Looking for a way to get children reading over the summer without turning it into homework?

Norfolk’s libraries are running Read to the Beat, the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, from Saturday 4 July to Saturday 12 September.

It’s free for children aged four to 11. Under-fives can take part in a separate mini challenge, so younger children aren’t left out.

Here’s how it works.

Visit any Norfolk library and collect a challenge pack and magazine.

Families can also join the library online first. Children then choose their own reading goals and can read any library books they like.

As they take part, they collect stickers. Finish the challenge and they can earn a certificate and medal.

That means there’s no set reading list to get through.

A child can choose stories, fact books, comics or other library books that catch their interest.

The music theme is there to make the challenge feel different, not to dictate what they have to read.

The challenge also comes with music-themed activities at libraries around the county.

 The official events catalogue currently lists sessions and performances at branches including Swaffham, Gaywood, North Walsham, Wells, Tuckswood, Dereham, Fakenham, Holt, Thetford and the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library.

The activities vary. Some include silent discos, musical crafts, Micro:bit music-making and performances by young musicians.

 Wells Library is also listed for an accessible, SEND-friendly music-making session. Some events are free and drop-in, while others need to be booked, so check the individual listing before setting off.

At the Millennium Library, young people aged five and over can register for informal performance slots running from 23 July to 27 August.

Duos and groups are welcome, and the sessions are held in an accessible ground-floor venue.

Families can contact the Norfolk Music Service on 01603 303348 or at music.service@norfolk.gov.uk for those sessions.

If your child isn’t already a library member, joining is free.

You can sign up online or at a library, then collect the Read to the Beat pack in person. The events catalogue is live, so listings, spaces and booking requirements may change.

The simplest plan is to choose a nearby library, check its current events and let your child pick the reading goal.

Save this guide for your next library visit — and if you know of a Norfolk branch running a particularly good music or reading activity, tell us which one and why.