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. www.youressexlibrary.org
Grab a friend and “rejoicify” with us during a special sing-along showing of a ‘popular’ 2024 PG movie musical. Come in costume (if you’d like), sing along (or just watch!), make friendship bracelets, and enjoy an afternoon to remember! Movie snacks will be provided. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged to ensure enough crafts are prepared. Click here to register!
Discover the beauty and simplicity of watercolor using just the three primary colors. In this beginner-friendly talk and hands-on session, we’ll explore how red, blue, and yellow can mix to create a surprising spectrum of hues—while also learning how water, pigment, and paper interact in this luminous, fluid medium. With supplied materials and guidance, you’ll experiment with blending, transparency, and basic brush techniques. No experience necessary—just a sense of curiosity and a willingness to let the paint flow. This program is FREE and open to ALL regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Supplies are limited, so registration is required. This program is for adults, age 19+. Register online at youressexlibrary.org or by calling the library at 860-767-1560. About the Artist Theresa Zwart-Ludeman is a painter based in Chester, Connecticut, known for her evocative watercolors and thoughtful approach to storytelling—both on the canvas and the page. Her work often explores atmosphere, memory, and emotion through representational and abstraction and layered color. Drawing from years of personal practice and a deep connection to place, Theresa’s art invites viewers to slow down and look more closely. In addition to painting, she enjoys sharing her creativity at local art events. Visit theresazwart-ludeman.com for more information about […]
Program for kids ages 2-5. Gather 'round the (pretend) campfire for a cozy camping-themed story time filled with stories, songs, and outdoor adventure 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. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged to ensure enough crafts are prepared. Click here to register!
Join Dannel P. Malloy, former two-term Governor of Connecticut and current Chancellor of the University of Maine System, for a reflection on pivotal moments in recent Connecticut history. Drawing from his years as Governor and Mayor of Stamford, Malloy will offer an insider’s perspective on leading through crises, reforming public education and criminal justice, and navigating the economic challenges of the Great Recession. His remarks will highlight how history is shaped not only by policy decisions, but by the values and resolve of those who serve — a fitting tribute to Barry Fulford, whose enduring legacy continues through this history lecture series. Refreshments will be served following the talk. Register HERE.
You’re invited to an exclusive preview event with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell as she introduces readers to her forthcoming title Don’t Let Him In (Out June 24, 2025!). Register HERE. Along with an introduction to her newest bone-chilling, psychological thriller, Jewell will chat about her life as a writer and her critically-acclaimed body of work. For more information, visit www.youressexlibrary.org or call the Essex Library at 860-767-1560.
Program for kids entering Kindergarten – grade 6 in the Fall! School is (officially) out for summer! Kick off summer reading with Essex and Ivoryton Libraries at our Snow Cone Social and sign up for our awesome dragon-themed summer reading program! T his year, when you sign up for summer reading you will receive a commemorative Dragon Trading Card folder to track your summer reading progress, (while supplies last)! After you sign up, enjoy a snow cone from Kona Ice & play some games! This program will be held at Grove Street Park, 16 Grove St, Essex, CT. Rain location in Essex Town Hall Auditorium. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required to attend the summer kickoff event. Click here to register.
Join us for a class of gentle movement, breath awareness and relaxation to calm and nourish your nervous system. Yoga is a great way to support inner and outer stability and ease. All levels welcome. Please bring a mat and a small cushion. Chairs will also be available. This program is FREE and available to ALL at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Registration is required. Register HERE or by calling the Library at 860-767-1560. About Ellen McNally Ellen McNally, E-RYT 500, has been teaching yoga since 2012. Since 2018, she has taught Restorative and Gentle yoga classes via Zoom for Smilow Cancer Hospital, as well as Slow & Steady Yoga classes in Hamden. She is also a certified meditation teacher. She welcomes everyone who wants to experience the benefits of yoga.
