THE ever-popular Winter Reading Challenge returns to Essex to inspire everyone to get reading this winter.

The campaign runs from 10 January to 22 February 2026 and invites readers of all ages to cosy up with a good book through the colder months. 

The six-week campaign is part of the Essex Year of Opportunity, a wider initiative by Essex County Council across 2025/26.

Through projects and partnerships with organisations, the Essex Year of Opportunity removes barriers into work and education for all ages by teaching essential skills.

This year’s Winter Reading Challenge stars a charming cast of animal characters, The Pawfessionals. Together they explore the amazing careers that await them in Essex. 

Children can read six books or complete fun, book-related activities to collect stickers of all six characters. Completing the set earns them a certificate and entry into a prize draw, with fantastic rewards up for grabs including children’s Kindles.

There are lots of fun extras waiting to be found. Children can discover the secret Library Quiz Word by finding the hidden letters on the Pawfessional characters uniforms. People can also write a review of their favourite book and post it online for everyone to see.

Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for the Arts, Heritage and Culture at Essex County Council, said: “This is a lovely time of year to cosy up inside with a bunch of books and make great progress through the Winter Reading Challenge.

“This year the Pawfessionals keep the reading challenge fun and engaging for children while adults are also invited to join in with the online Reading Bingo Challenge, which features prompts to shake up their reading habits.

“Parents and guardians can visit any Essex library from today to start their children’s journey towards their certificate and prize draw entry.”

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability at Essex County Council, said: “Reading challenges like this keep children and families engaged throughout the year. It helps build literacy skills and spark curiosity and imagination, which are key ingredients for lifelong learning. By linking this challenge to the Essex Year of Opportunity, we’re showing how stories can lead to personal development.”

Families can sign up to the Winter Reading Challenge at any Essex library and find out more at https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/

Library staff will provide a challenge sheet and everything needed to get started.