Essex Library Association

Do you want to better&nbsp;to understand Iran’s Nuclear Program? Hear from Dr. Rick Lawrence in this virtual program presented by Essex Library&nbsp;as he explains the science, history and policy behind one of the world’s most complex&nbsp;issues of today. Dr. Lawrence will break down some complicated topics – nuclear fission, uranium enrichment and nuclear weapon design – and then examine the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal, the consequences of the U.S.’s 2018 withdrawal and Iran’s nuclear activities since the withdrawal.
This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required for all virtual programs. Register <a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;EventID=598806&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

Local Event: Understanding Iran’s Nuclear Program with Dr. Rick Lawrence (Virtual)

Middlesex County

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Connecticut

Understanding Iran’s Nuclear Program with Dr....

Do you want to better to understand Iran’s Nuclear Program? Hear from Dr. Rick Lawrence in this virtual program presented by...

Understanding Iran’s Nuclear Program with Dr. Rick Lawrence (Virtual)

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Tomorrow is National Family PJ Day, celebrate a day early at the library with cozy songs, stories, and plenty of fun! Wear your PJ’s, of course!
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=601181&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

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

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

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Tomorrow is National Family PJ Day, celebrate a day early at the library with cozy songs, stories,...

Program for families with kids ages 6-12.
Celebrate DINOvember at the library! Join Miss Nicole to create a beautiful dinosaur sunset painting, perfect to decorate the room of any dinosaur lover! All supplies will be provided, and smocks/aprons will be available, but please wear clothes you don’t mind (possibly) getting dirty!
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=601187&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Dinosaur “Paint Night” (Ages 6-12)

Dinosaur “Paint Night” (Ages 6-12)

Program for families with kids ages 6-12.
Celebrate DINOvember at the library! Join Miss Nicole to create a beautiful dinosaur...

Program for kids ages 3-6.
Join dancers from Eastern Connecticut Ballet for an interactive creative movement class with a Nutcracker theme. This presentation will be led by Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s teacher educators and will feature dancers from their upcoming Nutcracker performance.
Eastern Connecticut Ballet was founded in 1992 to serve students in the shoreline area and beyond. As a nonprofit organization, Eastern Connecticut Ballet recognizes their responsibility to the broader community. Through their educational outreach programs, they raise awareness of the beauty and power of dance.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Space is limited, registration is required.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=601188&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Nutcracker Creative Movement (Ages 3-6)

Nutcracker Creative Movement (Ages 3-6)

Program for kids ages 3-6.
Join dancers from Eastern Connecticut Ballet for an interactive creative movement class with a...

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, and for safety reasons, kids ages 4-8 must have an adult participate alongside!
This summer’s popular Food Group program is BACK for the release of Jory John’s newest Food Group book, The Toast of the Town!
Meet Toast. He knows everybody, and everybody knows him. He pops up wherever help is needed—shoveling sidewalks, welcoming newcomers, checking in on neighbors—just because. But Toast wasn't always so warm and toasty. In his younger days, he kept to himself, loafed around, and mostly just felt a little . . . stale. It took one life-changing moment to help him rise to the occasion. Can one ordinary piece of toast transform an entire community? And can helping others turn out to be the best thing since sliced bread?
What to expect:
Cook, read, and explore with us in this deliciously fun program inspired by Jory John’s Food Group series. 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 and can take home a recipe card to try again at home!
Possible Allergens: recipe contains white bread, milk, &amp; food coloring.
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=601189&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Food Group: The Toast of the Town (Ages 4+)

Food Group: The Toast of the Town (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...

