Things to do this February Half Term
Tue 03/02/2026
What's On This Half Term?
Monday 16 to Saturday 21 February 2026
Check out what’s on in our libraries this February Half Term, from Winter Reading Challenge events, to lots of story based workshops, crafts, science, and more!
Browse these categories below:
- Winter Reading Challenge Events
- Books and Stories: Workshops
- Crafts and Science!
- Learning and Wellbeing
- Regular Events
Winter Reading Challenge Events
Enjoy animal themed crafts, trails, and activities linked with the Pawfessionals, this year’s Winter Reading Challenge mascots. Various libraries throughout the half term week.
Winter Wonder Cops: meet and chat with a real Police Officer at Greenstead. Ask them questions, solve a crime, and design a future police car. Thursday 19 February.
Meet Therapy Dog Mani and read to him to collect a Winter Reading Challenge sticker. Dunmow Library, Friday 20 February from 10am to 12pm.
Books and Stories: Workshops
Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog
Join children's author Terrie Chilvers for an interactive session, including a fun chapter reading, talented dogs quiz and the chance to create a brand-new superstar animal! Free event for 6 to 10 year olds, at Chelmsford and Shenfield Libraries on Saturday 21 February.
The Owl and the Pussy Cat Workshop
In this fun, interactive workshop, children become part of the story; building a pea-green boat, sailing stormy seas, discovering enchanting lands and celebrating under the light of the moon.
Packed with play, movement, and imagination, it’s a joyful way for families to enjoy stories together at the library. Running at various libraries from 14 to 19 February.
Travelling Librarian: High Seas Adventure
Join us as the Travelling Librarian takes to the High Seas! A swash buckling, rhyming story adventure with added sensory magic for all ages! Free event,
No booking required. Brightlingsea library, Tuesday 17 February, 2:30 to 3:30. Harwich library, Friday 20 February, 10:30am to 11:30am.
Enjoy a storytime, a fun scavenger hunt with woodland materials, Winnie the Pooh themed crafts and activities. Galleywood Library on Friday 20 February, 2.30 to 3.30pm.
Enjoy a great storytime, fun activities, meet new friends and be part of the national poll to find the best BookTrust storytime book 2026. Various libraries throughout the week and beyond. Ideal for children under 5.
Crafts and Science!
Help create a window mural for the children’s library at Colchester, with artist Juliet Townsend. 2 Drop-in sessions throughout the day on Thursday 19 February.
Lab in the Library: Polar Wonders
Dive into a world of Polar Wonders! Explore hands-on experiments, uncover fascinating facts about polar bears and penguins, and discover how animals survive extreme cold.
For ages 5 and over. Free event, booking essential. Clacton Library, Tuesday 17 February, 10.30am to 12 noon, 1pm to 2.30pm. Frinton library, Friday 20 February, 10.30am to 12 noon, 1pm to 2.30pm.
Get creative with aquatic crafts and the ocean trail at South Wodham Ferrers on Tuesday 17 February, 10.30am to 12pm.
Learn to make models and get painting tips for your figurines. Saffron Walden Library on Friday 20 February, 5 to 6.30pm.
Learning and Wellbeing
Workshops with Explore Learning
Fun and educational workshops to help children work on skills in writing, telling the time, grammar, and phonics. Various libraries over the week.
A program to help young children identify, understand and express a range of emotions in a safe, supportive environment. Dunmow Library on Saturday 21 February, 3pm to 4pm.
Regular Events
Don't forget to keep an eye on our regular schedule of events over half term and join us for Baby and Toddler Rhymetimes, Block Builders Clubs, and Games Clubs, maybe with some special Halloween and autumnal twists!