• Sensory Playtime (Ages Birth-5)

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    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! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. 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. Registration is required for each individual session. Click here to register.

    Free
  • Signs, Impacts & Responses to Strokes with Middlesex Hospital Paramedic Brad Fowler

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Middlesex Hospital Paramedic Brad Fowler will discuss the signs and symptoms of stroke in the Buel Room of Essex Library on Wednesday, March 4 at 4 p.m. Fowler will address: How often strokes occur and their impact; Who is at greatest risk of suffering a stroke; Causes and types of strokes; How to recognize stroke signs and symptoms and the importance of recognizing them early; Available treatments to reverse the side effects of stroke. The program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT.  Register on the Events Calendar at youressexlibrary.org or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.

    Free
  • Creating a Healthy Ecosystem in the Landscape and Why it Matters with Jim Sirch

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    A trained Naturalist and President of the Connecticut Horticultural Society, Jim Sirch will be at Essex Library to provide a lecture on how to create a healthy eco-system in the landscape that functions well for people and wildlife. Sirch will discuss how species interact in the landscape as well as offer tips related to which plantings help create synergy. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register online HERE or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.

    Free
  • Little Learners Story Time: Read Across America (Ages 2-5)

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Program for kids ages 2-5. Join us for a special Read Across America Day story time with favorite stories and early literacy activities that highlight the magic of reading together! 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.

    Free
  • Junior Chefs: Monster Cookie Balls (Ages 5-12)

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Program for kids ages 5-12. Step into the “kitchen” with Miss Nicole and learn how to make no-bake monster cookie balls! This super delicious recipe is full of oats, peanut butter, and of course, chocolate! Allergens: recipe contains oats, peanuts, honey, vanilla extract, chocolate, & M&M Candy. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register.

    Free
  • Irish Classics with Pierce Campbell and Paul Neri

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the Essex Library will welcome former Connecticut State Troubadour Pierce Campbell and Banjoist Paul Neri for an unforgettable and lively performance filled with Irish and Celtic folk music. The repertoire is sure to get feet tapping and hands clapping, creating a spirited and energetic atmosphere. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, Ct. Space is limited. Registration is required. Register HERE or call the library at 860-767-1560.

    Free
  • Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

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

    Free
  • Sensory Playtime (Ages Birth-5)

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    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! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. 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. Registration is required for each individual session. Click here to register.

    Free
  • Adult Board Game Fun at Essex Library!

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    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 open to the public at 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration is necessary, drop-in!

    Free
  • All About Axolotls (Ages 5-12)

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Join educators from the Amphibian Reptile Center for their All About Axolotls presentation, filled with engaging education, hands-on fun, and fascinating facts to remember and share with friends and family. Participants will learn about axolotls’ origins in Aztec culture, the scientist whose laboratory discoveries have helped shape modern research, the responsibilities of caring for one as a pet, the three ways axolotls breathe, and how some can even glow! The Amphibian Reptile Center’s mission is to help change the world for people and animals who need it most. Serving as a voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves, the Center promotes proper care, health, and responsible ownership as top priorities. Through educational programs for all ages, the Amphibian Reptile Center aims to inspire individuals to be the change they wish to see and to work toward a more responsible and compassionate future for the reptile and amphibian community. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register.

    Free
  • Little Learners Story Time: Lions & Lambs (Ages 2-5)

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Join us for a relaxed, playful story time that helps kids notice how the seasons change. We’ll explore the shift from winter to spring with bold, energetic stories and soft, cozy tales that highlight nature’s changing moods. 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.

    Free
  • 5-Week Beginner Italian Class for Adults

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Have you ever wanted to learn Italian? Essex Library presents a 5-week Italian language class for adult beginners that will be led by Middletown Adult Education Instructor Mary Saraceno. Saraceno lived and studied in Sicily for 12 years and has taught Italian since 1994. Participants are encouraged to sign up for all five sessions (March 16, 23, 30 & April 6, 13 at 10:30 AM) where they will learn practical vocabulary and expressions to understand real travel situations and cultural differences. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register online HERE or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.

    Free
  • Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

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

    Free
  • Sensory Playtime (Ages Birth-5)

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    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! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. 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. Registration is required for each individual session. Click here to register.

