Explore York Libraries and Archives Annual Review 2025-26 - Flipbook - Page 21
Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer
Reading Challenge
helped nearly 2,800
primary schoolaged children keep
reading through
the holidays. More
than 1,400 pupils
completed the
challenge and
almost 700 new
members joined
Explore.
Produced by The
Reading Agency
delivered in partn
ership
with libraries.
Bookings
open
28 June
650
volunteers donated their time
Scan me
to book
events
Story Garden illustratio
ns by Dapo Adeola
and
Story Garden logo
© The Reading Agency
2025
We worked with
local partners and
volunteers to promote the free programme.
We issued more than 65,000 children’s
books over the summer. More than 100
events welcomed families, including children
with additional needs, ensuring more young
people could feel included and discover the
joy of reading.
11%
of volunteers undertook
multiple roles
94
young people volunteered with us,
developing their skills as part of
the Duke of Edinburgh scheme
The challenge consistently received positive
feedback from families.
23,315
hours of voluntary work
58%
increase in volunteer hours,
supporting collections care activity
Around
£355,000
gifts in kind through volunteer activity
Explore Annual Review 2025/26
21
