Essex Library Association

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Celebrate the magic of the season with stories, songs, movement, and a festive fall craft as we explore the colors, sounds, and wonders of autumn 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.
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.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=596380&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Little Learners Story Time: Autumn (Ages 2-5)

Middlesex County

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Connecticut

Little Learners Story Time: Autumn (Ages 2-5)

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Celebrate the magic of the season with stories, songs, movement, and a festive fall craft as we...

Program for kids ages 5-12.
Explore the science of aerodynamics with us! Kids will use everyday objects to create an awesome glider that is part game, part toy, and part physics experiment! Ready, set, fly!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required, space is limited.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=596384&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: STEAM Saturdays: Magnus Effect Cup Gliders (Ages 5-12)

STEAM Saturdays: Magnus Effect Cup Gliders...

Program for kids ages 5-12.
Explore the science of aerodynamics with us! Kids will use everyday objects to create an awesome...

STEAM Saturdays: Magnus Effect Cup Gliders (Ages 5-12)

Program for kids ages birth-3 and their caregivers. A play-based music and movement story time for young children and their caregivers!
At Essex Library, we are committed to providing high-quality story time experiences that foster early literacy, social-emotional growth, and a lifelong love of learning.
What to expect:
Each Wiggle Worms session begins with a welcome song where children (or caregivers) are invited to introduce themselves (or their little one), helping build confidence. We sing interactive songs that encourage vocabulary development and gross motor movement, then share a story together while modeling early literacy skills by pointing to words, turning pages, and engaging with the book. After the first book, we play and sing with interactive toys such as shakers, scarves, and rhythm sticks before we wrap up with one final story and a goodbye song.
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.
This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Due to space, Please choose 1 session per day to attend.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration required.

Local Event: Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)

Program for kids ages birth-3 and their caregivers.  A play-based music and movement story time for young children and their...

Local Event: Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3) 

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3) 

Online

<a href="https://libraryc.org/essexlib/197735/register" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Register and ask questions of the author here</a>
Grab a pocketful of change and get ready to dance down the street! Join us for an energetic conversation as we celebrate the joy of community and summer fun with Latin GRAMMY-winning musician Lucky Diaz, author of the sensational bilingual picture book, Paletero Man.
What’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Run quick and find Paletero José!
Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator’s pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now.
Inspired by the vibrant rhythms of Los Angeles and Diaz’s own hit song, this beautiful story invites readers into a sun-drenched neighborhood where the ring of a bell means the best treat of the day is just around the corner.
Register today and discover how we can all bring a little more sweetness and community spirit into our daily lives!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required, see above link.

Local Event: Where the Paletero Man Goes: A Journey of Neighborhood, Music, and Art with Lucky Diaz (VIRTUAL)

Where the Paletero Man Goes: A Journey of...

Register and ask questions of the author here
Grab a pocketful of change and get ready to dance down the street! Join us for an...

Where the Paletero Man Goes: A Journey of Neighborhood, Music, and Art with Lucky Diaz (VIRTUAL)

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. Drop in!

Local Event: Baby Playtime (Birth - Age 2)

Baby Playtime (Birth - Age 2)

Program designed for caregivers and their child, age birth – 2.
Sharing in playtime is an excellent way to help children build...

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Flap into the fun with a bat-themed story time featuring spooky stories, silly songs, and a craft that’s sure to be fang-tastic!
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.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=598106&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Little Learners Story Time: Bats! (Ages 2-5)

Little Learners Story Time: Bats! (Ages 2-5)

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Flap into the fun with a bat-themed story time featuring spooky stories, silly songs, and a craft...

Program for kids ages 5-12.
Kids are invited to “roll up” to the library to create a delicious breakfast treat, while learning simple kitchen skills and basic food safety. Sushi-lovers and non-sushi-lovers alike will love this recipe!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Allergen Information: recipe contains banana, Greek yogurt, Fruity Pebbles cereal, &amp; blackberries.
Registration is required, space is limited.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=598108&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Kids Can Cook… Breakfast “Sushi!” (Ages 5-12)

Kids Can Cook… Breakfast “Sushi!” (Ages 5-12)

Program for kids ages 5-12.
Kids are invited to “roll up” to the library to create a delicious breakfast treat, while learning...

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.
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=598110&amp;PK=971691" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to sign up for the 5:15 time slot.</a><a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=598110&amp;PK=971692" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to sign up for the 5:30 time slot.</a><a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=598110&amp;PK=971693" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to sign up for the 5:45 time slot.</a>

Local Event: Louie Listens: Read to a Therapy Dog! (All Ages)

Louie Listens: Read to a Therapy Dog! (All Ages)

Program for families with kids of all ages.
Reading to a therapy dog has been proven to improve reading skills, self-esteem,...

Program for kids ages birth-4 and their caregivers.
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&nbsp;<a href="https://middlesexcountycf.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Community Foundation of Middlesex County</a>, 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!

