Library Events

Program for kids ages 8-12.Curious about Dungeons & Dragons but not sure where to start? Join our in-house DM (Dungeon Master) Evie for an adventurous introduction to the world of D&D! Learn the basics of creating a character, rolling dice, and working together to tell an epic story filled w...read more

Program for kids ages 0-3 and their caregivers, siblings welcome!Wiggle Worms is a play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers!Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.No registration required.

Program for kids ages 6-12.Please join award-winning polymer clay artist Deb Jaffe as she guides your micro-Michelangelo through making a one-of-a-kind magic wand. Each participant will make their very own wand imbued with all the creativity and magic in their spirit. Each wand will be as unique as ...read more

Drop-in group. Every monday.Meet up with other beginner to intermediate French speakers to practice conversation in a friendly environment.

Enjoy a movie on the big screen in the Buel Room of Essex Library! When intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse (Cate Blanchett) is suspected of betraying the nation, her husband (Michael Fassbender) - also a legendary agent - faces the ultimate test of whether to be loyal to his marriage, or his count...read more

Drop-in group. Every Monday.Knit, crochet, embroider, needlepoint, and more are welcome! Come and do needlework with other craft enthusiasts. Bring your works in progress, your finished pieces, your patterns, and craft along with others while swapping tips, tricks, and conversation.

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3)This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!No registration required.Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3)This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!No registration required.Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

Drop-in group. Every Tuesday.Meet up with other beginner to intermediate French speakers to practice conversation in a friendly environment.

Program for kids birth – age 5.Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop...read more

Ciao! Buongiorno! Buonasera! Come to the Library on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. to converse with other beginner to intermediate Italian speakers in a supportive environment, led by a former Italian professor. No registration necessary! Drop-in!

The First Thursday Book Group typically meets on the first Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. Adult Services Librarian Elizabeth Reinhart moderates the discussion. For each month's selection, please visit the library's book groups page on its website, HERE.If you would like to join by Zoom, pl...read more

Join us and play the "world’s greatest role-playing game." (Or other TTRPG's as requested!)Come create your own character and join the adventure where we will fight monsters and explore new lands. Both new and experienced players are welcome. These sessions are for teen players.R...read more

“Whales, Whaling, and Whalemen” explores the history of an industry built on the backs of the ocean's greatest creatures; whaling was a cornerstone of nineteenth century life. From oil lamps illuminating the world to revolutionary factories, we will explore the motivations behind thi...read more

Program for kids ages 2-5.Join us for a special story time celebrating our local police officers! We’ll read fun books about these important community helpers, and kids will have the chance to meet a real police officer!Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn e...read more

The Saturday Book Group meets in the Library’s conference room at 9:30 a.m. This group reads the same book as the First Thursday book group. Adult Services Librarian Elizabeth Reinhart moderates the discussion. If you would like to join by Zoom, please email Elizabeth at ereinhart@es...read more

Program for families with kids of all ages.Have you ever come across mysterious animal tracks while wandering through the woods and wondered, “Who’s been walking in these woods?” Discover the answers on a special family-friendly hike led by Naturalist Phil Miller.During this one-ho...read more

Discover the timeless beauty of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese technique of mending and embroidery that transforms simple stitches into bold, geometric patterns.In this hands-on workshop for adults aged 19 and up, Catherine Karp will demonstrate how to use Sashiko’s signature “small sta...read more

Drop-in group. Every monday.Meet up with other beginner to intermediate French speakers to practice conversation in a friendly environment.

Drop-in group. Every Monday.Knit, crochet, embroider, needlepoint, and more are welcome! Come and do needlework with other craft enthusiasts. Bring your works in progress, your finished pieces, your patterns, and craft along with others while swapping tips, tricks, and conversation.

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3)This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!No registration required.Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3)This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!No registration required.Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

The Historical Fiction book group typically meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the Library's conference room. Adult Services Librarian Elizabeth Reinhart moderates the discussion. Visit the library's book groups tab on its website for each month's selection, HERE....read more

Join us for an online discussion with prominent cultural writer and bestselling author David Brooks on his book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply, in which he helps us pose essential questions: If you want to know a person, what kind of attention should you cast on the...read more

Drop-in group. 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month.Meet up with other genealogy aficionados, talk about resources, share your own genealogy journey, ask questions, and more! Great group for beginners looking to get into the community and long-time enthusiasts looking to meet new friends and sh...read more

Drop-in group. Every Tuesday.Meet up with other beginner to intermediate French speakers to practice conversation in a friendly environment.