Essex Library is honored to host Gordon Giffin, the United States Ambassador to Canada under the Clinton Administration, for its second annual Fulford History Lecture. His talk, “American Diplomacy, the Canada - US Relationship and Why It Matters,” will take place on November 14 at 4 p.m. in The Cube at Centerbrook Architects.
Giffin, born in Massachusetts, moved in 1950 to Montreal, Canada at age 3 months. Ultimately graduating from High School in Toronto, in 1967 he returned south to obtain a BA at Duke University and a JD at Emory University School of Law. After graduation he moved to Washington DC in January 1975 to become Chief Counsel and Legislative Director to US Senator Sam Nunn. 
He served as outside General Counsel to the 1988 and 1992 Democratic National Conventions. In 1992 Giffin became Chair of the Clinton presidential campaign in Georgia and southeastern coordinator. Following the election, he declined opportunities to move back to Washington to join the Administration to continue to grow his law practice. In 1996 he served as Chair of the Site Selection Committee and Vice Chair for the Democratic National Convention and Chair of the Southern Region Campaign. Following the election, in June 1997 he was nominated by President Clinton as US Ambassador to Canada and confirmed by the Senate July 31, 1997. After being sworn in by VP Al Gore he assumed his post in Ottawa in September and served until May 2001. 
This lecture is free and open to the public. Registration is requested. For more information or to register please call the Essex Library at 860-767-1560 or visit the Events Calendar at <a href="https://www.youressexlibrary.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youressexlibrary.org</a>.

Local Event: Former United States Ambassador to give Fulford History Lecture

Former United States Ambassador to give Fulford...

Essex Library is honored to host Gordon Giffin, the United States Ambassador to Canada under the Clinton Administration, for...

Former United States Ambassador to give Fulford History Lecture

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) 

Did you know that building with LEGO can be deeply meditative? Snapping those bricks together can release stress. Zone out, build what you’d like, and take it home with you. The new Teen Space will feature an area for your creations should you want to display them. Ages 12 -18.

Local Event: Drop-In DIY LEGO

Drop-In DIY LEGO

Did you know that building with LEGO can be deeply meditative? Snapping those bricks together can release stress. Zone out,...

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=601191&amp;PK=975459" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register 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=601191&amp;PK=975460" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register 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=601191&amp;PK=975461" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register 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 children ages birth – 2 and their caregivers.
Music is one of the earliest ways babies learn about the world! In Baby Band, caregivers and little ones will sing, dance, bounce, clap, and explore child-safe instruments in a playful, engaging environment. Along the way, babies strengthen early literacy, communication, motor, and social-emotional skills while caregivers discover fun ways to continue the music at home. No pressure to sit still, wiggles, giggles, and movement are all part of the fun!
What to Expect:
We’ll start by singing some familiar songs to get the party started. Then, we’ll explore rhythm with scarves, shakers, drums, or other child-safe instruments. Before we end, we’ll sing a goodbye song! After baby band, 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 supplies are available.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=601190&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Baby Band (Birth - Age 2)

Baby Band (Birth - Age 2)

Program for children ages birth – 2 and their caregivers.
Music is one of the earliest ways babies learn about the world! In...

Do you have questions about Medicare coverage or are you enrolling in Medicare?&nbsp;Register for a one-hour session with a CHOICES counselor at Essex Library Association. CHOICES (Connecticut's program for Health insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, and Eligibility Screening) helps Connecticut's older adults and persons with disabilities understand their Medicare coverage and healthcare options.&nbsp;Time slots available at 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Local Event: Medicare Counseling at Essex Library Association

Medicare Counseling at Essex Library Association

Do you have questions about Medicare coverage or are you enrolling in Medicare? Register for a one-hour session with a CHOICES...

Incorporating healthy indoor plants in a home or office can really add a sense of calm and beauty to a space. A big part of growing houseplants successfully comes from choosing the right plant for your space. We’ll talk about light conditions, temperature, watering requirements and how to consider these factors when it comes to plant selection. Stories of houseplant failures, unexpected triumphs and new favorites will be covered. This talk will be presented by Felicia Millett, a plant scientist with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.Register online at youressexlibrary.org or call the Library at 860-767-1560.

Local Event: Houseplants: Fears and Favorites at Essex Library Association

Houseplants: Fears and Favorites at Essex...

Incorporating healthy indoor plants in a home or office can really add a sense of calm and beauty to a space. A big part of...

Houseplants: Fears and Favorites at Essex Library Association

Step into a sprawling world of celestial magic, political intrigue, and ancient prophecies with&nbsp;New York Times&nbsp;bestselling author Rebecca Roanhorse as we dive deep into her acclaimed&nbsp;Between Earth and Sky&nbsp;trilogy.&nbsp;Black Sun,&nbsp;Fevered Star, and&nbsp;Mirrored Heavens&nbsp;are inspired by the rich and diverse cultures of the pre-Columbian Americas, reshaping modern speculative fiction with unmissable worldbuilding.Register online <a href="https://libraryc.org/essexlib/220590/register" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE</a> or call the Library at860-767-1560.

