Summer Reading Challenge 2025

A Celebration of Reading

Join us this summer for an exciting celebration of reading with the Summer Reading Challenge 2025. 

SRC Woman AI Gen

Step into an enchanting world where nature meets imagination this summer at Stoneleigh Community Library. The 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, themed 'Story Garden - Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors', runs from Saturday 5th July to Saturday 13th September, inviting children of all ages to embark on a magical reading journey.

This year brings exciting changes to the challenge. There is now one unified challenge for all children, meaning families with babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and primary school children can all participate together in the same adventure. Whether your child is just starting their reading journey or already devouring chapter books, the Story Garden welcomes everyone.

SRC Story Garden Logo

How to Join

Children must have their own Surrey library card to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge. If you already have a Surrey library card but your child does not, simply come along to the library with your card, and we can add your child to your account and issue them their own card in just a few minutes.

Character 01 SRC 2025If neither you nor your child has a Surrey library card, you will need to register first. Adults can join online at www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries, then visit the library with your registration number and identification to collect your cards. Alternatively, visit us in person to register - allow 15-20 minutes and bring identification with your address. We recommend joining before 5th July to ensure you are ready for the challenge launch.

Once signed up, children receive their Story Garden booklet and can choose a character to decorate for our special story garden display board in the library, tracking their progress throughout the summer.

Exclusive Surrey Rewards

Character 02 SRC 2025This year features special incentives unique to Surrey libraries. Children will collect stickers as they read and can earn real seeds to grow their garden. Upon completion, they receive a certificate and a special wristband to wear with pride. Children under three can opt for a gold star sticker instead.

Finishers also receive a book prize to take home and keep, plus an invitation to our celebration event on 13th September from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm at the library. There will also be a special fortnight of Story Garden-themed activities from 11th to 23rd August.

All activities are FREE except for Thursday's The Story of Stoneleigh Local History Walks.

Story Garden Special Activities (11th-23rd August)

Advanced booking is essential for the local history walks and advisable for other sessions as numbers are limited. Book in person at the library or via email to stlibraryops@gmail.com stating the date and title of the session in the heading.

Monday 11th August

10.30-11.30 am: Storytime Special - Bees and Butterflies

For children aged 3-7 years with a parent/carer. Stories and craft.

2.00-4.00 pm: Wonderful Windchimes and Beautiful Bird Feeders

Craft session from recycled materials suitable for children aged 5-11.

Tuesday 12th August

2.30-4.30 pm: Miniature Gardens

Suitable for children aged 5-11.

Thursday 14th August

10.30 am-12.30 pm: Mosaics and Glass Painting

For children aged 8 and over.

Thursday 14th & 21st August

2.00-4.00 pm: The Story of Stoneleigh Local History Walks

Suitable for families and children aged 5 and over.

£15 per family includes a Story of Stoneleigh Book and refreshments (RRP £14.99). £5 per family with no book. The walk starts at Nonsuch Park, London Road entrance nearest to Park Avenue East and finishes at Stoneleigh Community Library.

Booking in person at the library or via email to stlibraryops@gmail.com
(Please include date and number of family members, adults and children in your email.) 

Payment needs to be made in person at the library - either cash or contactless.

Friday 15th & 22nd August

10.30-11.00 am: Rhymetime and Storytime in the Community Room

Children aged 0-5 years.

Saturday 16th August

10.30 am-3.30 pm: Love Lego Story Building Day

Come to the library and build a story out of Lego. Use words and pictures as well as Lego. It can be from your favourite book or from your own imagination. Stories and models will be displayed in the library from 18th August. A family activity, drop in. How big is your imagination?

Monday 18th August - Beyond the Book: Cressida Cowell Day

10.30 am-noon: Which Way To Anywhere Creative Workshop

Suitable for children aged 8 years and older. Includes a brand new free copy of the book Which Way to Anywhere, to take away and keep.

2.30-4.30 pm: How to Train Your Dragon Creative Workshop

Children aged 5 and over. Parents of children under 8 must stay in the library during the session.

Thursday 21st August

10.30 am-12.30 pm: Paper Folding and Origami

For children aged 8 and over.

LEGO in the Library

In addition to the special LEGO story building day on Saturday, 16th August, LEGO will be available to play with in the community room every Saturday during the summer holidays.

Saturday 26th July - 30th August: 10.30 am - 3.00 pm

Adults are required to supervise their own children.

Regular LEGO Club restarts Saturday 6th September 10.30 - 11.30 am and continues on the first Saturday of the month.