Program for families with kids of all ages.Reading to a therapy dog has been proven to improve reading skills, self-esteem, and confidence in public speaking sessions. Kids are invited to sign up for a private 15-minute slot to read to and interact with local licensed therapy dog Louie the Labrador!...read more

Program for families with kids of all ages.Reading to a therapy dog has been proven to improve reading skills, self-esteem, and confidence in public speaking sessions. Kids are invited to sign up for a private 15-minute slot to read to and interact with local licensed therapy dog Louie the Labrador!...read more

Program for families with kids of all ages.Reading to a therapy dog has been proven to improve reading skills, self-esteem, and confidence in public speaking sessions. Kids are invited to sign up for a private 15-minute slot to read to and interact with local licensed therapy dog Louie the Labrador!...read more

Drop-in group. 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month.If you need time and a place to focus on your writing, the library has set aside a block of time just for you with a new interest group for writers. Come meet fellow writers to socialize for half an hour, followed by an hour of writing time. No p...read more

Program for kids birth – age 5.Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop...read more

Are you looking for a casual way to meet new people and socialize in a fun way? Visit the Essex Library this month to play a low-stress, engaging adult board game! Participants can choose from a variety of games including Parcheesi, Scrabble or Checkers, among other options. This program is FREE and...read more

Ciao! Buongiorno! Buonasera! Come to the Library on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. to converse with other beginner to intermediate Italian speakers in a supportive environment, led by a former Italian professor. No registration necessary! Drop-in!

Program for kids ages 8-12.This month is all about Bad Guys!Love Graphic Novels? Come be a part of Comic Crew! Each month kids can learn about a different comic book/graphic novel from our children’s collection and participate in special activities based on the book or series! Fans of the seri...read more

Mallory Mortillaro created an international sensation when - as a part-time cataloguer for the Hartley Dodge Foundation - she identified and authenticated an Auguste Rodin sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte hiding in plain sight in Madison Borough Hall, New Jersey. In this virtual program presented by ...read more

In this 3-part yoga series, yogis will learn valuable breathing and movement sequences that will connect their mind and body.  Each 45-minute class will include deep stretching and just a hint of strength work to help keep bodies healthy and agile. Modifications will be provided for anyone that...read more

Program for kids ages 2-5.Unleash your inner monster at our Yetis & Abominable Snowmen story time, where frosty tales and snowy adventures await! Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn early literacy concepts like colors, shapes, opposites, the ABCs and much mor...read more

Program for families with kids ages 6-12.Families are invited to join Valley Regional High School art teacher Jessica Stedman to complete a winter-themed painting! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Drop-in group. Every monday.Meet up with other beginner to intermediate French speakers to practice conversation in a friendly environment.

Drop-in group. Every Monday.Knit, crochet, embroider, needlepoint, and more are welcome! Come and do needlework with other craft enthusiasts. Bring your works in progress, your finished pieces, your patterns, and craft along with others while swapping tips, tricks, and conversation.

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3)This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!No registration required.Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3)This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!No registration required.Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

Be sure to jump start your new year with us as we chat virtually with journalist and author Julia Hotz about her book The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging. Register Here.The Connection Cure combines diligent science reporting, moving ...read more

Drop-in group. Every Tuesday.Meet up with other beginner to intermediate French speakers to practice conversation in a friendly environment.

Program for kids birth – age 5.Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop...read more

Ciao! Buongiorno! Buonasera! Come to the Library on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. to converse with other beginner to intermediate Italian speakers in a supportive environment, led by a former Italian professor. No registration necessary! Drop-in!

