The British Council Reading Challenge is back! Reading for pleasure and empowerment not only makes us more aware and informed, but also expands our imagination, helping us become more empathetic and understanding of different people and cultures. It supports health and wellbeing, strengthens our ability to learn new skills, and improves how we communicate ideas. Most importantly, reading brings joy!
What’s the challenge, and how does it work?
This year’s theme, “Story Garden”, invites children into a vibrant world where stories bloom and imagination blossoms. Like a garden filled with diverse flowers, the challenge offers children a rich collection of books that celebrate creativity, kindness, growth and discovery. The garden metaphor provides a compelling framework to engage young minds and nurture lifelong reading habits.
- The essence of the challenge is: “read a book a week.”
- Read four books within four weeks from the curated “Story Garden” collection
- The books are divided into two categories – Younger (5 to 8 years) and Older (9 to 12 years) – from collections displayed in the library.
- Children may borrow only one book at a time, choosing from a wide range of titles on the theme.
- Two engagement sessions will be offered as a premium addition to the Reading Challenge programme.
- On successfully completing the challenge, each participant will receive a certificate and a medal.
Important dates:
Challenge duration: 14 January 2026 to 18 February 2026
Last day to register: 31 December 2025
Registration fee: Members: LKR 4,000/- Register here
Non-members: LKR 6,000/- Register here
Note:
- Registration will be processed at each library customer service counter or by using the above online link.
- All payments can be done at the counter or by paying online using your debit/credit cards
- Parents who register their children will receive an email confirmation from British Council Library team on or before 10 January 2026
- The registration will be towards Reading Challenge Membership which will enable event participation.
- Welcome pack will be given to the registered participants at the orientation session and the date of this session will be informed to the parents in advance.
For more information, drop us an email at library.events@britishcouncil.org or visit in person between Tuesday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at our Colombo/Kandy centres or between Wednesday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at our Jaffna centre.