Over the year young readers have the opportunity to expand, develop and discover their reading preferences by taking part in fun and free reading challenges. Over the summer we run the Summer Reading Challenge, which is created by The Reading Agency and delivered by libraries. November to January we run the Bloodaxe Book Challenge in partnership with JORVIK, part of York Archaeology Trust.
Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge 2025 ran throughout the summer holiday across Explore York Libraries. Nearly 3000 children took part in the Challenge! Enjoying the opportunity to select and read books of their choice, and collecting stickers as they did so. Over half of the children who took part completed the Challenge by reading 6 books over the summer holiday, and they each received a medal and certificate to mark their achievement.
“It’s done wonders for their reading. This one [girl, 8 years] doesn’t usually read at all, and she’s read three books in one week since signing up!”
“We love the Summer Reading Challenge. It really excites our children and keeps them occupied over the summer.“
We were very grateful to the generous support of our local partners, National Railway Museum, York Maze, Grand Opera House York and Better. Their support enabled us to offer exciting weekly prizes throughout the summer, providing all Challenge participants with multiple chances to win family tickets to each of these fabulous venues.
Bloodaxe Book Challenge
The Bloodaxe Book Challenge will be back in November 2025, watch this space for more information soon.