Local Event: Sensory Playtime (Birth- Age 4)

Sensory Playtime (Birth- Age 4)

Program for kids ages birth-4 and their caregivers.
Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the...

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Join Miss Nicole 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.
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.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=598112&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Little Learners Story Time: Firefighters! (Ages 2-5)

Little Learners Story Time: Firefighters! (Ages...

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Join Miss Nicole for a fire safety-themed story time filled with fun stories, songs, and tips to...

Little Learners Story Time: Firefighters! (Ages 2-5)

Essex Fire Department

Program for families with kids of all ages.
Essex Library is partnering with Essex Fire Engine Company #1, Essex Police Department, Essex Ambulance, and Essex Public Works to kick off Fire Prevention Month with a community Touch-A-Truck!&nbsp;🚒🚓🚑🚧
We’ll start with a story time at 10 AM in the Fire Department’s Community Room, where we’ll read stories that feature some of the trucks we’ll get to see! Afterward, we'll explore vehicles from many of our local first responders and community helpers, meet the people who help keep our community safe, and get an up-close look at the trucks and equipment they use every day. It’s a fun, family-friendly event you won’t want to miss!
This program is free and open to the public.&nbsp;
This event takes place at the Essex Fire Department, 11 Saybrook Rd. In the event of rain, this program will not be held.
No registration is required, drop in!

Local Event: Essex Community Touch-A-Truck (All Ages)

Essex Community Touch-A-Truck (All Ages)

Program for families with kids of all ages.
Essex Library is partnering with Essex Fire Engine Company #1, Essex Police...

Program for kids ages 5-12.
Kids will explore the chemistry behind non-Newtonian fluids as they make stretchy slime perfect for creepy crawly spiders! Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy, as slime may get on clothing!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=598114&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: STEAM Saturdays: Spider Web Slime (Ages 5-12)

STEAM Saturdays: Spider Web Slime (Ages 5-12)

Program for kids ages 5-12.
Kids will explore the chemistry behind non-Newtonian fluids as they make stretchy slime perfect for...

Nicole Ballestas

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Clinton

The Haddams-Killingworth

New Haven County

Alfred Branch

Madison

New London County

The Lymes

Richard Kaufman

Guilford

Durham-Middlefield

North Branford

East Hampton-Portland

Chris Dehnel

Middletown

Ellyn Santiago

Branford

Acton Public Library

Join Jessica Penfield from Wild Birds Unlimited for a public presentation on supporting local bird populations during the cold months. Learn how to transform your yard into a critical sanctuary by providing essential food, water, shelter, and vital cover when natural resources are scarce.

Local Event: Preparing Your Yard For Winter Bird Feeding

Old Saybrook

Preparing Your Yard For Winter Bird Feeding

Join Jessica Penfield from Wild Birds Unlimited for a public presentation on supporting local bird populations during the cold...

Jay Heritage Center

The Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is proud to welcome educators to our site during September 2026, Constitution Month, to commemorate our nation’s journey towards independence and democracy. The free program is co-sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Social Studies Council. The event will be the first of many lively conversation about America at 250 with some of our country’s leading history scholars. It is open to teachers throughout the Mid Hudson and Sound Shore communities as well as Fairfield County.
Professors David Blight, Frank Cogliano, Joanne Freeman and Beverly Gage will take the stage at the new Wachenheim Center to examine the history of the nation-state and the contested nature of American national identity. The panel will discuss what the United States and the Constitution have meant to citizens over time and how that vision has changed or stayed constant. &nbsp;The event is FREE but registration is required. RSVP to Suzanne Clary at <a href="mailto:jayheritagecenter@gmail.com">jayheritagecenter@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://jayheritagecenter.org/2026/08/31/america-at-250-panel-for-educators-september-19th-2026/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">READ MORE ABOUT THE EVENT AND SPEAKERS HERE.</a>

Local Event: America at 250 for Educators

Westchester County

New York

America at 250 for Educators

The Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is proud to welcome educators to our site during September 2026, Constitution Month, to...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

Little Learners Story Time: Autumn (Ages 2-5)

SEP

18

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

STEAM Saturdays: Magnus Effect Cup Gliders (Ages 5-12)

SEP

19

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)

SEP

22

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)

SEP

22

10:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Where the Paletero Man Goes: A Journey of Neighborhood, Music, and Art with Lucky Diaz (VIRTUAL)

SEP

24

7:00 PM

Essex-Chester-Deep River, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)

SEP

29

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)

SEP

29

10:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Baby Playtime (Birth - Age 2)

SEP

30

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Little Learners Story Time: Bats! (Ages 2-5)

OCT

2

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Kids Can Cook… Breakfast “Sushi!” (Ages 5-12)

OCT

3

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)

OCT

6

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)

OCT

6

10:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Louie Listens: Read to a Therapy Dog! (All Ages)

OCT

6

5:15 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Sensory Playtime (Birth- Age 4)

OCT

7

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Little Learners Story Time: Firefighters! (Ages 2-5)

OCT

9

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Essex Community Touch-A-Truck (All Ages)