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.
Enjoy a movie on the big screen in the Buel Room of Essex Library! For the movie title, call the library at 860-767-1560 or visit the Events Calendar at youressexlibrary.org.
From Cosmos to Compost: Our Place in the Universe explores how science connects the vast history of the universe to the everyday processes that sustain life on Earth. Bringing together astronomy and biology, the talk traces the story from stars and galaxies to the biological processes that recycle matter through ecosystems. Together, the talks show how fundamental scientific processes link the cosmos, life, and our daily actions. Speakers: Shashank Dattathri, PhD student, Department of Astronomy & Kriza Sy, MD-PhD student working in Cell Biology Yale Science in the News is a student-driven initiative where Yale graduate students and postdoctoral researchers present complex and exciting science topics to the general public. The talk is coordinated by Tos Chan, a PhD student in Computational Biology. This program is FREE and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT.
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 Summer I Remembered Everything (shortlisted for All CT Reads 2026.) Ages 12 - 18, Grades 6+. Registration is required. https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=1314&EventID=578767&PK=
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 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 public. Registration is required. Click here to register.
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, 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.
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 needs them. All levels are welcome. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. All of the library's programs are free and open to all regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in! About Hannah Clark Hannah recently participated in a 200-hour yoga training workshop in Bali, Indonesia. Hannah is pleased to offer the local community a safe space to practice yoga and is available to answer any questions that participants may have about the philosophy of the practice and how it relates to the body. She will focus her teachings on meditative slow flow vinyasa for this library series.
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, 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.
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 required. Click here to register.
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.
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 needs them. All levels are welcome. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. All of the library's programs are free and open to all regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in! About Hannah Clark Hannah recently participated in a 200-hour yoga training workshop in Bali, Indonesia. Hannah is pleased to offer the local community a safe space to practice yoga and is available to answer any questions that participants may have about the philosophy of the practice and how it relates to the body. She will focus her teachings on meditative slow flow vinyasa for this library series.
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 sitting in Madison, NJ’s town hall, Mallory Mortillaro learned just how many times this has happened before. Her lecture explores the stories of several different important and valuable works of art that have been rediscovered in unexpected places, reviewing how they came to be “lost and found”. All programs of the Essex Library are free and open to the public. Registration is required for this virtual program. Register HERE or by calling the library at 860767-1560. About Mallory Mortillaro Mallory Mortillaro serves as the Curator of Collections for the Hartley Dodge Foundation in Madison, NJ and is an art historian and educator. She has ten years of teaching experience, and has worked on various art research projects for museums and organizations in the New York metropolitan area. She has a bachelor’s degree in Art History and English from Drew University and is a graduate of the University’s Caspersen School of Graduate […]
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 creating eye-catching displays, to planning programs and learning the skills real librarians use every day. Get ready to discover what it really takes to run a library and have fun doing it. Session 2, February 19, 4 PM: Books, Books, and More Books! How do librarians select books for the collection? How much can they spend? How do librarians decide when it is time for a book to retire? All of these questions, and more, will be answered! Session 3, March 26, 4 PM: Show Off the Shelves: Creating Eye-Catching Displays Session 4, April 30, 4 PM: Plan the Fun: Programs & Events! May 21, 4 PM: Junior Librarian Graduation & Celebration! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register.
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, 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.
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 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 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.
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 needs them. All levels are welcome. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. All of the library's programs are free and open to all regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in! About Hannah Clark Hannah recently participated in a 200-hour yoga training workshop in Bali, Indonesia. Hannah is pleased to offer the local community a safe space to practice yoga and is available to answer any questions that participants may have about the philosophy of the practice and how it relates to the body. She will focus her teachings on meditative slow flow vinyasa for this library series.
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 chocolate and graham crackers, and enjoy your delicious creation. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register.
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, 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.
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! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register for 5:15 time slot. Click here to register for 5:30 time slot. Click here to register for 5:45 time slot.
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 for a day full of family memories! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration, drop in!
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 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 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.
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, 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.
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 series and new graphic novel readers are welcome to attend! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register.
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.
This fall, take a deep dive into three of Flannery O’Connor’s short stories with Tom Kelly as he leads a literature seminar series at Essex Library. O’Connor, an American novelist and short story writer, is well known for her Southern Gothic writing style and major contributions to American Literature, before her death from lupus at the young age of 39. This program will help participants read critically, focusing on specific writing techniques used by the author to create meaning. Kelly will also help participants identify patterns, representations and ideas found in the following short stories. Oct. 16 – “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O'Connor Oct. 30 – “Revelation” by Flannery O'Connor Nov. 13 – “The River” by Flannery O'Connor This program is free and open to the public regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Seating is limited. Registration is required. Please email Adult Services Librarian Elizabeth Reinhart at ereinhart@essexlib.org if you need assistance locating these selected works by O’Connor. About Tom Kelly Thomas Kelly earned a B.A. in English from Wesleyan University in 1981, and an M.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut in 1984. He taught English for […]
Each 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 needs them. All levels are welcome. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. All of the library's programs are free and open to all regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in!
The next SEED (Sustainable Essex Environmental Discussion) Series will be held at Essex Library on November 5th from 5 - 6 pm. Join Karen Evans, environmental educator and member of Sustainable Essex, who will lead a workshop on Ways to Reduce Waste - at home, at work, and in our community - and discuss ways that we as individuals, and as a community can affect change. Come to learn and to share, and leave empowered to make a difference!
