Essex Libraries: Summer Reading Challenge
Join the Essex Libraries for this year's Summer Reading Challenge.
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, delivered by libraries and produced by The Reading Agency, will inspire children to tap into the world of
imagination and reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.
Join the wonderful characters, created by the brilliant children’s illustrator Dapo Adeola, who brings the Story Garden theme to life to create an enchanted world where children can find magical creatures, plants and flowers to inspire their next reading adventure.
Children are encouraged to read any library book of their choice, fiction, non-fiction, picture books or books they share with parents and carers – they all count. They can earn stickers by telling Essex Libraries about the books they’ve read or writing a review.
They can also create a piece of art based on the book or attend a library event. After collecting six stickers they earn their certificate and medal.
Event details
Explore Essex
Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out

Need to know
Explorer Pass
Save money with your Explorer Pass
Our annual Explore Essex Pass will give you and your family the freedom to explore some of the incredible places and green spaces that Essex has to offer, as many times as you like throughout the year, with free parking at seven country parks, 2 or 1 on Sky Ropes, priority booking on specific events, and 10% discounts at many cafes and visitor centres.
Related events

Jaywick Martello Tower Exhibition: Tower at Twenty
Join us in celebrating twenty years of Jaywick Martello Tower!
- Dates: June 26 - August 3, 2025
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Essex Outdoors Bradwell: Sailing Experience Days
Take to the water in a keelboat to experience a day on the River Blackwater with your family.
- Dates:
- July 12, 2025
- July 13, 2025
- July 21, 2025
- July 22, 2025
- July 23, 2025
- (continued …)
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Bradwell
- Times: 10:00am - 4:30pm
- For the whole family
- Price: £210 for up to seven people (minimum age seven)

Essex Outdoors Bradwell: Family Powerboating Experience Days
Take to the water on a powerboat to experience a day on the River Blackwater with your family.
- Dates:
- July 12, 2025
- July 13, 2025
- July 17, 2025
- July 21, 2025
- July 22, 2025
- (continued …)
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Bradwell
- Times: 10:00am - 4:30pm
- For the whole family
- Price: £280 for up to seven people.