The Summer Reading Challenge was a mainstay of our summer holidays back in the UK, so we’re thrilled to see that you can also take part in the Summer Book Challenge, Sommarboken, here in Sweden.

The challenge is simple: simply read between three and six books (the exact number varies depending on area) and get a FREE book gift in return.

You can borrow books from the library – always a fun activity for a grey day, especially as many libraries run free events – or read books that you have at home. Listening to audiobooks also counts, as does reading magazines or comics, or having books read to you – whatever works!

Here are how some areas are approaching the challenge – check out your local library for details where you are.

In Malmö, you only need to read three books to get your prize, and you can also submit book reviews digitally or in person. Every library in Malmö is taking part.

Simrishamn asks you to read five books – and you can also take part twice (many libraries specify you can only complete the challenge once)! Physical books must be borrowed from the library, orthey also offer ebooks for ages 6-12 via apps Biblio and Bibblix.

In Ystad, you only need to read three books – and adults can take part too!

Lund offers three different reading challenges:

• The Little Summer Book for ages 0-6: Read six books aloud with your child and get a Pixie Book as a gift.
• Sommarboken for ages 6-16: Read six books and choose a book as a gift.
• Sommarboken Teens for ages 13-19: Read at least one book, then fill out your booklet and hand it in at the library. The more books you read, the greater your chance of winning a gift card to buy books.

Feeling left out? Lund is also offering a reading challenge for adults, around a theme of Nordic authors. Read three books from three different Nordic countries for your chance to win a gift cards that can be used to buy books.

Landskrona also offers a couple of different challenges for different age groups, including a challenge for adults.

• The Dragon’s Little Summer Book for those who have an adult reading aloud to them: After fifteen minutes of reading, paint a flower in the booklet. When all the flowers are painted, pick up a gift book at the library. Download the booklet here.
• Sommarboken for children reading independently up to 16 years old: Read five books that are moderately difficult, then fill in the booklet and pick up a prize book. There will also be a raffle with extra prizes for all participants. Download the booklet here.
• Adults need to read five easy-to-read books, then pick up a booklet at the library to write down the books you have read to be entered in a gift card raffle. Read more here.

Landskrona is also hosting a fika on Friday, 29th August at 10 am to chat about books, and several other FREE book-themed activities including film screenings, crafts and hangouts – find out more here or keep an eye on our What’s On page.

Sommarboken runs until 31st August. Visit your local library for details. Until 24th August, you can also take part online: click here to complete the challenge (note you will need to visit a library to collect your prize). Click here to download a PDF with more information about Sommarboken.