Program for kids and teens ages 6-18! Join award-winning polymer clay artist Deb Jaffe to create one-of-a-kind dragons! Each dragon will be as unique as their creator. All tools and materials will be supplied. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade K-2 club is for kids who have just completed grades K-2. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade 3-5 club is for kids who have just completed grades 3-5. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Program for participants ages 6 to adult! Level up your fishing skills with DEEP’s CARE program! Open to ANYONE age 6+ (with an adult accompanying anyone under age 16). Participants 16+ must have a valid CT fishing license. Participants aged 15 & below must also obtain a free Conservation ID before registering. This program will be held at Sunset Pond, West Avenue, Essex, CT. Program will be held rain or shine. In the event of storms, a make-up event will be scheduled. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Register with DEEP at https://he.aspirafocus.com/huntersafety/Account/Register?controllingSpc=9
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade K-2 club is for kids who have just completed grades K-2. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade 3-5 club is for kids who have just completed grades 3-5. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers. Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for a fun story time at Essex Island! Bring a blanket to sit on, and a snack to enjoy, while we read books, dance around, and sing songs! Story time will take place on the lawn on Essex Island (behind Siren). Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. In the event of rain, story time will not be held.
Program for families with kids of all ages. See movie titles and descriptions for ratings. Celebrate the Summer Reading theme of “Level Up at Your Library” with family-friendly movies surrounding the theme based around puzzles, board games, and video games! Popcorn provided. Click here for movie title, description, and age rating. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required.
The talk “Who’s in your pollinator garden? Notes from a garden journal,” is focused on the results of three years of observations in a pollinator garden designed and managed by Master Gardeners at the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, CT. Lessons learned, such as those related to native plants and which bees, butterflies, and moths are frequent visitors as well as when they come and their preferred flowers, can be applied to home gardens across the state. A general planting scheme developed by the University of Rhode Island will be discussed along with a handout of recommended flowers for pollinator gardens. This program is FREE and open to the public at 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT 06426. Register HERE or by calling the library at 860-767-1560. About Pat Sabosik Pat Sabosik is the owner of Silver Spade Garden Design, LLC, and an advanced Master Gardener. She manages the UConn Master Gardener Pollinator Garden at the Hill-Stead Museum and is active in the Garden Club of New Haven. She is a frequent speaker on garden design, pollinator gardens, and native plants for gardens.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade K-2 club is for kids who have just completed grades K-2. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade 3-5 club is for kids who have just completed grades 3-5. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers. Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for a fun story time at Essex Island! Bring a blanket to sit on, and a snack to enjoy, while we read books, dance around, and sing songs! Story time will take place on the lawn on Essex Island (behind Siren). Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. In the event of rain, story time will not be held.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade K-2 club is for kids who have just completed grades K-2. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade 3-5 club is for kids who have just completed grades 3-5. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers. Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for a fun story time at Essex Island! Bring a blanket to sit on, and a snack to enjoy, while we read books, dance around, and sing songs! Story time will take place on the lawn on Essex Island (behind Siren). Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. In the event of rain, story time will not be held.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade K-2 club is for kids who have just completed grades K-2. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade 3-5 club is for kids who have just completed grades 3-5. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers. Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for a fun story time at Essex Island! Bring a blanket to sit on, and a snack to enjoy, while we read books, dance around, and sing songs! Story time will take place on the lawn on Essex Island (behind Siren). Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. In the event of rain, story time will not be held.
Enjoy Yoga in the air conditioned Buel Room of Essex Library with Hannah Clark. Drop-in! More information HERE. In this evolving yoga series, yogis will learn valuable breathing and movement sequences that will connect their mind and body. Each class will include breathing and meditation to prepare the mind as well as deep stretching appropriate for all levels and just a hint of strength work to help keep bodies healthy and agile. Modifications will be provided for anyone that needs them. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. This program is FREE and open to ALL at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in!
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade K-2 club is for kids who have just completed grades K-2. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade 3-5 club is for kids who have just completed grades 3-5. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers. Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for a fun story time at Essex Island! Bring a blanket to sit on, and a snack to enjoy, while we read books, dance around, and sing songs! Story time will take place on the lawn on Essex Island (behind Siren). Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. In the event of rain, story time will not be held.
Enjoy Yoga in the air conditioned Buel Room of Essex Library with Hannah Clark. Drop-in! More information HERE. In this evolving yoga series, yogis will learn valuable breathing and movement sequences that will connect their mind and body. Each class will include breathing and meditation to prepare the mind as well as deep stretching appropriate for all levels and just a hint of strength work to help keep bodies healthy and agile. Modifications will be provided for anyone that needs them. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. This program is FREE and open to ALL at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in!