Local Event: Epic Worlds and Celestial Prophecies with Rebecca Roanhorse (Virtual Author Talk)

Epic Worlds and Celestial Prophecies with...

Step into a sprawling world of celestial magic, political intrigue, and ancient prophecies with New York Times bestselling...

Epic Worlds and Celestial Prophecies with Rebecca Roanhorse (Virtual Author Talk)

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Flannel Boards are fun, interactive ways to tell stories, or sing songs! Today, every song we sing and every book we read will have interactive flannel puppets to go along with them! To get in the spirit, wear your favorite flannel shirt!
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=601192&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Little Learners Story Time: Flannel Board Friday! (Ages 2-5)

Little Learners Story Time: Flannel Board...

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Flannel Boards are fun, interactive ways to tell stories, or sing songs! Today, every song we sing...

Little Learners Story Time: Flannel Board Friday! (Ages 2-5)

Program for kids ages 8-12.
Come to the library and get crafty with model magic and markers to make awesome dinosaur (or dragon) eye sculptures! All supplies will be provided, and tweens will be led step-by-step to make their creations!
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=601193&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Tween Time: Create Dinosaur Eyes (Ages 8-12)

Tween Time: Create Dinosaur Eyes (Ages 8-12)

Program for kids ages 8-12.
Come to the library and get crafty with model magic and markers to make awesome dinosaur (or...

Program for kids ages 5-12.
Travel back in time and build your own miniature dinosaur habitat. Join us at the library to create a miniature dinosaur terrarium in a jar. When you’re done, take home a fun&nbsp;decoration that brings a little piece of the prehistoric world to your space!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.&nbsp; &nbsp;Space is limited, registration is required.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=601194&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Kids Create: Mini Dinosaur Terrariums (Ages 5-12)

Kids Create: Mini Dinosaur Terrariums (Ages 5-12)

Program for kids ages 5-12.
Travel back in time and build your own miniature dinosaur habitat. Join us at the library to create...

St Mary Church of the Visitation, 54 Grove St, Clinton, CT, 06413

9:00 AM - 2:00 PMCrafters, Raffle ($1000, $500, &amp; $250), Bake Sale, Delicious food,Gift Baskets, Children's room for shopping, St. Mary's tablesMr. &amp; Mrs. Claus arriving 10:00 AM, Handicap accessible.

Local Event: 39th Annual Heart of Christmas Fair

Clinton

39th Annual Heart of Christmas Fair

9:00 AM - 2:00 PMCrafters, Raffle ($1000, $500, & $250), Bake Sale, Delicious food,Gift Baskets, Children's room for shopping,...

shell&bee studio

<h2></h2>
Join us for a cozy and creative morning of cookie decorating inspired by the rich colors and natural beauty of fall.
In this beginner-friendly class, you'll learn how to decorate a stunning collection of fall floral cookies featuring seasonal blooms, autumn foliage, pumpkins and elegant harvest-inspired details. Whether you're a first-time decorator or a cookie enthusiast, you'll leave with new skills and a beautiful set of cookies to enjoy.
<h4>✨ Class Highlights:</h4>
<ul><li>• Your Ticket Includes:</li><li>• 🍁 A guided cookie decorating class</li><li>• 🌻 Pre-baked cookies ready to decorate</li><li>• 🍂 Royal icing and all decorating supplies</li><li>• 🌿 Step-by-step instruction and decorating tips</li><li>• 🎁 A beautifully packaged set of cookies to take home</li><li>• ✨ No experience necessary</li><li>• ✨ Perfect for a girls' day out, mother-daughter outing or creative fall gathering</li><li>• ✨ All supplies included</li><li>• 🎟️ Space is limited and advance registration is required.</li></ul>
<h4>📅 Date</h4>
Sunday, November 22, 2026
11 AM · 2 hours
<h4>💰 Cost</h4>
$70.00

Local Event: Fall Floral Cookie Decorating Class

Fall Floral Cookie Decorating Class


Join us for a cozy and creative morning of cookie decorating inspired by the rich colors and natural beauty of fall.
In this...

