Winter Reads 2026

Winter Reads

1 November 2026 – 31 January 2027

Complete 6 fun challenges through the winter months for a chance to win prizes!

Winter Reads is a series of exciting reading challenges and events for all ages, taking place across Hertfordshire libraries until the end of January.

We have created a separate challenge for adults and children. You can either work through the challenges we set or change them to suit you.

Here’s how it works:

Pick up your challenge materials from your local library. Adults get a Winter Reads bookmark. Children receive a Winter Reads challenge card.
Complete and record your challenges on your bookmark or challenge card.
Return to your local library to get a stamp or sticker for each completed challenge.

By completing this year’s Winter Reads challenge, you could win tickets to a brilliant Hertfordshire attraction. When you finish the challenge, your name will be entered into our countywide draw with 5 excellent prizes:

a cruise down the Grand Union Canal for up to 12 people, courtesy of Waterways Experiences
a family ticket to Hertfordshire Zoo
a family ticket to Lee Valley White Water Centre
2 tickets to The Rex
2 tickets to Watford Colosseum.

There will also be runner-up prizes of book tokens.

As well as being a great way to explore new books, authors and genres, Winter Reads is a brilliant opportunity to read together as a family or with friends.

Events

Children's Winter Reads events

Piers Torday: Books According to Dog and Owl, 28 Nov 2026, 1.30–2.30pm, Welwyn Garden City Library.

Piers Torday: Books According to Dog and Owl, 28 Nov 2026, 3.45–4.45pm, Hitchin Library.

M G Leonard: reading and Q&A, 12 Dec 2026, 11am–12pm, St Albans Library.

M G Leonard: writing workshop, 12 Dec 2026, 2–3pm, St Albans.

Alice Hemming: The Snow Thief, 9 Jan 2027, 10.15–11.15am, Radlett Library.

Abiola Bello: reading and Q&A, 30 Jan 2027, 2pm, Watford Library.

Abiola Bello: writing workshop, 30 Jan 2027, 4pm, North Watford Library.

Adults' Winter Reads events

David Baldacci – a BorrowBox Watch Party, 4 Nov 2026, 6.30–8pm, North Watford Library.

David Baldacci – a BorrowBox Watch Party, 12 Nov 2026, 7–8.30pm, Baldock Library.

Carol Cooper: The objects that shaped medicine, 12 Nov 2026, 7–8pm, Royston Library.

Kate Atkinson – a BorrowBox Watch Party, 2 Dec 2026, 6.30–8pm, North Watford Library.

Matt Haig – a BorrowBox Watch Party, 6 Jan 2027, 6.30–8pm, North Watford Library.

Alice Hemming: How to Write a Picture Book, 9 Jan 2027, 5.30–7pm, Bishop's Stortford Library.

Matt Haig – a BorrowBox Watch Party, 19 Jan 2027, 7–8.30pm, Oxhey Library.

See all library events

What should I read?

If you’re looking for inspiration on what to read as part of the challenge, chatting with staff at your local library is a great place to start. Make sure to wander round and browse the book displays or at home search our online catalogue.

Don’t forget that digital books and audio also count, so why not have a look at the Winter Reads shelves for adults and children in our BorrowBox collection.

You could also check out our Hertfordshire Libraries Facebook and HertsReads Instagram accounts. We’ll be posting regular ideas and suggestions for each of the challenges, and it’s a great way to get inspired and share ideas!

The challenges!

Adult challenges

Read a book from a Winter Reads display.
Judge a book by its cover: if it looks good, read it!
Read or listen to a book on BorrowBox.
Try a completely new genre.
Read a non-fiction book.
Attend a library event.
Read a page a day during the challenge.
Payback! Read a book you couldn’t finish first time around.
Write a review for your library’s display.
Read a book with a one-word title.
Read a book by a first-time author.
Wild Card – create your own challenge!

Children’s challenges

Discover a new author.
Lucky Dip: choose a book from a shelf with your eyes closed!
Fact Finder: read a new information book.
Read a book from a Winter Reads display.
Draw a picture of your favourite book character.
Attend a library event.
Read a book with a one-word title.
Write a book review for your library’s display.
Read a book recommended by a friend.
Write your own short winter story or poem.
Read a book for fun, just to make you laugh.
Wild card – create your own challenge!

Terms and conditions

Eligibility

The Winter Reads Challenge is open to all ages. However, you must be a library member. There will be separate prize draws for adults (14+) and children.

Participants must have completed the challenge and filled out a prize draw card by 31 January 2027 to enter.

Each participant can only enter the challenge once.

Challenge duration

The challenge will run from 1 November 2026 to 31 January 2027.

Participation

Participants collect their challenge materials from a Hertfordshire library and get their completed challenges stamped by a member of staff.

Books read must be from Hertfordshire Library or e-library.

Participants choose what challenges they would like to complete.

Prize draw

There will be 2 separate prize draws: 1 for adults and 1 for children.

Winners will be chosen randomly using a random generator tool.

The draw will take place during the week commencing 8 February 2027 and winners will be notified via email by their local library from this date.

Winners have 1 week to accept the prize and arrange a time for collection. If a prize is not accepted within this period, a new winner will be chosen at random.

Prizes

Tickets to a variety of Hertfordshire attractions are available. These attractions cover a range of interests and locations.

Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other items.

Photo and image consent

Winners will be asked to provide a photo for social media and an image consent form will be filled out on the day.

Providing a photo is not mandatory and winners can refuse to have their photo taken.

General conditions

By participating in the Winter Read Challenge, participants agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

The organisers reserve the right to modify or cancel the challenge at any time without prior notice.

Any personal information collected during the challenge will be used solely for the purpose of administering the challenge and will not be shared with third parties.