Stone Library is encouraging local children to dig into a summer full of books as the ever-popular Summer Reading Challenge returns on Saturday, 5th July 2025. (This is a corrected date, originally Staffordshire County Council stated it would be the 21st June 2025)
This year’s theme, Story Garden, brings together the magic of storytelling with the wonder of nature, inviting children aged 4 to 11 to read six books over the holidays. With every book read, children earn stickers and rewards, helping them grow their love of reading while keeping up their literacy skills during the break from school.
The challenge is completely free and can be joined in person at Stone Library. There’s no need to wait, families can sign up from Friday, 21st June and start choosing books straight away.
Activities alongside the reading
Stone Library will also be hosting a range of fun, nature-themed events to complement the challenge throughout the summer, including:
- Storytime sessions linked to the Story Garden theme
- Craft workshops with a garden twist
- Drop-in activities designed to spark creativity and imagination
Everything is designed to help children connect with books in a playful and enjoyable way.
A space for the whole community
While the Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at younger readers, library staff are keen to remind everyone that Stone Library is more than just books. From baby bounce and rhyme sessions to family history groups, there’s something for all ages.
Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“It’s a fantastic way to keep children engaged with reading over the summer holidays and we know it will help inspire a real love for books amongst our young readers. This year’s ‘Story Garden’ theme brings together the magic of storytelling and the wonder of nature, inspiring children to use their imagination and discover new worlds through books.”
“Libraries are more like community hubs these days and we’re always looking at new ways of developing our services to meet the needs of customers. If you haven’t visited your local library recently, then it’s well worth popping in to see what’s going on and have some fun.”
Last year, nearly 10,000 children across Staffordshire took part in the Summer Reading Challenge, and Stone Library is hoping to welcome even more families through its doors this summer.
How to take part
Taking part is easy:
- Visit Stone Library from Saturday, 7th July 2025
- Sign up for the Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge
- Borrow six books to read over the summer
- Collect stickers and rewards along the way
The team at Stone Library are always on hand to offer book recommendations and support.
For more details about the Summer Reading Challenge and what’s happening locally, visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries or pop into Stone Library during opening hours.
