Warm Winter Read 2026

You can take part online or on paper.

Register online at readbooks.com.au/wwr, or visit your local library branch to collect a paper reading tracker. 

Anything you like! Reading can include a physical book, an eBook or an audiobook. It can be a short book, something you’ve already read, or something you borrowed just because the cover looked good.

This year’s Warm Winter Read themes include cosy mystery, comedy, fantasy, romance, sci-fi, house and garden, and crime. You can follow the themes, ask library staff for a recommendation, browse the shelves, download something from the library’s digital collection, or finally read the book that has been sitting on your bedside table for longer than you’d like to admit.

Yes! You can earn entries by rating or reviewing books, or by tracking your reading days.

Level One: Rate or review one book and/or track five days of reading.
Prize: Book Bundle

Level Two: Rate or review three books and/or track ten days of reading.
Prize: Bookish Hamper

Level Three: Rate or review six books and/or track twenty days of reading.
Prize: Sony Headphones

Level Four: Rate or review nine books and/or track forty-five days of reading.
Prize: Kobo eReader

Each level gives you an entry into the prize draw, and the more you read or review, the more chances you have.

Yes, but they are optional and actually pretty fun. You can create a cosy reading spot, share a reading hack, start a new series, read with a “strange familiar” otherwise known as your pet being nosy near a book, or give yourself permission to DNF a book. (And yes, DNF means “did not finish”. Life is too short to force yourself through a book you are not enjoying.)

Sign up at readbooks.com.au/wwr or visit your local library branch to collect a paper tracker. A reminder that you can join the challenge anytime between 1 June to 31 August.

This year, seven Australian authors are joining the Warm Winter Read campaign to highlight their newest books and share four of their top reading picks.

Visit your local Myli library to collect bookmarks featuring reading recommendations from:

• Kate Solly
• Shaun Micallef
• Keshe Chow
• Melanie Saward
• John Morrissey
• Jaclyn Crupi
• Jo Dixon

Need help choosing your next read? Ask our library staff for a recommendation.

1. Set a goal that actually suits your life
Maybe it’s 10 minutes before bed, one audiobook on your commute, or a few pages on the weekend. Start with something achievable, not something that makes reading feel like homework.

2. Make a little reading time
Pop it in your calendar, set a reminder, or pair it with something you already do, like your morning coffee or winding down at night. Sometimes reading happens because you made a tiny bit of room for it.

3. Keep a book within reach
Carry a book, download an eBook, or have an audiobook ready to go. Waiting rooms, lunch breaks and school pick-up lines are all excellent sneaky reading spots.

4. Find your book people
Ask a friend what they’re reading, follow bookish accounts online, join a book club, or chat with library staff. Reading is lovely on your own, but it’s even better when you can talk about the good, weird or wildly overrated books afterwards.

5. Keep a “want to read” list
We’ve all seen a book, thought “I’ll remember that”, and then absolutely did not remember that. Keep a list on your phone, in a notebook, or in your library account so your next read is easier to find.

6. Remove distraction
You don’t need a perfect cosy reading nook, though lovely if you have one. Try putting your phone out of reach, turning off notifications, or choosing a quieter spot for a few minutes. Tiny changes help.