Library Events

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

Madison-based estate planning and elder law attorney Erin Duques will discuss how to protect your house and assets from Connecticut’s long-term care costs in this “Aging in Place” program presented by Essex Library. REGISTER HERE.Did you know that Connecticut is among the top three...read more

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 an interest group for writers. Come meet fellow writers to socialize for half an hour, followed by an hour of writing time. No prompts. No critique. Just write! All levels and all genre...read more

Join us for an unforgettable experience as we chat online with Vanessa Riley about her newest book, Fire Sword and Sea, based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. REGISTER HERE.The Caribbean Sea, 1675. Jacquotte Delahaye is the mixed-race daughter of a wealthy tavern owner...read more

Program for kids ages 2-5.February is National Library Lover's Month, so let’s celebrate with a library-themed story time!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 ...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.

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

When temperatures drop and winter settles in, many people pack up their binoculars—but winter in Connecticut is one of the most exciting times to go birding! As waterfowl and Arctic species move south, the state’s coastline becomes a seasonal hotspot for birds. Join CT Audubon Society&rs...read more

Program for families with kids of all ages.Celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day with us! Explore a fun sensory walk in the children’s room, get creative with open art activities in the program room, and enjoy a caricature artist from 1:00–2:00, and a face painter from 2:00-3:00 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.

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

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.

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

Program for kids age 5-12. Kids age 5-8 must have an adult participate alongside.It’s a half-day, spend it at the library! Join us for a sweet and cozy treat-making experience! Participants will learn how to make classic s’mores (no campfire required)! Roast marshmallows, layer them with...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!

Feminist philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart’s book, The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic, tells the stories of Negro Mammies of slavery; the Voodoo Queens and Blues Women of Reconstruction; and the Granny Midwives and textile weavers...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

Felicia Millet, a research technician with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, will present “Growing Annuals from Seeds” on Feb. 12 at 6:00 p.m.Starting annuals from seed can be a great way to produce a large number of plants for the garden while reducing the cost of purchas...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.Celebrate friendship and love at our Valentine’s story time with books, songs, and activities for little ones!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 pr...read more

Join us at Essex Library for a performance of “Gracias a la Vida: Spanish & Latin Songs of Life and Romance” by the Entwyned Early Music group. The group features three professionally trained musicians who specialize in music from the 15th to the 21st centuries played on&nb...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 age 5-12. Celebrate Valentine’s Day by creating a small heart-shaped pillow, no sewing required! Participants will cut, tie, and stuff their pillows to take home as a sweet keepsake or gift for someone special. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Regis...read more

   We have open seats on our Teen Advisory Board! We’re recruiting teens of all ages to help us make the library a better place for young adults. Help us choose books, plan programs, design the teen department and mentor young readers, all the while earning volunteer service hou...read more

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!

Program for kids ages 8-12.This month is all about Warrior Cats!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 ...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

Who doesn’t love learning about a priceless painting found in an attic? Or a sculpture sitting for decades in a public garden, only to be found out as an Italian treasure?After finding herself in the middle of her own art history discovery when she uncovered the provenance of a Rodin sculpture...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.Join us for a tooth-rific story time celebrating National Family Dental Health Day with fun stories, songs, smiles, special guest readers from Essex Dentist, and goodies to take home!Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn early literacy con...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 age 5-12. Have we had enough snow this winter? Let’s make some of our own! Kids are invited to bring the magic indoors by conducting an experiment to make your very own fake snow that even feels cold!Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is requi...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.

Tom D. Crouch, a Smithsonian veteran of almost 45 years, paints a robust picture of a unique American establishment and its lasting legacies in his book Smithson’s Gamble. REGISTER HERE.Follow the fascinating growth and development of the world's largest museum and research complex du...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.

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!

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

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.Vroom, beep, and honk! Celebrate all of the ‘things that go’ at our story time full of books, songs, and fun for little vehicle enthusiasts!Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn early literacy concepts like colors, shapes, oppo...read more

Program for kids ages 8-12.Join us on Pokémon Day with a party celebrating all things Pokémon! Complete a Pokémon-themed scavenger hunt, play BINGO, test your Pokémon trivia, and create a fun Pokémon craft. Essex Library programs are free and open to the publi...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 age 5-12. Unleash your inner wizard and create magical dragon eggs using air‑dry clay, beads, & jewels! We’ll form our eggs around foil cores, press in shimmering decorations, and then paint and texture them into mystical treasures worthy of any fantasy hoard. Feel free to...read more

It’s winter in New England. Embrace the cozy life! Stay warm, read for fun, and win prizes.Participation enters you in the running for free books and an exceptional raffle basket featuring free hardcovers, enticing gift cards and other goodies! You can register on our website, in person, or by...read more

Join award-winning novelist Catherine Con Morse for a creative writing workshop followed by a Q&A and book-signing! In this class, you'll learn how to write compelling characters and fresh descriptions through a variety of fun writing exercises. Catherine is the author of The Notes and The S...read more