“The Reading Agency and libraries are excited to introduce the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, Story Garden, themed around Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors”

Story Garden (a nature themed challenge) is this year’s Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge that asks children to read at least 6 library books during the summer holidays.

Children signing up for the challenge at their local library are given a folder and collect a sticker for each book they read.  The characters on each sticker each represent a different type of book so depending on the books children choose to read they may end up with 6 different stickers, 6 of the same sticker or a mixture.  This means children can make the challenge their own, potentially exploring new genres or more of what they love already.

While stocks last, after reading 3 books children will receive a bookmark and after 6 books children are presented with a medal and a certificate of reading achievement.

Children can sign up from Friday 18^th July 2025 and should complete the challenge by Saturday 6^th September 2025.  They can take part at any Milton Keynes Library (Except Woughton Library) during staffed hours.

Taking part in the challenge and reading for pleasure in general increases children’s reading confidence, skill and enjoyment.  It motivates them to read, inspires creative and empathetic responses to books, and helps to minimise the “summer learning dip”.

Below is a summary of Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge.

Who is it for?

• The challenge is for children of all ages. 

What do they do?

• Aim to read 6 library books during the school holidays; these can be whatever interests them: stories or information books, graphic novels, eBooks or audio books.

What do they get?

• Each time they finish a book they collect a sticker.
• After 3 books they collect a bookmark (while stocks last)
• Once they read 6 books they will receive a certificate and a medal (while stocks last).

Does it cost anything?

• It’s FREE to join the library and borrow books but a child’s parent/carer needs to fill out a form on the child’s behalf.
• It is also FREE to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge

Useful Links:

https://readingagency.org.uk/resources/?programme=src&audience=school-teachers free downloadable resources on The Reading Agency’s website

www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk has book recommendations, games and information for parent/carers and schools.

https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/libraries/nearest-library Library info including locations and opening times.

https://miltonkeynes.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/JOIN online joining form.

https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/libraries/learn-research/elibrary info about online library resources including eBooks and eAudio books.

Shared Lives

Shared Lives matches adults with low to moderate care needs with real family homes and approved carers right here in Milton Keynes.

Shared Lives is a council-run scheme that offers adults the chance to live or spend time in a supportive home environment. This could be an adult with autism, learning difficulties, or an older person who would benefit from companionship. 

It’s ideal for parents looking for flexible, meaningful work that fits around family life. As a Shared Lives carer you get control over who you support, what support you offer, and whether it’s for a few hours, a few days, or something longer term.

No experience is needed — just a caring nature and a welcoming home. Carers receive full training, ongoing support, generous pay, and significant tax breaks. They’re supported every step of the way by the council.

Please share this opportunity with parents that might be interested. Find out more at: https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/shared-lives

Milton Keynes City Council Cost of Living Support