Big Summer Read - keep kids reading over summer!

We want Newcastle kids to keep reading over summer. Join the fun!

What is the Big Summer Read?  
The Big Summer Read challenges you to pick up a book and keep reading over the holidays. Anyone between the ages of 0-18 is welcome to participate. Readers can log any book they read, that is read to them or is listened to. Don't forget that ebooks, audiobooks and graphic novels count as reading!  

How it works!
The Big Summer Read Challenge runs from Monday 1 December 2025 to Saturday 31 January 2026. The aim of the challenge is for children to read and log as many books as they can over Summer. Children will need to read and log a minimum of 5 books or 5 days of reading to be recorded between these dates to be eligible for the Statewide prize draws. 

How do I sign up?
Register and record your reading online to be eligible for the Statewide prize draw or visit a Newcastle Libraries branch to pick up a paper reading log and hand back to Newcastle Libraries no later than 31 January 2026. Entries received after this date will not be included in any prize draw. 

Cool down at the library this summer and connect with others by sharing your favourite books through Reading Buddies!

Need help? Come in to see our friendly library staff or call us on 02 4974 5300