Essex Library Association

Program for kids ages birth-3.
A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers!
This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration required. 
Due to space, please choose 1 session per day to attend.

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

Middlesex County

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Connecticut

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

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

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

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3) 

Program for kids ages birth-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!
Program funded in part by the <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: Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

Program for kids ages birth-5.
Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime...

Sunset Pond, West Ave, Essex, CT, 06426

Program for anyone ages 6 – adult!
Register through the DEEP Website: <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/care/care-fishing-classes" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/care/care-fishing-classes</a>
Join us for a fun-filled fishing adventure with the DEEP’s "Fish with CARE" program!
We’ll provide loaner tackle, bait, and expert instruction from our staff and certified volunteer fishing coaches. This event is perfect for beginner anglers or anyone looking to refresh their skills. Open to adults and families with children 6 and older—youth 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and anglers 16+ need a CT fishing license.
Come relax, have fun, and maybe even catch your first fish!
This program will be held rain or shine at Sunset Pond, West Avenue, Essex, CT 06426.
This program is free and open to the public.
Space is limited and registration is required:&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/care/care-fishing-classes" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/care/care-fishing-classes</a>

Local Event: Let’s Go Fishing: Fish with CARE (Ages 6 – Adult)

Let’s Go Fishing: Fish with CARE (Ages 6 – Adult)

Program for anyone ages 6 – adult!
Register through the DEEP Website:...

Program for kids ages 2-5, siblings always welcome!
Summer officially starts next week, but we can’t wait. Join Miss Nicole to celebrate the coming season with stories and songs that give off a total summer vibe!
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 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=589609&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

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

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

Program for kids ages 2-5, siblings always welcome!
Summer officially starts next week, but we can’t wait. Join Miss Nicole to...

Program for families with kids ages 5 and below, siblings always welcome!
Join Miss Nicole for a purposeful story time session that promotes key early literacy skills and invites caregivers and young children to learn, play, and experience stories together, following the&nbsp;CT Ready to Read with Sparkler&nbsp;curriculum, developed by the CT State Library.
Sparkler is a parent-focused app that sparks healthy early development for children (0-5) and families! Through the app, parents can check in on their child’s development and get a library of 1000+ play activities just right for your child’s age. Get regular coaching and advice. Sparkler is in English and Spanish, for<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sparkler-play-for-parenting/id1236766824" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> iOS</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mindful_inc.sparkler&amp;hl=en_US" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Android</a>.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration is required, drop in!

Local Event: Ready to Read Story Time (Ages 5 and Below)

Ready to Read Story Time (Ages 5 and Below)

Program for families with kids ages 5 and below, siblings always welcome!
Join Miss Nicole for a purposeful story time session...

Program for kids ages 5-12
Dust off your Reading Dragons folder and test your skills in our Reading Dragons tournament! You've got the cards, now play some games! After brief instruction, kids will be paired off to compete in tournament style Reading Dragons games. Don’t have cards? Borrow a set from the library!
All participants will receive a special bonus card just for playing, and our top 3 winners will receive special Reading Dragons prize packs with stickers, bookmarks, and more!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration is required, drop in!

Local Event: Reading Dragons Tournament (Ages 5-12)

Reading Dragons Tournament (Ages 5-12)

Program for kids ages 5-12
Dust off your Reading Dragons folder and test your skills in our Reading Dragons tournament! You've...

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

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)  

