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Summer Reading Challenge 2026! Turn up the volume on reading this summer!

Turn Up The Volume On Reading This Summer!

This summer, The Reading Agency invites children to discover the joy of reading through 'Read to the Beat!' the music-themed Summer Reading Challenge 2026.

With a fantastic collection of books inspired by music from around the world, children can explore stories, poetry, graphic novels, and non-fiction for all reading levels.

Best of all, books are FREE to borrow from the library. As part of the National Year of Reading, we're encouraging families to make reading part of their summer adventures.

Children can sign up at their local Southend Library, set their reading goals, and enjoy rewards along the way.

The Summer Reading Challenge 2026 runs from 18th July - 29th August. Children can drop into the library to talk about the books they have read from: 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm, Monday - Saturday at The Forum 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm, Monday - Friday and 10am - 1pm on Saturday at branch libraries. Sign up at any Southend Library from our early sign-up day: 11th July!

If you (or someone you know) are aged 11-21 Years Old and would like to share YOUR opinion about your local library please fill out our SURVEY and help shape the future of Southend Libraries for Young People!

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Find My Past is the latest addition to our FREE digital resources collection.

Access is now available in-library via The People's Network computers, where you can view the 1921 Census; the largest collection of UK Parish registers; the British Newspaper Archive and much more!

Please do not hesitate to ask staff for any assistance you may require.