Activity

Program designed for caregivers and their child, age birth – 2. In Baby Keepsake, our sensory art explorations expose baby to a variety of textures, while creating something to remember your little one in their youngest years. This month: Let’s celebrate Fall! Transform salt dough into an adorable clay pumpkin keepsake with your child’s hand or footprint! What to Expect: We’ll gather together for a brief lap sit story session, and then caregivers and babies will work together to make our keepsake! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Kids and families are invited to join the Ivoryton Library in celebrating National Dessert Day by creating all kinds of no-bake desserts! From pudding “dirt” to edible cookie dough, we will make lots of treats to enjoy!

Free to Play! Food & Drink Specials! Prize for the Winning Team!

The Essex and Brainerd Libraries will jointly sponsor a forum for state senate and house candidates in our shared districts on Wednesday, October 14th at 6:30 PM in the auditorium at John Winthrop Middle School. Participating candidates for the District 36 House seat are Renee LaMark Muir (D) and Guy Tuccero (R) and for the District 33 Senate seat Incumbent Senator Norm Needleman (D) and Charles Ferraro (R). Moderators will be Essex Library Director Ann Thompson and Brainerd Library Director Marissa Lehmacher. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call the Essex Library at 860-767-1560 or the Brainerd Library at 860-345-2204. John Winthrop Middle School is located at 1 Winthrop Road in Deep River.

Essex Library Association will host pediatrician, allergist and social media star Zachary Rubin virtually for a discussion of “All About Allergies: Everything You Need to Know About Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever, and More.” The book, “All About Allergies,” offers an in-depth look at both common and surprising allergies, spotlighting patient stories, the history and science behind allergies, common myths, treatment options, and more. This virtual program is free and open to the public. Registration is required for all virtual programs. Register HERE or call the Library at 860-767-1560. About Dr. Zachary Rubin Dr. Zachary Rubin is a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist who practices at Oak Brook Allergists in the Chicago area. A nationally recognized medical educator and public health advocate, he shares evidence-based, accessible information on allergies, asthma, and public health with over four million followers under the handle @rubin_allergy.

Join EHS Director, Melissa Josefiak as she guides a tour of historic River View Cemetery, which dates back over 300 years! Located on the shores of the Connecticut River, River View Cemetery testifies to the early history of “Potapaug,” as Essex was once known, with the oldest gravestones dating from the early 1700s.  Come hear the stories of the cemetery’s ‘residents’ including: the influence of the town’s first pastor: a traitorous sea captain; an enterprising mother/daughter team; and many other engaging and touching tales.  Learn about changes in gravestone art – from grimacing “death’s heads” to ornate obelisks.  Enjoy the cemetery’s beautiful grounds as we trace its history from a simple burial yard to the park-like setting of today, especially during this twilight tour starting at 5pm.   The tour lasts about an hour over uneven, sloped, grassy terrain for about half a mile.  Walkers should wear proper footwear and possibly bring a flashlight for the twilight tours.  While this tour is based on historical facts and is not intended to be ‘haunted’, historical details about death and disease may disturb young walkers. Register Each tour is $10 per person; free to EHS members.   Limited parking is available in the […]

Program for children ages birth – 2 and their caregivers. Music is one of the earliest ways babies learn about the world! In Baby Band, caregivers and little ones will sing, dance, bounce, clap, and explore child-safe instruments in a playful, engaging environment. Along the way, babies strengthen early literacy, communication, motor, and social-emotional skills while caregivers discover fun ways to continue the music at home. No pressure to sit still, wiggles, giggles, and movement are all part of the fun! What to Expect: We’ll start by singing some familiar songs to get the party started. Then, we’ll explore rhythm with scarves, shakers, drums, or other child-safe instruments. Before we end, we’ll sing a goodbye song! After baby band, families are encouraged to stay, play, and socialize in our Children's Room. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to make friends, caregivers to connect, and our library community to grow together. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Want to reduce the waste you create? Join Karen Evans, environmental educator and member of Sustainable Essex, for a hands on workshop focusing on reducing, reusing, recycling, and rethinking!

Help fill The Ivoryton Village with glowing Jack-O-Lanterns for this year's Ivoryton Village Pumpkin Festival! Pumpkin carving tools will be provided but you can also bring your own. Your pumpkin will be displayed at the festival on Saturday and then you can take it home with you! RSVP is greatly appreciated so we can have the right amount of pumpkins; bricksidepizza104@gmail.com or 860-767-2555

A talk at Essex Library about the so-called Gilded Age from the 1870s to the 1910s, when New London and Groton became playgrounds of the wealthy. New London's Pequot Colony and Groton's Eastern Point attracted the wealthy and influential including U.S. presidents, celebrities, artists, Supreme Court justices and families such as the Plants and Harknesses. In turn, the region also benefited from the philanthropy of these people of power and privilege.  Learn about the people and places of the Connecticut shoreline during this era of excess with Gail B. MacDonald.

Program for kids ages 2-5. We’re heading to the pumpkin patch for a story time full of fall fun! 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-school age children for kindergarten. What to expect: Each Little Learners session begins with a welcome song where each child is invited to dance and celebrate themselves. We sing interactive songs that encourage vocabulary development and gross motor movement, then read a story together. After the first book, we sing a few more songs and read another story. We conclude our time together with 3-4 craft and play centers that help children develop their early math, literacy, and motor skills. After story time, families are encouraged to stay, play, and socialize in our Children's Room. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to make friends, caregivers to connect, and our library community to grow together. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is requested to ensure enough crafts are prepared. Click here to register.

