Skip to main content

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is here!

This year’s challenge is Read to the Beat!, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and powered by Universal Music Group UK. The theme inspires children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how reading and music both ignite imagination and creativity.

Our library team have been visiting Southport schools to spread the word about this year’s theme and to challenge them to be the best performing school!!

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?

1 in 4 children cannot read well by the age of 11. This hugely limits their life choices and skills. We’re on a mission to change this.

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to keep reading during the summer holidays, ensuring they are ready for a great start to the new term in the autumn. Children set a reading goal and collect rewards for reading and visiting the library.

Children can sign up in the library or online and it’s FREE to take part.

To find out more pop in and speak to one of our librarians or click here.

 

 

Southport Library

The Atkinson is home to Southport Library, offering a range of services to the local community and visitors alike.

Opening Times
Monday – Friday. 10am – 5pm.
Saturday. 10am – 2pm.
(closed Sundays and Bank Holidays)

Contact
0151 934 2118
southport.library@sefton.gov.uk
Southport Library, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DJ

The best way to stay up to date with Sefton Library Service is by visiting their website here.

 

Latest News

VIEW ALL
29 September 2026

Next chapter of Books Alive! revealed as Southport prepares for October half term

The Jolly Postman Book Trail locations unveiled and dozens of free Festival of Stories events announced

21 September 2026

Critically acclaimed Bright Places embarks on
a UK tour with a joyful, unflinching look at
life with multiple sclerosis

Touring the UK this autumn, Bright Places is a joyous and life-affirming show about coming to terms with being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

17 September 2026

Books Alive! Exciting chapter as Southport to become living storybook this October half term!

Southport is to become a living storybook for October half term as Books Alive! brings a world of imagination and adventure to the town.

14 September 2026

THE ZOO IS COMING TO SOUTHPORT!

Rod Campbell’s much-loved Dear Zoo returns live on stage

1 September 2026

The Atkinson in Southport announces cast of this year’s family panto Cinderella

Bringing magic, romance and wicked sisters to Southport this Christmas from 4 - 31 December 2026

25 August 2026

Battle Of Mons Commemoration held in Southport to honour sacrifices made in World War One

A special service was held at Southport War Memorial on Friday (21st August 2026) to mark 112 years since the Battle Of Mons, which took place in Belgium in the early stages of World War One.

14 August 2026

The Next Act: Drama, Music, Comedy and Family Fun Awaits

There's plenty to look forward to on The Atkinson stage in the months ahead. Take a look at the fantastic shows coming soon...

7 August 2026

The Atkinson in Southport celebrating another ‘very good’ rating by Visit England

The Atkinson in Southport has retained its “Very Good” rating after a mystery shopper visit by the national tourism agency, VISIT ENGLAND.

6 August 2026

Join our team:
Marketing Manager

We are seeking a Marketing Manager to lead the development and delivery of innovative marketing, communications and audience development strategies for our ambitious cultural programme.

9 July 2026

Humanitarian, inspirational speaker and tennis coach Sam Jalloh presents new ‘Yes I Can’ show in Southport

Award-winning humanitarian, inspirational speaker and tennis coach Sam Jalloh will be presenting his brand-new show on Friday

8 July 2026

Sefton Young Artist of the Year 2026: Winners Announced!

We are delighted to announce the winners and highly commended young artists of this year's Sefton Young Artist of the Year competition.

7 July 2026

Southport's Golfing History

1 July 2026

Join our team:
Customer Assistants

We’re looking for friendly and reliable Customer Assistants to join our team. Could it be you?

25 June 2026

The Atkinson Celebrates Armed Forces Day

The Atkinson is proud to join the celebrations of Armed Forces Day and will be partially open on Sunday for a day of remembrance and discovery.

13 June 2026

Inspirations: Poetry & Creative Writing Competition 2026

Respond to artworks in our Taking Centre Stage: Female Artists in The Atkinson’s Collection Exhibition and win prizes donated by the Arts Society Southport.

9 June 2026

Southport:
That’s Entertainment

The Atkinson awarded National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to explore Southport’s seaside entertainment heritage

3 June 2026

Young Curator Summer Sessions Sign Up Now Open!

Sign up for this years Young Curator Summer sessions!

2 June 2026

The Sefton Open 2026: A Student's Perspective

A guest review by University of Liverpool Work Placement student, Niamh Humphrey. 

21 May 2026

Joanne Chamberlain awarded Bene Merito honorary distinction

In recognition of outstanding service to the Polish community in Sefton.