Grove Street Park & Playground

Program for kids entering kindergarten-6th grade in the fall.
School’s out for summer, which means Summer Reading is starting! Join RI Pirate Guy Luca Rebussini to kick off summer in an unforgettable fashion, and sign up for summer reading while you’re at it! Participants will receive a special bonus Reading Dragons card for participating &amp; signing up for Summer Reading at the event!
Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable pirate adventure! In this action-packed program, participants will join a crew on a mission to recover a long-lost treasure and pick up some real pirate skills along the way!
Participants will start by getting into character with eyepatches, bandanas, and temporary tattoos, then create their own pirate flags to represent their crew. From there, it’s on to a mix of games, relay races, and team challenges that keep everyone moving and working together.
To wrap things up, the crew will learn how to use compasses to follow clues and track down the hidden treasure. It’s a fun blend of creativity, action, and problem-solving!
This program will be held at Grove Street Park, 16 Grove St, Essex, CT. In the event of rain, this program will be held in the Essex Town Hall Auditorium, 29 West Avenue, Essex, CT.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required to ensure enough supplies are prepared.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=&amp;EventID=589613&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Summer Reading Kickoff with the RI Pirate Guy (Gr. K-6)

Summer Reading Kickoff with the RI Pirate Guy...

Program for kids entering kindergarten-6th grade in the fall.
School’s out for summer, which means Summer Reading is starting!...

Summer Reading Kickoff with the RI Pirate Guy (Gr. K-6)

Program for kids ages birth-3.
A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers!
This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration required. Due to space, please choose 1 session per day to attend.

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

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth - 3)

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

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth - 3) 

Program for kids ages 3-8.
The Summer Reading theme this year is “Plant a Seed, Read!” Each week, join us for a hands-on workshop where we’ll explore a different hobby, skill, or craft.
Our first session is all about dance! Join Julianne Guarnieri from Little Leaps Dance Adventures for her “Growing Tall &amp; Strong” dance program.
In this playful, movement-filled experience, participants will explore the journey of a plant from seed to full bloom using their bodies and imaginations. We’ll curl up small like seeds tucked in the soil, stretch and grow as roots reach down and stems rise up, and gently unfurl into leaves and petals reaching for the sun. Along the way, we’ll add in some silly, nature-inspired fun: wiggling like worms in the dirt, buzzing and shaking like busy bees, and standing tall and strong like trees swaying in the breeze.
This interactive program encourages creativity, early learning, and gross motor movement in a relaxed, welcoming environment. We’ll wrap up our time together by sharing the story Little Sunflower by Melanie Joyce, connecting our movements back to the life cycle of a growing plant while weaving in a touch of literacy.Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required as space is limited.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=589615&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register &amp;&nbsp;for more information.</a>

Local Event: Plant the Seed Learning Series: Growing Tall & Strong Dance Adventure (Ages 3-8)

Plant the Seed Learning Series: Growing Tall &...

Program for kids ages 3-8.
The Summer Reading theme this year is “Plant a Seed, Read!” Each week, join us for a hands-on...

Plant the Seed Learning Series: Growing Tall & Strong Dance Adventure (Ages 3-8)

The Summer Reading theme this year is “Plant a Seed, Read!” Beat the afternoon heat, soak up the air conditioning, and join us for family-friendly movies that connect us with food, farms, &amp; nature. Popcorn provided.
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;EventID=589616&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here for more information such as movie rating, title &amp;&nbsp;description.</a>

Local Event: Plant a Seed, Read! Family Movie Series

Plant a Seed, Read! Family Movie Series

The Summer Reading theme this year is “Plant a Seed, Read!” Beat the afternoon heat, soak up the air conditioning, and join us...

Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers.
Bring a blanket to sit on, and a snack to enjoy, while we read books, dance around, and sing songs in the park!
This program will be held at Grove Street Park, 16 Grove St, Essex, CT. In the event of rain, story time will not be held.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Local Event: Grove Street Story Time

Grove Street Story Time

Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers.
Bring a blanket to sit on, and a snack to enjoy, while we read...

