Summer Reading, Storytime and a Very Special Postbag at North Leigh Library
This July, I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Summer Reading Challenge roll out across libraries throughout Oxfordshire. The 2026 challenge, Read to the Beat, runs from 4 July to 5 September and is encouraging children to discover the joy of reading, with children able to choose their own books, collect stickers and work towards a certificate and medal.
It has been wonderful to see how libraries are bringing the challenge to life with activities, events and plenty of opportunities for children and families to share their love of books.
This August, I had the real pleasure of visiting North Leigh Library and meeting the fantastic team there for a very special session with local children. North Leigh Library is an important part of the local community, offering not only access to books and digital resources, but also a programme of activities and events for children and families.
We shared the first book in the series together, enjoyed a craft session and set off on an animal quest around the library. It was a lovely opportunity to see children exploring the library in a different way using their imaginations, discovering stories and of course, having lots of fun along the way.
I also loved hearing about the books that children had been choosing to take home from the library this summer as part of their Summer Reading Challenge. There is something particularly special about seeing children excited to talk about the books they have discovered and the stories that have captured their imagination.
But what made this visit extra special was the creativity of a couple of the young visitors and a beautifully hand-sewn Alice the Palace Postwoman postal bag which to my absolute delight, had been filled with a full sack of postal letters!
These weren't just any letters. They were addressed to all the animals featured in the book. What a wonderful example of how a story can inspire children to go beyond simply reading the words on the page and create their own worlds, characters and adventures.
It was one of those moments that perfectly captured what makes reading and libraries so special: a book can become the starting point for storytelling, making, imagination and play and a library can provide the space and encouragement for all of that creativity to flourish.
Oxfordshire County Council highlights the wide range of children's activities available through its libraries, including storytimes, craft activities, author visits and the Summer Reading Challenge. It is clear from visits like this just how much these opportunities can bring to life the simple joy of books and reading.
A big thank you to Lauren who coordinated the event and helped make the whole visit such a lovely experience. And thank you to the wonderful North Leigh Library team including Rosie; the children who joined us, especially Tabitha who handcrafted her postal bag; and everyone who continues to make our libraries such welcoming and creative spaces.
Most of all, thank you to those young readers for reminding us that sometimes the best part of a story is what happens after you close the book.
And who knows.... perhaps those animal characters will be writing back to their very special postwoman soon!
To find out more about the Oxfordshire Libraries Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat, and activities taking place across the county, visit the Oxfordshire County Council Summer Reading Challenge page.