    Free
  • Volunteer Expo 2026

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Are you looking for volunteer opportunities in the community? Join us at Essex Library from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for our second annual Non-Profit Volunteer Expo to meet and connect with representatives from local non-profits. Discover what local organizations are doing for the community and learn how you might join them. The 2026 Essex Library Non-Profit Volunteer Expo is FREE and open to the public at 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop-in!

    Free
  • 5-Week Beginner Italian Class for Adults

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Have you ever wanted to learn Italian? Essex Library presents a 5-week Italian language class for adult beginners that will be led by Middletown Adult Education Instructor Mary Saraceno. Saraceno lived and studied in Sicily for 12 years and has taught Italian since 1994. Participants are encouraged to sign up for all five sessions (March 16, 23, 30 & April 6, 13 at 10:30 AM) where they will learn practical vocabulary and expressions to understand real travel situations and cultural differences. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register online HERE or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.

    Free
  • Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

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

    Free
  • Virtual Author Talk: America’s Failed Response to the Opioid Crisis with Shoshana Walter

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Join us for a special conversation between award-winning journalist Shoshana Walter and bestselling and award-winning author Barbara Kingsolver as they chat about Walter’s book Rehab: An American Scandal, presented by Essex Library Association. In this work, Walter, a Pulitzer finalist, exposes the country’s failed response to the opioid crisis, and the malfeasance, corruption, and snake oil which blight the drug rehabilitation industry. For more information, call the Essex Library at 860-767-1560. Register HERE. 

    Free
  • Sensory Playtime (Ages Birth-5)

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    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! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. 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. Registration is required for each individual session. Click here to register.

    Free
  • Quilting as Art: An Illustrated Talk with Artist Theresa Marchant-Shapiro

    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    In this 30-minute illustrated talk, Essex Library’s March Artist of the Month, Theresa Marchant-Shapiro, will delve into her artistic process as a collage quilter and highlight notable artists that used similar forms of art for political expression. Marchant-Shapiro’s creative use of textiles takes quilting to a new level from practical craft to stunning visual works. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register HERE or by calling the library at 860-767-1560. ABOUT THERESA MARCHANT-SHAPIRO Theresa Marchant—Shapiro is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Southern Connecticut State University. She teaches courses in leadership and mass political behavior. ARTISTS’ STATEMENT As an educator, knowledge is central to my identity and my interaction with the world. When I teach, I feel like I create a tapestry using the threads of my students' lives to color my planned design. My hope is that the knowledge I share allows my students to surmount the mountains that can form barriers, but can also unveil beautiful vistas.

    Free
  • 5-Week Beginner Italian Class for Adults

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Have you ever wanted to learn Italian? Essex Library presents a 5-week Italian language class for adult beginners that will be led by Middletown Adult Education Instructor Mary Saraceno. Saraceno lived and studied in Sicily for 12 years and has taught Italian since 1994. Participants are encouraged to sign up for all five sessions (March 16, 23, 30 & April 6, 13 at 10:30 AM) where they will learn practical vocabulary and expressions to understand real travel situations and cultural differences. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register online HERE or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.

    Free
  • 5-Week Beginner Italian Class for Adults

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Have you ever wanted to learn Italian? Essex Library presents a 5-week Italian language class for adult beginners that will be led by Middletown Adult Education Instructor Mary Saraceno. Saraceno lived and studied in Sicily for 12 years and has taught Italian since 1994. Participants are encouraged to sign up for all five sessions (March 16, 23, 30 & April 6, 13 at 10:30 AM) where they will learn practical vocabulary and expressions to understand real travel situations and cultural differences. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register online HERE or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.

    Free
  • 5-Week Beginner Italian Class for Adults

    Recurring
    Essex Library 33 West Ave, Essex, CT, United States

    Have you ever wanted to learn Italian? Essex Library presents a 5-week Italian language class for adult beginners that will be led by Middletown Adult Education Instructor Mary Saraceno. Saraceno lived and studied in Sicily for 12 years and has taught Italian since 1994. Participants are encouraged to sign up for all five sessions (March 16, 23, 30 & April 6, 13 at 10:30 AM) where they will learn practical vocabulary and expressions to understand real travel situations and cultural differences. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register online HERE or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.

    Free