Hear your favourite new stories direct from the authors themselves along with free creative workshops in your local libraries!

To celebrate the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, The Young People’s Borough of Culture is proud to present a line up of exciting, interactive and downright FANTASTIC events taking place across Hammersmith and Fulham. They’re totally free, and they star some of the country’s most celebrated children’s authors – you may even recognise some from this year’s Summer Reading Challenge book list!

Readers, illustrators, writers, and young creatives: Step 1 – Check out the events below and decide what you’ll try this summer. Step 2 – collect a sticker at each different workshop you come to (if you get six or more you MIGHT be in the running for a prize…)

Grown ups: Book your free place on as many events as you like by filling out the form or by speaking to your local librarian. These events are recommended for ages 4-11, but siblings of all ages are welcome to join in the fun. 

Hammersmith & Fulham Summer Reading Challenge Events

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I Tell Myself I'm Awesome read by Joshua Seigal with Poetry Writing Workshop

Wednesday 29th July
Fulham Library (2pm) & Avonmore Library (3pm)

• A joyful collection of poems celebrating confidence, imagination and the small moments that make every child feel extraordinary.
• Recommended for 8-11 years.

Running My Own Race read by Abena Eyeson with Workshop

Saturday 1st August
Fulham Library (11am) & Askew Road Library (1pm)

• An inspiring story about believing in yourself and finding the confidence to follow your own path instead of comparing yourself to others.
• Recommended for 8-11 years.

Melody Queen read by Puneet Bhandal with Bollywood Dance Workshop

Tuesday 4th August
Hammersmith Library (2pm) & Avonmore Library (4pm)

• A vibrant story celebrating Bollywood music, dance and self-expression as a young girl discovers the joy of performing.
• Recommended for ages 4–7.

Happy Hills: Attack of the Giant Kittens read by Sophy Henn with Illustration Workshop

Wednesday 12th August
Askew Road Library (1:30pm) & Hammersmith Library (3:30pm)

• When giant kittens cause hilarious chaos, the friends of Happy Hills must work together to save the day with creativity and courage.
• Recommended for 8-11 years.

We Can Be Mermaids read by Lanisha Butterfield with Under the Sea Craft Workshop

Friday 21st August
Avonmore Library (10:30am) & Shepherd's Bush Library (12:30pm)

• Two friends embark on an imaginative underwater adventure that celebrates friendship, play and the magic of pretending.
• Recommended for 4-7 years.

La Liebre y la Tortuga read by Ann Hamilton with Language Learning Game Workshop

Monday 24th August
Shepherd's Bush Library (11am)

• A Spanish-language retelling of the classic fable that teaches children the value of perseverance, patience and determination.
• Una divertida versión en español de la fábula clásica que enseña a los niños la importancia de la perseverancia, la paciencia y la determinación.
• Recommended for 4-7 years.

You Are So Amazing read by James Catchpole with Disability Visibility Workshop

Thursday 27th August
Hammersmith Library (11:30am & 2pm)

• A warm, humorous picture book that encourages children to see disabled people as whole individuals rather than defining them by disability.
• Recommended for 4-7 years (11:30am) or 8-11 years (2pm).

Carnival Queen read by Donette Williams-Harry with Workshop

Friday 28th August
Fulham Library (2pm) & Shepherd's Bush (4pm)

• A colourful celebration of Caribbean Carnival as a young girl discovers pride in her culture, community and creativity while preparing for the big parade.
• Recommended for 4-7 years.

If you have any questions or would like to share access information with us before you attend, please email alice.eve@lyric.co.uk