Dig Into The Story Garden as the Annual Summer Reading Challenge Returns

07 July 2025

The annual Summer Reading Challenge is back at all Vale of Glamorgan library branches for 2025!

This year’s theme, The Story Garden, celebrates the magical connection between storytelling and the natural world. It offers a fantastic chance to highlight books in our libraries that explore nature, creativity, and imagination.

Among this year’s fantastic featured titles are The Ocean Gardener by Clara Anganuzzi - a beautifully illustrated story that dives deep into the mysteries of the underwater world, BOING! A Bouncy Book of Bugs by James Carter - a lively and interactive read about the tiny creatures buzzing all around us, and The Edge of The Silver Sea by Alex Mullarky - an enchanting adventure full of mystery and magic where the land meets the sea.

From the 5 July, children can sign up at any library and receive a folder to record their progress. For every two books they read and return, they’ll earn stickers as fun rewards. 

Those who read six or more books will be awarded a medal and a certificate of achievement.

This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our youngest residents throughout the summer holidays by encouraging a love of reading and supporting literacy development outside of school.

Jordan Forse, the Vale's Library and Cultural Services Manager, has embarked on his own Story Garden adventure this summer. Keep an eye on our social media pages for some exciting readings of featured books from this year’s reading list at various locations across the Vale!

For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge, click here.