Program for kids ages 5-10.What do animals do when the weather gets cold? Together, we will investigate how animals manage during the winter season. Join Steward Outdoor Day School for a hands-on STEAM experience that blends science, nature, and art. Let’s spark curiosity and creativity togeth...read more

Program for kids ages 8-12.Join Children’s Librarian Miss Nicole and Teen Librarian Miss Jessica for a fun, behind-the-scenes look at life as a librarian. Across four exciting sessions from January to April, Junior Librarians will explore everything from keeping the library organized, and crea...read more

Join us and play the "world’s greatest role-playing game." (Or other TTRPG's as requested!)Come create your own character and join the adventure where we will fight monsters and explore new lands. Both new and experienced players are welcome. These sessions are for teen players.R...read more

Before bridge crossings spanned the Connecticut River, almost two dozen ferries moved people and cargo from one bank to another. The oldest ferry passage launched in 1641; today you can still cross the river by ferry, but only at two crossings.Captain Paul Costello will share the histories of the Ch...read more

In this 3-part yoga series, yogis will learn valuable breathing and movement sequences that will connect their mind and body.  Each 45-minute class will include deep stretching and just a hint of strength work to help keep bodies healthy and agile. Modifications will be provided for anyone that...read more

Program for kids ages 2-5.Zoom into winter with our sledding story time, full of frosty tales, laughter, and snowy adventures!Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn early literacy concepts like colors, shapes, opposites, the ABCs and much more, to prepare our pre-sc...read more

Program for kids ages 0-3 and their caregivers, siblings welcome!Wiggle Worms is a play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers!Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.No registration required.

Program for kids ages 6-12.Who doesn’t love super cute, wiggly Axolotls? Now you can make your very own… out of colorful pony beads! Join Miss Nicole for a hands-on craft where kids will design and assemble adorable axolotl keychains to take home, showing off their creativity and love f...read more

Drop-in group. Every monday.Meet up with other beginner to intermediate French speakers to practice conversation in a friendly environment.

Drop-in group. Every Monday.Knit, crochet, embroider, needlepoint, and more are welcome! Come and do needlework with other craft enthusiasts. Bring your works in progress, your finished pieces, your patterns, and craft along with others while swapping tips, tricks, and conversation.

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3)This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!No registration required.Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3)This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!No registration required.Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

Drop-in group. 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month.Meet up with other genealogy aficionados, talk about resources, share your own genealogy journey, ask questions, and more! Great group for beginners looking to get into the community and long-time enthusiasts looking to meet new friends and sh...read more

Drop-in group. Every Tuesday.Meet up with other beginner to intermediate French speakers to practice conversation in a friendly environment.

Drop-in group. 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month.If you need time and a place to focus on your writing, the library has set aside a block of time just for you with a new interest group for writers. Come meet fellow writers to socialize for half an hour, followed by an hour of writing time. No p...read more

Program for kids birth – age 5.Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop...read more

Ciao! Buongiorno! Buonasera! Come to the Library on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. to converse with other beginner to intermediate Italian speakers in a supportive environment, led by a former Italian professor. No registration necessary! Drop-in!

We are thrilled to welcome Liz Moore to discuss her latest work, The God of the Woods, an instant New York Times bestseller and one of NPR’s 2024 “Books We Love” highlights. REGISTER HERE.Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occup...read more

Join us at Essex Library for a fun and flavorful “Introduction to Sourdough” program that is simple, engaging and perfect for curious beginners!This class covers everything aspiring home bakers need to get started with sourdough, including:● How to care for and maintain a sourdough start...read more

In this 3-part yoga series, yogis will learn valuable breathing and movement sequences that will connect their mind and body.  Each 45-minute class will include deep stretching and just a hint of strength work to help keep bodies healthy and agile. Modifications will be provided for anyone that...read more

Program for kids ages 2-5.Explore the world through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch at our 5 Senses story time, filled with engaging stories and fun sensory activities!Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn early literacy concepts like colors, shapes, opposite...read more

Program for kids ages 0-3 and their caregivers, siblings welcome!Wiggle Worms is a play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers!Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.No registration required.

Program for kids ages 5-12.Get ready to shake things up (literally)! As part of our STEAM Saturdays meets Junior Chefs kids program series, kids will explore the science behind turning cream into butter, learning how this delicious transformation works, and enjoying the tasty results of their hard w...read more