Summer Reading Challenge 2026
Open to children aged four to 11, the Summer Reading Challenge is a nationwide initiative inspiring young readers to enjoy books throughout the school holidays. This year's theme, "Read to the Beat", celebrated music, creativity and self-expression, with stories featuring characters who overcome challenges and follow their dreams through the power of music.
From 29 July – 2 September 2026, volunteers at Alconbury Weald Community Library were available on Wednesday mornings to listen to children read, chat about their latest literary adventures and award a sticker for every book completed. Those who completed the challenge and read six books during the summer challenge received a certificate.
A programme of special events, organised in partnership with Cambridgeshire Library Services, took place at Alconbury Weald Community Library during this year’s Challenge. This included a craft session, drawing workshop and interactive adventure, as well as a chance for children to meet their favourite authors.
Craft session
Families enjoyed a fun filled ‘Read to the Beat’ themed craft session. As well as colouring, collaging and designing record labels, the children made and decorated mini drums.
Storybook Village
Around 80 children enjoyed a world of stories at Storybook Village. The event gave young readers the chance to browse a huge selection of books and choose stories to take home, with around 1,000 of over 2,250 books finding new homes. Children also had a chance to get creative between browsing with a bookmark-making activity.
The event welcomed a number of special guests, who came along to see the Storybook Village in action and learn more about the impact it has on local children and families. This included Deputy Lieutenant Dame Polly Courtice DBE LVO DL, High Sheriff Francis Burkitt, Ben Obese-Jecty MP and Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Patrick Kadewere.
Super Happy Magic Forest
Matty Long, author and illustrator of the Super Happy Magic Forest series, was back for a drawing workshop with budding artists. As well as teaching his students how to draw some of his most popular characters - including Blossom, the big-hearted unicorn and Foam, a fishy-looking character from Fishopolis - Matty shared some of his favourite stories and showed how he brings his characters to life.
Koalas in Capes!
Author Terrie Chilvers provided a lively, interactive event featuring superheroes, villains and plenty of koala-themed fun. The children had a fantastic time listening to tales of koala escapades, playing games and creating their own mask before donning a cape for a photo in front of a Pop Art cityscape. Terrie had her audience enthralled and after delighting them with some of her favourite adventures, she posed with some of her young fans and signed their books.
“Summer Reading Challenge was really popular this year, with over 80 children coming along to the events and taking part. We also had more children than ever complete the Challenge and receive a certificate. A big thank you to our community library volunteers, event organisers and children’s book authors who all contributed to making this such a fantastic summer programme."
