Wrexham launches 'Read to the Beat!' July

Wrexham libraries will launch the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, “Read to the Beat!”, in July for children aged four to 11, according to a report published May 18 by LeaderLive. The challenge is part of the national Summer Reading Challenge run by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries across the UK. This year’s campaign uses a music theme and asks children to read six books over the summer. Wrexham libraries said the programme will include events, rewards and family activities linked to the challenge. ### When does Wrexham’s challenge begin, and who can join? July 2026 is the launch point for Wrexham’s local programme, according to LeaderLive’s report on the county’s library service. The article said the challenge is aimed at children aged four to 11 and will run through the summer holiday period. The Summer Reading Challenge website said “Read to the Beat” is the 2026 national theme and is being delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries. (leaderlive.co.uk) The national organisation said the campaign is intended to connect stories and songs and encourage children to explore reading through music and creativity. ### What do children have to do to complete it? Six books is the target for children taking part in the challenge over the summer, according to the Wrexham report and the national challenge site. Wrexham libraries said participants will be able to take part through their local library service, while the national programme also provides online materials and book suggestions. (summerreadingchallenge.org.uk) The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge site said the 2026 book collection includes titles about musicians, rhythm, sound, cultural traditions and creative expression. The site also separates recommendations for different age groups, including a younger readers list for ages four to seven. ### Why is this year’s theme called “Read to the Beat!”? (leaderlive.co.uk) The Reading Agency said the 2026 theme is designed to link reading with music and imagination. The organisation said the programme is “powered by Universal Music Group UK” and brought to life with illustrations by author and illustrator Harry Woodgate. Harry Woodgate’s involvement gives the campaign a named creative contributor for this year’s materials, while Universal Music Group UK is listed as the partner backing the theme nationally. (summerreadingchallenge.org.uk) Wrexham’s local rollout follows that national framework rather than operating as a separate standalone scheme. ### What has Wrexham said it will offer locally? (summerreadingchallenge.org.uk) LeaderLive reported that Wrexham libraries plan events, rewards and family activities around the challenge. The report did not list a full branch-by-branch summer timetable on May 18, but it said the local service was preparing for the programme’s July start. Wrexham County Borough Council’s library pages show the authority runs 10 public libraries, along with a mobile library and Homelink service. (summerreadingchallenge.org.uk) The council also says library membership for children and young people is free, and local branch information is available through its website. ### Where can families find books and updates before July? Wrexham County Borough Council directs residents to its libraries pages for branch details, children’s services and event listings. (leaderlive.co.uk) The council’s website also points users to Wrexham Libraries’ Facebook page for updates on events and book suggestions. The national Summer Reading Challenge website already carries the 2026 “Read to the Beat” announcement, themed book collections and age-based reading lists. (wrexham.gov.uk) Wrexham families looking ahead to the July launch can use those resources now, then check local library channels for dates and activities as the summer programme is rolled out. (summerreadingchallenge.org.uk) (wrexham.gov.uk)