Read to the Beat: Richmond libraries' summer challenge runs until 5 September
28 July 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
Children across the borough have until Saturday 5 September 2026 to take part in this year's Summer Reading Challenge, themed 'Read to the Beat' — a celebration of the connection between stories and music. Libraries across Richmond upon Thames are hosting a range of free, drop-in events throughout August to bring the theme to life. Richmond Council
At Richmond Lending Library and Teddington Library, live music sessions from The Patch Players and the Teddington Ukulele Players give children the chance to sing and dance along. For those who prefer building to singing, free Lego challenge sessions — all materials provided, adult supervision required — are running at Castelnau Library, Whitton Library and Hampton Library.
Joining the challenge itself is straightforward: children simply visit their local library, sign up, and log the books they read over the summer. There is no cost, and all ages of younger reader are welcome.
With today's warm weather making a library trip an appealing midday option, it is worth checking the council's events page for exact session dates and times before heading out.