This year the Summer Reading Challenge is happening online and, as always, it's free to take part! Families can register now and get reading.

If you're unsure what Silly Squad is all about, watch our handy video guide for tips on how to sign up and get the most out of the challenge. 

New for this year: each child has the opportunity to set their own reading target, so you can choose to read any - and as many - books as you like! You'll be in charge of recording your reads online, unlocking fun rewards as you head towards your target.

Try something new, reread an old favourite, request some books to collect from your local library or download eBooks, eAudiobooks and eComics from our eLibrary. 

And if you're ready to get really silly, keep an eye on our Silly Squad page for special West Sussex content throughout the summer holidays!

Browsing in the library isn’t available yet, so let us do the work for you. Whatever you like to read or listen to, our expert staff are ready to hand-pick a selection just for you!

While the library catalogue has reopened for reservations, we appreciate that not everyone knows exactly what they want to borrow - that's where Staff Select comes in. To take advantage of this free service, complete the form with your reading preferences and let us do the rest.

In the first week of Staff Select, we received over 300 completed forms! If you’re in need of ideas for your form, here are some example requests:

• Crime, psychological thrillers
• Large Print saga/wartime novels
• Fiction books about space or dinosaurs for a four-year-old
• Newborn baby parenting books
• Light-hearted adult fiction

Once your items are available, the library will contact you to arrange a timed slot to collect them from the front doors of the building during our more limited opening hours. If you’re not able to get to the library to collect your items, we may be able to deliver them to your door – just indicate this on the form.

It's good news for you if there's a particular title you've had your eye on during Lockdown. For customers who know exactly what they're looking for, individual requests can now be made again via the library catalogue.

And it gets better... Currently, reservations for all types of stock are free, including adult fiction! Even though library buildings have been closed, we've continued to order new titles as they have been published. Look out for the latest releases by your favourite authors, as well as new copies of some of the old favourites.

Don’t forget that you can reserve and borrow up to 20 items at a time on your library card. So what are you waiting for?

Your local West Sussex libraries are currently only open for returns and pre-booked collections at the library door.

We have temporary opening hours in place for each library so that staff can continue to work safely. These times are being reviewed and updated regularly, so do check our website before making your journey.

Do you have a neighbour or relative who is stumped by Skype? Exhausted by emails? Anxious about online shopping?

Perhaps they haven’t got around to reading or listening to books from our free eLibrary yet because they aren’t confident in setting up the app on their smartphone, tablet or computer?

Please let them know that they can call our special Remote Digital Support helpline on 0330 222 3455, Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm, to be paired up with a library volunteer who will offer support for a basic digital need.

Whatever the issue, you can also email us at library.digital.support@westsussex.gov.uk. Our brilliant Digital Volunteers are ready and waiting to help you - or someone you know!