Essex Library Association

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)

Middlesex County

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Connecticut

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...

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.
See the <a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;EventID=591887&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Essex Library Website</a> for movie titles, descriptions, &amp;&nbsp;age ratings.

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...

Grove Street Park & Playground

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!
Today we will be reading The Cool Bean! Everyone knows the cool beans. They’re sooooo cool. And then there’s the uncool has-bean . . . Always on the sidelines, one bean unsuccessfully tries everything he can to fit in with the crowd—until one day the cool beans show him how it’s done.
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 chickpeas, basil, parmesan, olive oil, garlic, oregano, tomato paste
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=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=592128&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Food Group: The Cool Bean (Ages 4+)

Food Group: The Cool Bean (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...

Program for kids and teens ages 7-18.
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.
This week, join calligraphy artist Debby Reelitz to bring the alphabet to life! We’ll look at the rules about letters and then break all of them! Step by step, you will learn more than 20 techniques to alter your handwriting, add color with a basic set of supplies and build in decorative elements. We'll be playing with highlighters, pencils, colored pencils, gel pens and markers. Plus, we'll create a mini-project with the techniques we'll learn.
Debby Reelitz’s 5th grade teacher introduced her to calligraphy and she loves to share her passion for handwritten letters with young people. Kids are taught the practical side of the alphabet with spelling and writing sentences and taking tests. Debby loves to help kids discover the joy in being creative with those oh-so-useful-26-symbols. Debby lives in North Granby, Connecticut. Information can be found at her website: <a href="https://letteringdesign.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://letteringdesign.com</a>
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=592138&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register!</a>

Local Event: Plant the Seed Learning Series: Handwriting Fun! (Ages 7-18)

Plant the Seed Learning Series: Handwriting...

Program for kids and teens ages 7-18.
The Summer Reading theme this year is “Plant a Seed, Read!” Each week, join us for a...

Plant the Seed Learning Series: Handwriting Fun! (Ages 7-18)

Chester Meeting House

Program for families with kids of all ages.
The Tri-Town Libraries have collaborated to bring you the Matica Arts Circus Show at the Chester Meeting House!
Get ready for a captivating Circus duo poised to mesmerize audiences of all ages with breathtaking acts of daring and unparalleled skill. This highly engaging 40-minute interactive extravaganza is brimming with joyful, rowdy, contagious energy, and astounding athleticism.
&nbsp;This program is free and open to the public.
Registration is required as space is limited.
Register: <a href="https://deepriverlibrary.libcal.com/event/16741754" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://deepriverlibrary.libcal.com/event/16741754</a>

Local Event: Tri-Town Show: Matica Family Circus!

Tri-Town Show: Matica Family Circus!

 Program for families with kids of all ages.
The Tri-Town Libraries have collaborated to bring you the Matica Arts Circus Show...

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!
Today we will be reading The Couch Potato! The Couch Potato has everything within reach and doesn't have to move from the sunken couch cushion. But when the electricity goes out, Couch Potato is forced to peel away from the comforts of the living room and venture outside. Could fresh air and sunshine possibly be better than the views on screen?
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 sweet potato, cheese, eggs
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=592140&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Food Group: The Couch Potato (Ages 4+)

Food Group: The Couch Potato (Ages 4+)

The Millrace

Program open to families with children and teens ages 5+.
The Summer Reading theme this year is “Plant a Seed, Read!” Each week, join Essex Library for a hands-on workshop where we’ll explore a different hobby, skill, or craft.
Our last session is all about Geocaching! In this session, families will join Essex Land Trust to explore The Millrace property and learn how to use the free Geocache app to join the world’s largest treasure hunt by using a GPS-enabled device or smartphone to search for hidden geocaches!
This program will be held at The Millrace, Ivory St, Ivoryton. In the event of rain, this program will not be held.
This program is free and open to the public.
Registration is required.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=&amp;EventID=590772&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Plant the Seed Learning Series: Geocache Adventure (Ages 5-18)

Plant the Seed Learning Series: Geocache...

Program open to families with children and teens ages 5+.
The Summer Reading theme this year is “Plant a Seed, Read!” Each...

Plant the Seed Learning Series: Geocache Adventure (Ages 5-18)

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.See the <a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;EventID=592147&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">library website</a>&nbsp;for movie titles, age rating, and description.