The Essex Library invites children of all ages to trick or treat at the library on Friday October 31 during open hours, 9 AM – 5 PM. Come in costume and take home a small treat from the library!
Each 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 needs them. All levels are welcome. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. All of the library's programs are free and open to all regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in!
This fall, take a deep dive into three of Flannery O’Connor’s short stories with Tom Kelly as he leads a literature seminar series at Essex Library. O’Connor, an American novelist and short story writer, is well known for her Southern Gothic writing style and major contributions to American Literature, before her death from lupus at the young age of 39. This program will help participants read critically, focusing on specific writing techniques used by the author to create meaning. Kelly will also help participants identify patterns, representations and ideas found in the following short stories. Oct. 16 – “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O'Connor Oct. 30 – “Revelation” by Flannery O'Connor Nov. 13 – “The River” by Flannery O'Connor This program is free and open to the public regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Seating is limited. Registration is required. Please email Adult Services Librarian Elizabeth Reinhart at ereinhart@essexlib.org if you need assistance locating these selected works by O’Connor. About Tom Kelly Thomas Kelly earned a B.A. in English from Wesleyan University in 1981, and an M.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut in 1984. He taught English for […]
Coined as the “queen of British historical fiction,” Philippa Gregory returns to the infamous Tudor Court with a tale that is both timely and timeless. We invite you to sit down with us for an intriguing conversation with Gregory about her newest novel Boleyn Traitor (forthcoming October 14, 2025). Register online at youressexlibrary.org or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.
Each 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 needs them. All levels are welcome. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. All of the library's programs are free and open to all regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in!
Fiber Artist Kaitlin Cahill will lead a workshop on needle felting where participants will learn various techniques to create a 3-dimensional sleeping fawn using a barred needle and wool. Supplies are limited, so registration is required. This program is FREE and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Registration is required. Register online at youressexlibrary.org or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.
You are invited to join us online and be one of the first to hear from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai about her astonishing memoir, Finding My Way. Malala reintroduces herself to the world, sharing how she navigated life as someone whose darkest moments threatened to define her narrative—while seeking the freedom to find out who she truly is. Register online at youressexlibrary.org or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.
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, 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 for October 22 @ 9:30 AM
Each 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 needs them. All levels are welcome. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. All of the library's programs are free and open to all regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in!
This fall, take a deep dive into three of Flannery O’Connor’s short stories with Tom Kelly as he leads a literature seminar series at Essex Library. O’Connor, an American novelist and short story writer, is well known for her Southern Gothic writing style and major contributions to American Literature, before her death from lupus at the young age of 39. This program will help participants read critically, focusing on specific writing techniques used by the author to create meaning. Kelly will also help participants identify patterns, representations and ideas found in the following short stories. Oct. 16 – “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O'Connor Oct. 30 – “Revelation” by Flannery O'Connor Nov. 13 – “The River” by Flannery O'Connor This program is free and open to the public regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Seating is limited. Registration is required. Please email Adult Services Librarian Elizabeth Reinhart at ereinhart@essexlib.org if you need assistance locating these selected works by O’Connor. About Tom Kelly Thomas Kelly earned a B.A. in English from Wesleyan University in 1981, and an M.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut in 1984. He taught English for […]
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, 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 for October 15 @ 9:30 AM
Program for families with kids of all ages. Come find something new-to-you for Halloween! Available costume sizes may range depending on the donations received. Costume accessories may be offered as well. You do not have to donate to choose a costume. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Costume donations will be collected on October 10 from 2-5 PM. Gently used or new costumes can be dropped off to the Children's department! No registration is required, drop in!
Costume donations for our Kid's Halloween Costume Swap will be collected on October 10 from 2-5 PM. Gently used or new costumes can be dropped off to the Children's department!
Program for kids ages 2-5. Join firefighters from Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 for a fire safety-themed story time filled with fun stories, songs, and tips to help little ones learn how to stay safe in case of a fire! 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.
Each 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 needs them. All levels are welcome. The library has a limited supply of yoga mats; we suggest bringing your own. All of the library's programs are free and open to all regardless of residency at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. No registration necessary, drop in!
Artist Robyn Rivers will take you through her 13-year sailing voyage around the world with a lecture entitled “Images of a Pacific Voyage.” Rivers will detail her experiences in the remote islands of the South Pacific as well as the Philippines, Turkey and other locations. She’ll also discuss how she was inspired to document her journey by painting scenes of the local landscape and people. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register online at youressexlibrary.org or by calling the Library at 860-767-1560.
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!
Warren Leach, talented garden designer and owner of Tranquil Lake Nursery in Rehoboth, MA will recommend a diverse selection of superlative plants with exceptional foliage characteristics in his talk “Beyond Blooms: Creative Design with Color, Structure and Seasonal Senescence”. Warren will highlight woody and herbaceous plants with good garden foliage color, architectural structure, multi-season interest and stunning shape and texture characteristics that can be used in a diversity of ways to compliment flowers, provide structure and offer seasonal succession in the mixed border. Warren will also suggest plant combinations that you can translate into your own garden, echoing leaf colors and texture to brighten the garden through the seasons. This program is a collaboration of the Essex Garden Club and the Essex Library. The program is FREE and open to the public, regardless of residency, at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register HERE or call the library at 860-767-1560.
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!