Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers. Bring a blanket to sit on, and a snack to enjoy, while we read books, dance around, and sing songs in the park! This program will be held at Grove Street Park, 16 Grove St, Essex, CT. In the event of rain, story time will not be held. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Program for kids ages birth-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, squish, pour, and play with a variety of textures and materials in a safe, supportive space alongside their caregivers. This program supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and social interaction—come play, learn, and make a (little) mess with us! Program funded in part by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration required. Drop in!
Program open to children of all ages. Join Essex and Ivoryton Libraries to end the summer with and End of Summer Carnival, hosted by The Carnival Party! Play custom carnival games like Fling Shot, Frog Flip, Knock Down, Beach Ball Bounce, and more! You won't want to miss this awesome event! The Carnival Party, LLC started as one birthday party and one school carnival event in 2002 and has grown to over 400 events a year. All of our games are custom designed and built. We bring all the games, we do all of the set up and then we run the event activities. Easy for you, Super fun For your guests. We have options for all ages, young and old! This program will be held at the Essex Town Green, 12 Main St, Essex, CT. In the event of rain, this program will be held in the Essex Town Hall Auditorium, 29 West Ave, Essex, CT. This program is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
This is the second class of a 3-part meditation and mindfulness series with Caryl Horner. Each class provides a combination of instructional content and experiential practice in meditation & mindfulness. Breath work, voice and walking meditations and a simple sound bath will also be provided over the classes. Register online HERE or call the library at 860-767-1560. Aug. 20- Meditation & Mindfulness The difference between meditation and mindfulness is explained and how the combining of both provides a deeper & more wholistic awareness. Examples will be shared on how to reach this optimal outcome, through greater self awareness. Meditation is a practice and mindfulness is a way of being more “present” and aware in our daily life. About Caryl Horner Caryl is the founder & director of Dharma Room in Chester. She has been meditating and working in the healthcare field for decades and has a Ph.D in Psychology. She is experienced in the following meditation modalities: Buddhist meditation, Mindfulness meditation, The Relaxation Response & Transcendental Meditation.