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!
Today we will be reading The Bad Seed! This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know? He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He's been bad since he can remember! A funny yet touching tale that reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for young readers, as well as anyone navigating their current world, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.
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 apples, sunflower seeds, olive oil, honey, cinnamon
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=592141&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Food Group: The Bad Seed (Ages 4-12)

Food Group: The Bad Seed (Ages 4-12)

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.
See the <a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;EventID=592148&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">library's website</a> for movie title, age rating, and description.

Essex Town Green, 12 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426

Program open to children of all ages.
Join Essex and Ivoryton Libraries&nbsp;to end the summer with and End of Summer Carnival, hosted by The Carnival Party! Play custom carnival games like Fling Shot, Frog Flip, Knock Down, Beach Ball Bounce, and more! You won't want to miss this awesome event! The Carnival Party, LLC started as one birthday party and one school carnival event in 2002 and has grown to over 400 events a year. &nbsp; All of our games are custom designed and built. &nbsp;We bring all the games, we do all of the set up and then we run the event activities. &nbsp;Easy for you, Super fun For your guests. &nbsp;We have options for all ages, young and old! &nbsp; This program will be held at the Essex Town Green, 12 Main St, Essex, CT. In the event of rain, this program will be held in the Essex Town Hall Auditorium, 29 West Ave, Essex, CT.
This program is&nbsp;free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Local Event: End of Summer Carnival with The Carnival Party!

End of Summer Carnival with The Carnival Party!

Program open to children of all ages.
Join Essex and Ivoryton Libraries to end the summer with and End of Summer Carnival,...

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!
For our last meeting, we will be reading the most recent in the Food Group series: The Humble Pie! The Humble Pie likes to give others the spotlight. Aw, shucks!—they deserve it! But when he’s paired with his best friend, Jake the Cake, for a school project, he soon realizes that staying in the shadows isn’t always as sweet as pie. Readers of all ages will laugh along as their new pie pal discovers that letting your voice be heard always takes the cake!
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 apple pie filling, cinnamon, graham crackers, whipped cream
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=592144&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register!</a>

Local Event: Food Group: The Humble Pie (Ages 4-12)

Food Group: The Humble Pie (Ages 4-12)

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.

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

Trinity Lutheran Church

Annual Tag Sale features thousands of items donated by multiple families.&nbsp; Furniture, jewelry, collectibles, kitchen items, sporting goods, books, home decor, many other items.&nbsp; Friendly church also selling new crafts, beverages and sweet treats!&nbsp; All proceeds support local charities or national disasters recovery.&nbsp; Hours are 8 am to 2 pm. Cash or check pls.

Local Event: Huge annual Tag Sale

Huge annual Tag Sale

Annual Tag Sale features thousands of items donated by multiple families.  Furniture, jewelry, collectibles, kitchen items,...

Haddam Neck Covenant Church

Join us for a delicious drive-thru takeout event featuring a $15.00 dinner includeing a BBQ chicken quarter, baked beans, coleslaw, and a dinner roll. While limited picnic table seating is available, reservations are highly recommended as drop-ins will only be served until sold out; please note this is a cash-only event.

Local Event: Chicken BBQ

Chicken BBQ

Join us for a delicious drive-thru takeout event featuring a $15.00 dinner includeing a BBQ chicken quarter, baked beans,...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

JUL

29

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Plant a Seed, Read! Family Movie Series

JUL

29

3:00 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Grove Street Story Time

JUL

30

10:00 AM

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

Food Group: The Cool Bean (Ages 4+)

JUL

31

3:30 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Story Time at Essex Island

AUG

1

9:30 AM

Safe Harbor Essex Island, 11 Ferry St, Essex, CT

Plant the Seed Learning Series: Handwriting Fun! (Ages 7-18)

AUG

4

3:00 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

AUG

5

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Tri-Town Show: Matica Family Circus!

AUG

5

4:00 PM

Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty St, Chester, CT

Food Group: The Couch Potato (Ages 4+)

AUG

7

3:30 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Story Time at Essex Island

AUG

8

9:30 AM

Safe Harbor Essex Island, 11 Ferry St, Essex, CT

Plant the Seed Learning Series: Geocache Adventure (Ages 5-18)

AUG

11

3:30 PM

Essex-Chester-Deep River, CT

Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

AUG

12

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Plant a Seed, Read! Family Movie Series

AUG

12

3:00 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Food Group: The Bad Seed (Ages 4-12)

AUG

14

3:30 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Story Time at Essex Island

AUG

15

9:30 AM

Safe Harbor Essex Island, 11 Ferry St, Essex, CT

Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)