Program designed around The Food Group book series by Jory John, written for an audience age 4-8. Kids ages 4-12 are welcome to join! Kids age 4-8 must have an adult participate alongside.
Today we will be reading The Sour Grape! The Sour Grape tells the story of a grape who holds grudges against everyone – friends, family, even strangers. The grape is sour about missed parties, unfair treatment, and little slights, and he refuses to let go of his bitterness. But when he forgets a friend’s birthday, the grape realizes that mistakes happen, and that holding grudges keeps him from enjoying life and friendship. With humor and lively illustrations, the story explores themes of forgiveness, fairness, empathy, and what it means to move on from hurt.
Cook, read, and explore with us in this deliciously fun program inspired by Jory John’s Food Group series, one of our featured authors in our “Plant a Seed, Read!” Summer Reading theme. This program will combine stories with simple snack-making. We’ll kick things off by washing hands and learning a few basic food safety tips, because every great chef starts with good habits. Then, we’ll introduce the day’s featured book, and participants will create a themed snack inspired by the story. While our creations bake, chill, or come together, we’ll gather for an interactive read-aloud of the book. Once everything is ready, participants can enjoy their snack or take it to go, along with a recipe card to try again at home. This program blends literacy, hands-on learning, and healthy habits, helping prevent the “summer slide” while keeping kids thinking, creating, and having fun all summer long! Possible Allergens: recipe contains grapes, sugar, and kool-aid packets.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required as space is limited.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=589620&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Food Group: The Sour Grape (Ages 4+)

Food Group: The Sour Grape (Ages 4+)

Program designed around The Food Group book series by Jory John, written for an audience age 4-8. Kids ages 4-12 are welcome to...

Safe Harbor Essex Island

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). The ferry to the island is located at 11 Ferry Street, Essex, CT 06426. In the event of rain, story time will not be held.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration is required.

Local Event: Story Time at Essex Island

Story Time at Essex Island

Program open to children of all ages and their caregivers.
Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for a fun story time at...

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

St. Mary's Church of the Visitation

Join us for a patriotic 250th Celebration of the United States of America featuring a variety of crafters and exciting children's activities. Take part in a raffle with prizes up to $1000 and enjoy delicious eat-in or take-out food at this handicap-accessible community event.

Local Event: St. Mary's Church of the Visitation Spring Fair

St. Mary's Church of the Visitation Spring Fair

Join us for a patriotic 250th Celebration of the United States of America featuring a variety of crafters and exciting...

Village of Hadlyme

Experience a gathering of award-winning artists in the historic village of Hadlyme. This event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in art, flowers, and beautiful gardens.

Local Event: Arts In The Garden

Arts In The Garden

Experience a gathering of award-winning artists in the historic village of Hadlyme. This event offers a unique opportunity to...

Old Saybrook Acton Library

Join Madison Earth Care, a professional electric landscaper, for an insightful discussion on the future of cleaner and quieter lawn care. Learn about the transition to eco-friendly electrical equipment and how it benefits your health, the environment, and the community.

Local Event: Quiet Lawns Live Discussion

Old Saybrook

Quiet Lawns Live Discussion

Join Madison Earth Care, a professional electric landscaper, for an insightful discussion on the future of cleaner and quieter...