Kids, teens, and families are invited to join the Ivoryton Library in celebrating National Book Month with bedazzling books! We will decorate book covers to be uniquely ours, and enjoy all things books!

Program for tweens ages 8-12. Celebrate National Noodle Day at the library by trying different ramen noodle cup flavors from around the world, and right here at home! We’ll start by learning about Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin Food Products (one of the most popular ramen brands), test different cups of noodles, vote on our favorites, and crown the ultimate noodle champion! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required as space is limited. Click here to register.

Enjoy some feel good music from the 70s to the 20s.

Program for families with children of all ages. The libraries and Land Trust are joining the Pumpkin Festival this year! Join Essex Library, Ivoryton Library, and Essex Land Trust for a family hike through The Millrace Preserve! Kids and families are invited to solve silly Halloween riddles as they walk along a festive path, enjoy a treat afterward courtesy of ELT, and take home a fun craft kit, courtesy of the libraries! This is a 15-20 min self-guided hike, come any time during the scheduled time frame! This program is free and open to the public. This program will be held at The Millrace, Ivory St, Ivoryton. In the event of rain, this program will not be held. No registration is required, drop in!

Program designed for tweens and teens ages 8-18! It’s spooky season! Celebrate by making festive candles with cool, spooky temporary tattoos! All supplies will be provided, just bring your creativity! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Join EHS Director, Melissa Josefiak as she guides a tour of historic River View Cemetery, which dates back over 300 years! Located on the shores of the Connecticut River, River View Cemetery testifies to the early history of “Potapaug,” as Essex was once known, with the oldest gravestones dating from the early 1700s.  Come hear the stories of the cemetery’s ‘residents’ including: the influence of the town’s first pastor: a traitorous sea captain; an enterprising mother/daughter team; and many other engaging and touching tales.  Learn about changes in gravestone art – from grimacing “death’s heads” to ornate obelisks.  Enjoy the cemetery’s beautiful grounds as we trace its history from a simple burial yard to the park-like setting of today, especially during this twilight tour starting at 4pm.   The tour lasts about an hour over uneven, sloped, grassy terrain for about half a mile.  Walkers should wear proper footwear and possibly bring a flashlight for the twilight tours.  While this tour is based on historical facts and is not intended to be ‘haunted’, historical details about death and disease may disturb young walkers. Register Each tour is $10 per person; free to EHS members.   Limited parking is available in […]

Program designed for caregivers and their child, age birth – 2. Sharing in playtime is an excellent way to help children build social skills, promote learning, and discover that the library is a destination for fun! Children will have the opportunity to practice skills such as following directions, socializing with others, using language, and using small and large muscles. Come meet new friends, bond with your little one, and explore the many resources your neighborhood library has to offer! What to Expect: The Essex Library children’s room already has amazing toys for all ages, such as our train table, our sensory book collection, and our many puzzles! During baby playtime, caregivers are encouraged to explore the library’s existing toy collection, and extra items will be set up around the room that support fine and gross motor play – specifically for our youngest little ones! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Be transported to colonial New York through the words of Washington Irving’s spine-tingling tale. Follow Connecticut school teacher Ichabod Crane as he becomes the target of a ghostly apparition: the famed Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. As the night darkens, and hoof beats approach, feel the suspense build as fear and folktale blend in this perennial Halloween favorite. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Space is limited. Registration is required. Register online at www.youressexlibrary.org or call the Library at 860-767-1560.

Program for kids ages 2-5. Join the Essex Library’s Children’s Librarian for a story time celebrating all things spooky, featuring themed books, songs, and a spooky craft! Children are encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes. 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-school age children for kindergarten. What to expect: Each Little Learners session begins with a welcome song where each child is invited to dance and celebrate themselves. We sing interactive songs that encourage vocabulary development and gross motor movement, then read a story together. After the first book, we sing a few more songs and read another story. We conclude our time together with 3-4 craft and play centers that help children develop their early math, literacy, and motor skills. After story time, families are encouraged to stay, play, and socialize in our Children's Room. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to make friends, caregivers to connect, and our library community to grow together. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is requested to ensure enough crafts are prepared. Click here to register.

Program for kids of all ages. Come to the library in costume, say the magic words, and get a special treat (one per kiddo, please!) Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required, drop in!

Join us at Essex Library for a 2-part Hatha yoga series, led by Lisa Sanders. Hatha yoga is a branch of yoga that uses physical techniques such as breathwork and mindful yoga movements for balance, strength and stability. Lisa also incorporates yoga philosophy, singing bowls and mindfulness into each session. This drop-in program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Space is limited to 15 participants. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own.

In a fast-paced world that often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, true healing does not come from looking outward—it begins within. Join us for a transformative virtual conversation with Indigenous Medicine Woman Asha Frost as she explores her groundbreaking book, You Are the Medicine: 13 Indigenous Teachings to Connect to Your Inner Wisdom, Reclaim Your Power, and Heal. Call the Library to register: 860-767-1560 or you may register online: REGISTER HERE.

The second day of the Essex FilmFest, hosted by Essex Library, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7. A producing masterclass starts at 9:30 AM with Guest Filmmaker Scott Macaulay. This is a one-hour workshop for filmmakers, writers and anyone curious about the art, craft and business of producing independent films. A line-up of films will be shown on Saturday as well, with a Q&A period for each. The films include Raising Victor Vargas, The Assistant and Gummo. For more information, visit essexfilmfest.com.