Market Rasen Library is calling on families to join the biggest free summer reading adventure of the year
As part of The Reading Agency’s nationwide 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat, Market Rasen Library will be transformed this summer into a magical space full of music, creativity and stories.
Families are invited to Go All In and visit the library on the launch day of Saturday 4th July and beyond to sign up for the free challenge and take part in free, fun and themed activities throughout the summer holidays.
Aimed at children aged 4 to 11, Read to the Beat is all about celebrating the joy of music and the power it has to move, inspire and connect us – all through the magic of reading. Younger siblings needn’t feel left out, as there is a special Mini-Challenge just for them to take part in.
From rap to rock, orchestras to K-Pop, this year’s Challenge is being brought illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator, Harry Woodgate.
Free Read to the Beat events at Market Rasen Library this summer include:
Saturday 4th July, 10.30am - 12.30pm. Sign up to the Challenge, make your own clay owl with Oxcombe Pottery and enjoy Barmpot Theatre’s To the Moon and Back show as part of Wolds WordFest.
Wednesday 29th July, 2pm – 3pm. The Science of Sound Workshop with Ann Dale. Learn all about vibration, pitch, tempo and rhythm and make your own spoon maracas.
Wednesday 5th August, 2pm – 3pm. Create symphony of art picture reusing music manuscripts. We’ll also be joined by special guests, local folk music group Da Capo.
Wednesday 12th August, 2pm - 3pm. Create some arty critters inspired by this year’s Challenge. Special guest Kate Witney will also lead a singing workshop Telling a Story in Sound.
Wednesday 19th August, 2pm - 3pm. Join the Broadbent Youth Theatre for Library's Got Talent and get stage ready making your own K-Pop inspired microphone and star glasses.
Tuesday 25th August, 2.30pm - 4.30pm. Make your own instrument, fit for your band.
Wednesday 26th August, 2pm - 3pm. Meet GLL Literary Foundation author Mary Auld and create your own egg box mice orchestra.
Friday 11th September, 3.30pm - 4.30pm. Celebrate finishing the Challenge and collect your medal and certificate.
Spaces for activities are limited so please reserve your child’s place with the Market Rasen team by emailing [email protected]
Visit Summer Reading Challenge | Lincolnshire Libraries to discover all the free activities on offer and how to get involved
Kay Turnbull, library manager at Market Rasen Library, said: “Turn up the volume on reading this summer and explore stories, poetry, graphic novels and non-fiction and make visiting Market Rasen Library and reading part of your summer adventure. We’ve some fabulous and free activities planned so get on down to the library, sign up and discover amazing books, collect rewards and celebrate the power of reading with us all summer long.”
About GLL
Established in 1993, GLL is a Charitable Social Enterprise and Workers Cooperative. We operate 254 Leisure Centres, 115 Libraries and 10 Children's Centres in partnership with 60 local Councils, public agencies and sporting organisations. GLL operates Lincolnshire Libraries in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council.
About The Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge has been running since 1999 and helps to prevent the summer reading ‘dip’ that many young people experience during their summer holidays while schools are closed. With delivery through public libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge is accessible to all and provides a fun, free activity for children. In 2025, over 11 million books were borrowed from libraries across the UK during the Challenge, including audio and eBooks.
About The Reading Agency
The Reading Agency is a UK charity with a mission to empower people of all ages to read. Evidence shows that reading improves health and wellbeing, life chances and social connections. The Reading Agency champions access to the proven power of reading by providing activities for all ages. Working with public libraries, prisons, hospitals and other community settings, we reach over two million people a year.