The Tri-Town Libraries have collaborated to bring you a family concert at the Chester Meeting House! Get ready to wake up and shake up with the rocking tunes of Rolie Polie Guacamole! All are welcome! Registration is required. Click here to register. This program is a collaborative effort between Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Ivoryton libraries.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade K-2 club is for kids who have just completed grades K-2. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade 3-5 club is for kids who have just completed grades 3-5. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers. Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for a fun story time at Essex Island! Bring a blanket to sit on, and a snack to enjoy, while we read books, dance around, and sing songs! Story time will take place on the lawn on Essex Island (behind Siren). Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. In the event of rain, story time will not be held.
Enjoy Yoga in the air conditioned Buel Room of Essex Library with Hannah Clark. Drop-in! More information HERE. In this evolving yoga series, yogis will learn valuable breathing and movement sequences that will connect their mind and body. Each class will include breathing and meditation to prepare the mind as well as deep stretching appropriate for all levels and just a hint of strength work to help keep bodies healthy and agile. Modifications will be provided for anyone that needs them. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. This program is FREE and open to ALL at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in!
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade K-2 club is for kids who have just completed grades K-2. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade 3-5 club is for kids who have just completed grades 3-5. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers. Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for a fun story time at Essex Island! Bring a blanket to sit on, and a snack to enjoy, while we read books, dance around, and sing songs! Story time will take place on the lawn on Essex Island (behind Siren). Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. In the event of rain, story time will not be held.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade K-2 club is for kids who have just completed grades K-2. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade 3-5 club is for kids who have just completed grades 3-5. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers. Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for a fun story time at Essex Island! Bring a blanket to sit on, and a snack to enjoy, while we read books, dance around, and sing songs! Story time will take place on the lawn on Essex Island (behind Siren). Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. In the event of rain, story time will not be held.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade K-2 club is for kids who have just completed grades K-2. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Level up your math skills over the summer! From energetic games like "Bouncy Dice Explosion" to creative challenges like "Pirate Treasure Hunt," there's something for every young mathematician. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Grade 3-5 club is for kids who have just completed grades 3-5. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers. Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for a fun story time at Essex Island! Bring a blanket to sit on, and a snack to enjoy, while we read books, dance around, and sing songs! Story time will take place on the lawn on Essex Island (behind Siren). Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. In the event of rain, story time will not be held.
Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers. Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for a fun story time at Essex Island! Bring a blanket to sit on, and a snack to enjoy, while we read books, dance around, and sing songs! Story time will take place on the lawn on Essex Island (behind Siren). Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. In the event of rain, story time will not be held.
Learn how to master the daily grind and become shatterproof in a tumultuous world with key insights by Dr. Tasha Eurich as she talks about her newest book, "Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos" (And why resilience alone isn’t enough). Register HERE. This program is FREE and open to the public.
Join us as award-winning author and summer reading champion Katherine Applegate talks to viewers about her enthusiastically heartwarming novel in verse, Odder. Everyone wants to meet Odder, the Queen of Play. Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she’s known. She’s a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself―and about the humans who hope to save her. Katherine Applegate’s Odder is inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. This poignant and humorous tale told in free-verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals. About the Author: Katherine Applegate is the Newbery Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous books for young readers, including The One and Only Ivan, Wishtree, Crenshaw, the Endling series, the Roscoe Riley Rules chapter books series, and the Animorphs series. She lives with her husband, who writes as the author Michael Grant, and their children in California. Essex Library programs are free and open […]
Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store of Centerbrook presents Threads + Paper, a 7-week show exhibit exploring the rich textures, delicate forms, and sculptural power of fiber and paper. From intricate weavings to charming sculptures, this show highlights how these everyday materials can be transformed into works of art. As each piece in the show tells a story through structure, pattern, and imagination. Discover new wall art, mixed media, sculpture, and other unexpected creations by emerging and established artists. The exhibit runs through September 6. As always, Spectrum’s Artisans Store offers new pottery, glass, fiber, home décor, jewelry, clothing, and accessories, children’s books and toys. Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Main St., Centerbrook, Connecticut. Gallery and Store hours are Wednesday through Saturday (12-6 pm) and Sunday (12-5 pm). For more information about gallery exhibits, classes and workshops for adults and teens and summer camps for teens and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit Spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at spectrumanytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211
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. Registration is required. Click here to register.