, plus don’t miss the mobile library on its routes.
The Summer Reading Challenge is delivered by Bedford Borough Libraries and produced by The Reading Agency.