Essex Libraries: Winter Reading Challenge

Join the Pawfessionals for a winter of reading and fun!

Essex Library Service are once again running a Winter Reading Challenge for children in January, and the theme for 2026 is The Pawfessionals!

Children will join six friendly animal mascots as they explore their dream jobs around Essex. The Pawfessionals will guide children through the challenge, helping them discover new stories and opportunities.

Children will be asked to complete six challenges from a choice of twelve, which include reading and creative activities.

They earn a sticker for each challenge they complete, plus a certificate if they manage to complete six! Completers will also have the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win exciting prizes, including Kindles, book tokens, and toys!

The challenge starts on Saturday 10 January and runs until Sunday 22 February, and children can join at any point during that time.

For more information visit: Children's Challenge | Winter Reading Challenge | Libraries | Essex Library Service

Event details

Date

January 10 - February 22, 2026

Times

12:00pm - 12:00pm

Prices

Free

Who for?

4 to 12-years-old

How to book

No booking required.

Explore Essex

Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out

Or explore events and activities

Related events

Lo res EO Lock Oct24 090 1

Events

The Lock Climbing Wall: Learn to Climb (Two evenings)

This course is recommended for those who want to learn the fundamentals of climbing and how to stay safe in a climbing wall. The course covers all the basics you will need to be able to climb unsupervised in an indoor climbing wall.

  • Dates:
    • January 5, 2026
    • February 2, 2026
    • March 2, 2026
  • Venue: Essex Outdoors Harlow
  • Times: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
  • For adults
  • Price: £78.00 course fee includes all tuition and kit hire plus wall membership (approx. £20.00) to make climbing at The Lock even easier.