Jay Heritage Center

Nothing says spring better than our popular Classic Design Luncheon and Lecture! We’re honored to feature Genevieve Wheeler-Brown, the author of&nbsp;<a href="https://beyondblueandwhite.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">“Beyond Blue and White.”</a>
Wheeler-Brown’s book explores the history of Delftware ceramics, focusing on the often-overlooked roles of women as makers, patrons, and collectors, from 17th-century factory owners like&nbsp;Barbara Rotteveel&nbsp;to Gilded Age collectors like&nbsp;Mrs. J. Pierpont Morgan. A must for devotees of decorative arts and the history of material culture. 
Location: The award-winning Jay Estate Gardens designed by Nelson Byrd Woltz. Co-Chairs, Tracy Edwards, Liz Garrett, Emmy Lambert, Lindsay Bello Martin and Suzanne Clary.
Guests will enjoy botanical cocktails and a tour of the blue and white blooms of our gardens at 11:30am followed by lunch and lecture at 12 Noon. Booksigning at 1:30pm. Catering provided by Scarborough Fair Catering.
Spring garden attire and hats encouraged! 
Tickets start at $150. Tables of 10 start at $1500
<a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/a31e6d65-09b3-4ec7-8d78-139c937f6fd2" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/a31e6d65-09b3-4ec7-8d78-139c937f6fd2</a>
All proceeds will benefit JHC's family and adult horticulture programs.
__________________________________________________________________
GENEVIEVE WHEELER BROWN
Founding Genevieve Wheeler Decorative Art Advisory in 2003, Genevieve comes to the advisory business with more than 12 years of experience in the auction world, strong generalist knowledge and a wide range of contacts in American, European and Asian decorative and fine arts.
Genevieve began her career with Christie’s in 1992 with the European Decorative Arts Department after working as an intern at The Phillips Collection, Washington D.C. in 1990. She was then asked to run Overseas Consignments at Christie’s Park Avenue, a department that handled inquiries for European based auctions including Indian and Southeast Asian art, Islamic Art, Miniatures, Textiles and Cameras. In 1995 Genevieve became the New York contact for sales of Fabergé and Russian Silver at Christie’s Park Avenue and most recently was as a specialist in Fine Musical Instruments at Christie’s Rockefeller Center from 1998 to 2003.
While at Christie’s, she was involved with important sales such as ‘The Pine Cone Egg’ by Carl Fabergé and ‘The Taft’ Stradivari which fetched the auction record for an instrument sold in the United States. She has also been an appraiser on the PBS production ‘The Antiques Roadshow’.
A supporter of several fine and decorative art related institutions, Genevieve has served on the Board of the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York, served as a member of the Young Fellows Steering Committee of the Frick Collection from 1995 to 2005 and co-Chaired the Winter Antiques Show Young Collector’s Night, New York in 2004, 2005, and 2006.
Genevieve currently advises several organizations including <a href="https://www.dumbartonhouse.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dumbarton House</a>, a Federal period house museum in Georgetown, as a board member as well as for <a href="https://www.thewintershow.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Winter Show</a> as a vice-chair of Opening Night and as co-founder of The Winter Show Luncheon.About The Jay Heritage Center
The nonprofit Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and revitalizing a place that has meaning for all Americans: The Jay Estate. The property is the centerpiece of the Boston Post Road Historic District, Westchester County's only National Historic Landmark District,&nbsp;an irreplaceable cultural and natural resource.&nbsp;
Through lectures, workshops, volunteer opportunities, school programs, and concerts, JHC offers timely lessons in history, environmental conservation, architecture, and social justice, while tracing the evolution of democracy in the United States. It hopes to inspire the future historians, civic advocates, and stewards of our fragile cultural and natural resources.&nbsp;
Just as the architects of our nation’s government pursued self-improvement through dialogue about our nation’s most relevant topics, JHC promotes learning through programs led by prominent experts, Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, and academics in a variety of disciplines from sustainability to legal history.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn more about events or opportunities to volunteer!

Local Event: Classic Design Luncheon & Lecture: Beyond Blue and White with Genevieve Wheeler-Brown

Westchester County

New York

Classic Design Luncheon & Lecture: Beyond Blue...

Nothing says spring better than our popular Classic Design Luncheon and Lecture! We’re honored to feature Genevieve...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

JUN

9

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

JUN

9

10:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

JUN

10

9:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Let’s Go Fishing: Fish with CARE (Ages 6 – Adult)

JUN

10

4:30 PM

Essex-Chester-Deep River, CT

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

JUN

12

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Ready to Read Story Time (Ages 5 and Below)

JUN

13

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Reading Dragons Tournament (Ages 5-12)

JUN

13

11:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

JUN

16

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

JUN

16

10:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

JUN

17

9:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Summer Reading Kickoff with the RI Pirate Guy (Gr. K-6)

JUN

20

11:00 AM

Grove Street Park & Playground, 16 Grove St, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth - 3)

JUN

23

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth - 3)

JUN

23

10:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Plant the Seed Learning Series: Growing Tall & Strong Dance Adventure (Ages 3-8)

JUN

23

2:00 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

JUN

24

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Plant a Seed, Read! Family Movie Series