Casa Mia at the Hawthorne

Join us for a fun evening of Big Band Swing and Great Food!&nbsp; Appetizers, Gourmet Buffet Dinner, and Dancing All Night!&nbsp; $65 per person...www.stringofpearlsbigband.org or call 860.304.5062

Local Event: Cool Yule Holiday Dinner Dance with String of Pearls Big Band

New Haven County

New Haven

Cool Yule Holiday Dinner Dance with String of...

Join us for a fun evening of Big Band Swing and Great Food!  Appetizers, Gourmet Buffet Dinner, and Dancing All Night!  $65 per...

Cool Yule Holiday Dinner Dance with String of Pearls Big Band

Rich Kirby

Hartford Metropolitan Area

The Haddams-Killingworth

Alfred Branch

Madison

New London County

The Lymes

Richard Kaufman

Guilford

Durham-Middlefield

North Branford

East Hampton-Portland

Chris Dehnel

Middletown

Ellyn Santiago

Branford

Connecticut’s only nonprofit, fully integrated senior care

Masonicare

Headquartered in Connecticut and founded in 1898, Masonicare is the state’s only not-for-profit, fully integrated senior care continuum, guided by a longstanding, mission-driven commitment to enhancing quality of life for older adults. Masonicare offers vibrant residential communities and a comprehensive range of health and wellness services designed to promote independence, longevity, and purposeful living. Its statewide continuum includes independent living, assisted living services, skilled nursing, medical and non-medical home health, hospice, adaptive memory care, acute inpatient and outpatient senior behavioral health, outpatient rehabilitation, and audiology services, redefining how aging is experienced by advancing proactive wellness, integrated care, and meaningful connection at every stage of life.

Vincent Salzo

Wallingford

Headquartered in Connecticut and founded in 1898, Masonicare is the state’s only not-for-profit, fully integrated senior care continuum, guided by...

Kaleidoscope Strategic Arts Collective in Downtown Chester

Kaleidoscope LLC

Kaleidoscope stands as Connecticut's premier art gallery and curated gift shop, dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary talents of regional artists and artisans. Strategically located in the historic downtown Chester, Connecticut, our gallery serves as a cultural cornerstone for art enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors seeking authentic, handcrafted treasures. Unparalleled Artisan Collection Our carefully curated collection features works from over 60 distinguished Connecticut artists and authors, representing the finest in regional creativity and craftsmanship. Kaleidoscope offers an ever-evolving selection of quality paintings, hand-thrown ceramics, artisan glasswork, textile arts, fine woodworking, designer jewelry, and locally-authored literature. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the rich artistic heritage and innovative spirit that defines Connecticut's creative community. Dynamic Cultural Programming Beyond our gallery walls, Kaleidoscope functions as a vibrant community hub, hosting signature events including exclusive book signings with local authors, live artist demonstrations, hands-on creative workshops, and engaging community gatherings. Our programming calendar ensures continuous opportunities for artistic discovery, skill development, and cultural enrichment. Integrated Culinary Experience Complementing your artistic journey, KaraBella's Kitchen—our in-house restaurant—provides a sophisticated dining experience, allowing guests to savor exceptional cuisine while surrounded by inspiring artwork. This unique integration of culinary and visual arts creates an immersive destination experience unmatched in the region. Visit &amp; Engage We invite art collectors, gift seekers, and culture enthusiasts to experience Kaleidoscope firsthand. Visit our downtown Chester location to explore our rotating exhibitions and discover one-of-a-kind pieces. For information about upcoming workshops, classes, and events visit our website or stop by our gallery.

Kaleidoscope stands as Connecticut's premier art gallery and curated gift shop, dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary talents of regional...

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Events and Things to Do in Essex-Chester-Deep River, CT

Friday, December 18

Cool Yule Holiday Dinner Dance with String of Pearls Big Band

DEC

18

6:00 PM

Casa Mia at the Hawthorne, 2421 Berlin Tpke, Berlin, CT

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Thursday, November 12

Friday, November 13

Saturday, November 14

Tuesday, November 17

Wednesday, November 18

Thursday, November 19

Friday, November 20

Saturday, November 21

Sunday, November 22

Tuesday, November 24

Cool Yule Holiday Dinner Dance with String of Pearls Big Band

Masonicare

Kaleidoscope LLC