Summer Reading Challenge 2025
Blaenau Gwent Libraries are inviting local families to discover the joy of reading with the 2025 ‘Story Garden’ Summer Reading Challenge.
Our six libraries across Blaenau Gwent are inviting families to take part in The Reading Agency’s 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging children to explore the magical connection between storytelling and the natural world with this year’s theme: Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors.
Launching on Saturday, 5th July in England and Wales, the Summer Reading Challenge invites children aged 4–11 to visit their local library, discover new books, and enjoy a summer filled with fun, imagination, and outdoor inspiration.
Featuring beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Dapo Adeola, Story Garden offers young readers a world of stories, creatures, and nature-based adventures. Children can collect free activity packs, take part in nature-themed events, and borrow specially selected books — all designed to keep them curious, active, and engaged with reading over the summer holidays.
Tracy Jones, Head of Libraries for Aneurin Leisure Trust said:
“We’re really excited to welcome children and families back for this year’s nature-inspired Summer Reading Challenge. It’s a brilliant way to spark a love of reading while encouraging young minds to explore nature and creativity. Each of our libraries will also be providing a range of free Story Garden themed activities for children to enjoy throughout the summer holidays, including interactive Wiggly Words storytelling sessions and craft activities, keeping them entertained while they visit the library to select their books and update us on their progress. To help our budding little gardeners we also have our Little Seed Libraries and Taste of Nature booklets, which are free for library members to access.”
Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, added:
“The Summer Reading Challenge continues to be a bright light in what has recently been an uncertain picture of children's reading. Story Garden will create magical spaces where children can explore and be curious, combining the joy of reading with the wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature. We’re particularly excited to be working with Dapo Adeola, whose illustrations will bring these adventures to life.”
Now in its 26th year, the Summer Reading Challenge is delivered in partnership with public libraries and is completely free to join. In 2024, the Challenge reached nearly 600,000 children and inspired over 100,000 new library memberships across the UK.
To find out how to join in the fun and discover events happening at Blaenau Gwent Libraries, visit our Aneurin Leisure Trust what’s on page or go to www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
