British Council launches Reading Challenge 2026 for children at Delhi library this June
NEW DELHI: British Council has announced the launch of Reading Challenge 2026, a four-week reading programme for children aged between 5 and 12 years at the British Council Library in Delhi. The initiative will run from June 1 to June 28 and is centred on the theme ‘Discover Your Story’.
The programme has been designed to encourage children to build reading habits through books that match their personal interests and imagination. Registrations for the initiative are open to both members and non-members until May 28.
Programme focuses on independent reading
The latest edition of the annual reading initiative moves away from fixed reading lists and allows participants to select books of their choice across genres, authors and themes. The programme aims to help children explore reading independently while developing confidence and curiosity through stories and ideas.
Participants will take part in reading sessions and activities spread across four weeks at the British Council Library in New Delhi. Alongside reading, children will also join storytelling sessions, discussions, creative writing exercises and interactive activities designed around books and imagination.
The initiative has been divided into two age categories — 5 to 8 years and 9 to 12 years. An orientation session for participants will be held on May 30 before the programme begins in June.
Certificates and medals for participants
Children who complete the Reading Challenge 2026 programme successfully will receive certificates and medals from the organisers. According to the British Council, the activities have been planned to make reading more engaging and exploratory for young participants.
The participation fee has been fixed at Rs 1000 for British Council members and Rs 1500 for non-members. The challenge is open to all eligible children irrespective of membership status.
British Council said the programme is part of its efforts to promote reading, creativity and engagement with literature among young learners through interactive experiences at its Delhi library.
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It works across arts, culture, education and the English language in more than 200 countries and territories. According to the organisation, it reached 600 million people globally during 2024-25.
The programme has been designed to encourage children to build reading habits through books that match their personal interests and imagination. Registrations for the initiative are open to both members and non-members until May 28.
Programme focuses on independent reading
The latest edition of the annual reading initiative moves away from fixed reading lists and allows participants to select books of their choice across genres, authors and themes. The programme aims to help children explore reading independently while developing confidence and curiosity through stories and ideas.
Participants will take part in reading sessions and activities spread across four weeks at the British Council Library in New Delhi. Alongside reading, children will also join storytelling sessions, discussions, creative writing exercises and interactive activities designed around books and imagination.
The initiative has been divided into two age categories — 5 to 8 years and 9 to 12 years. An orientation session for participants will be held on May 30 before the programme begins in June.
Certificates and medals for participants
Children who complete the Reading Challenge 2026 programme successfully will receive certificates and medals from the organisers. According to the British Council, the activities have been planned to make reading more engaging and exploratory for young participants.
The participation fee has been fixed at Rs 1000 for British Council members and Rs 1500 for non-members. The challenge is open to all eligible children irrespective of membership status.
British Council said the programme is part of its efforts to promote reading, creativity and engagement with literature among young learners through interactive experiences at its Delhi library.
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It works across arts, culture, education and the English language in more than 200 countries and territories. According to the organisation, it reached 600 million people globally during 2024-25.
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