Children across Cornwall are being invited to take part in the Cornwall Reading Challenge – and they’ll get a free swim voucher just for taking part.Organised by Cornwall Libraries, the challenge encourages children to read during the summer holidays.The theme is Extraordinary Explorers and there are two challenges for children to take part in.Children who sign up to the Reading Quest are encouraged to read six stories throughout the summer.The One and All Adventure is an inclusive alternative challenge aimed at those who are not yet reading and older children with additional needs.Children can sign up at their local library from July 11. They will receive a free challenge booklet featuring three characters specially designed for the challenge by local illustrator Emma McCann.Cornwall Libraries has partnered with local leisure providers to offer a free swim voucher for every child that takes part. Children will receive further prizes to keep them motivated throughout the challenge.Every child that completes the challenge will receive a medal, a certificate and a Treasure Trail - an exciting treasure hunt for your local town.Cornwall’s libraries offer a range of books to choose from including fiction and non-fiction books, audiobooks and dyslexia-friendly books.Councillor Sarah Preece, the Cabinet Member for Tourism, Localism and Planning with responsibility for libraries at Cornwall Council, said: “The Cornwall Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to build children’s confidence and help foster a lifelong love of reading.“This year is the National Year of Reading so it’s the perfect time for families to explore their local library and sign up to this exciting challenge.“There are some fantastic rewards up for grabs, including treasure hunts that have been specifically designed for towns across Cornwall.“I’m sure our extraordinary explorers will have a fabulous time taking part.”Libraries across Cornwall will be offering free events and activities throughout the summer to tie in with this year’s theme. These include draw-alongs to learn how to draw this year’s characters, author visits, craft activities, writing workshops and more.Stay updated by following Cornwall Libraries on Facebook, or pop into your local library to find out more.Press release issued on July 10, 2026