Families across Scotland are taking part in the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge which launched a fortnight ago.
Cash-strapped parents are turning to public library events to entertain their kids over the holidays.
Families across Scotland are taking part in the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge which launched a fortnight ago and runs until August 9.
Now in its 27th year, the free annual event is the UK’s biggest reading programme for children aged 4-11, encouraging them to read books for fun.
Research by The Reading Agency – which runs the programme alongside the nation’s public libraries – has found the skyrocketing cost of living has seen parents increasingly turn to free or low-cost activities to occupy their kids.
Carolyn Dineen, a senior librarian based in East Lothian, said: “All our Summer Reading Challenge events and the challenge itself are free.
“Libraries and the challenge make a real difference giving kids access to books and creative activities and providing welcoming spaces where they can spend time, learn something new, stay connected with others and maintain their reading confidence.
“It’s about so much more than just books. It’s about giving every child an opportunity to have a positive, enriching summer regardless of their family circumstances.
“The past couple of years, our numbers have been on the rise. I do think families are likely pursuing more free, local and easy-to-get-to activities than they might have done in the past due to the cost of living.”
A Censuswide study, commissioned by The Reading Agency, found two-thirds of Scottish parents say the rising cost of summer activities puts pressure on their family
Some 54 per cent said their child misses out on activities during the holidays because of cost.
Meanwhile, 75 per cent now say they rely on free or low-cost activities during the summer break.
And eight in ten parents believe reading benefits their child’s mental wellbeing and builds their confidence and emotional skills.
Further findings show 65 per cent of parents say their child feels less lonely after getting lost in a book, with around half of kids feeling isolated during the summer break as they lose the routine of school and seeing their friends.
The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge is being delivered in partnership with Universal Music Group UK with this year’s theme being ‘Read to the Beat’.
The programme blends stories, rhythm, performance and creativity and offers kids sticker rewards for more books they read.
It also includes free library events, celebrity readings and a nationwide creative competition with the chance to win family tickets to Bestival.
Karen Napier MBE, chief executive of The Reading Agency, said: “Summer holidays can be a difficult time for some children, particularly when they lose the routine of term-time life .
“Our research shows that reading can play a powerful role in supporting children’s wellbeing and helps them feel connected.”
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