Free Summer Reading & Activities 2026 at Devon Libraries

2026 Devon Library Summer Activities

Free children’s activities and summer reading quest for Devon holidays

The free Summer Book Quest has returned to Devon libraries for 2026, giving children another brilliant reason to visit their local library over the summer holidays.

Run by Libraries Unlimited, this year’s adventure is called Mission to Wayfarer Island and combines reading with fun activities inspired by all things transport – from bikes and boats to magical ways of travelling. Best of all, it’s completely free to take part.

If you are looking for free activities for your children or grandchildren this summer, then this is a great thing to get involved with and to encourage reading continues over the summer holidays.

Summer Reading Schemes – at a library near you

How Does The Book Quest Work ?

Children aged 4 to 11 can sign up at any Devon or Torbay library from 11 July until 12 September 2026.

Instead of reading a set number of books, each child chooses their own reading goal and earns stickers by reading and completing simple activities, such as drawing a picture, writing a book review or getting active outdoors.

Once they’ve completed their quest they’ll receive a special commemorative medal to celebrate their achievement, making it a fun and flexible challenge for confident readers and reluctant readers alike.

Local libary information can also be found on the Libaries Unlimited Facebook Page.

You can sign up to the reading challenge at any point over the summer.  It’s not just books, comics, poetry and even audio books count too,  great for a long car journey.

Summer Events

Throughout the summer holidays many libraries run clubs like crafts, Lego Club or toddlers sessions.

So what’s not to like? If you are not a regular library goer then why not pop along to your local library and see what takes your fancy – it is a free way to occupy your child during the holidays and you may head home with a book yourself.

One of the things I love most about the Summer Book Quest is that it takes the pressure off children to read a certain number of books. It’s all about discovering stories they enjoy, building confidence and having fun during the school holidays. If you’re looking for a free summer activity in Devon that’s educational, entertaining and suitable whatever the weather, your local library is a fantastic place to start.

It’s one of those places we take for granted, but in the well used phrase – use it or lose it.

Check out other events in the area to keep your family entertained.

Reading Challenges Outside of Devon

The free Summer Book Quest takes place in Libraries Unlimited libraries across Devon and Torbay during the summer holidays. It has replaced the national Summer Reading Challenge in these libraries, giving local children their own reading adventure with books, activities and rewards.

If you’re holidaying in the South West this summer, it’s worth popping into your local library to see what’s on offer. Devon and Torbay libraries are running the Summer Book Quest.

Library services, including those in neighbouring counties of Dorset and Somerset are taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge  – Read to the Beat. It’s also worth a look as there are other challenges, downloads and offers you can access.  

Whichever programme is available, they’re all designed to encourage children to enjoy books during the school holidays – and they’re usually completely free.

 Irlens  / Visual Stress

Not everyone enjoys reading as they get older. My daughter loved it until secondary school and she has now been diagnosed with Irlens or Visual Stress.  With Irlens you can read, but may not like to as it is uncomfortable. Children often appear to get distracted,  look away, not read for very long or find excuses not to.

With visual stress you can read the words in order, but reading a page of lines of text black on white is very uncomfortable. Books where text is broken up by pictures are easier,  which is why it often does no present itself as a reading problem early on and may not be noticed until secondary school when books stop having pictures! (unlike Dyslexia). It is simarly uncomforable to look at horizontal lines like stripy tops or venetian blinds

Find out more here and ask your child (or you) the right questions.

It’s estimated that 15-20% of the population experiences some degree of visual stress and may are completely unaware,  (especially if they have had the all clear for dyslexia). Visual stress often occurs alongside ADHD and other neuro diverse diagnosis.

There is a test for this and coloured overlays are the most popular helpful aide. 

Looking for more free summer activities? You might also enjoy:

Rainy day activities in Devon
Rockpooling adventures
East Devon school holiday days out
Fun things to Do With Teenagers