Essex Library Association

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.
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=567109&amp;PK=949029" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Registration is required for each individual session. Click here to register.</a>
NOTE: SENSORY PLAYTIME will not take place on May 20 or 27
Program funded in part by the <a href="https://middlesexcountycf.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Community Foundation of Middlesex County</a>, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund.

Local Event: Sensory Playtime (Ages 0-5)

Middlesex County

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Connecticut

Sensory Playtime (Ages 0-5)

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

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=582495&amp;PK=949037" 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=582495&amp;PK=949038" 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=582495&amp;PK=949039" 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!

Louie Listens: Read to a Therapy Dog!

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 5-12.
Step into the “kitchen” with Miss Nicole and learn how to make chocolate dipped “monkey tails” from bananas, chocolate, and topping choices!
Allergens: recipe contains banana, chocolate, vegetable oil, and topping varieties. Please let us know of any food allergies so we can plan toppings accordingly.
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=582505&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Junior Chefs: Chocolate “Monkey Tails” (Ages 5-12)

Junior Chefs: Chocolate “Monkey Tails” (Ages 5-12)

Program for kids ages 5-12.
Step into the “kitchen” with Miss Nicole and learn how to make chocolate dipped “monkey tails” from...

Program for kids ages 5-12.
Get ready to make a splash with art! Kids will use water guns filled with a mixture of tempera paint and water to create bold, one-of-a-kind masterpieces. This is sure to be messy, so dress to get splattered!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required.
This program will take place outside, please dress in clothes you do not mind getting messy. This program is weather-dependent. Registered patrons will be notified of cancellation due to weather via telephone or e-mail.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=582506&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Kids Create: Water Gun Painting (Ages 5-12)

Kids Create: Water Gun Painting (Ages 5-12)

Program for kids ages 5-12.
Get ready to make a splash with art! Kids will use water guns filled with a mixture of tempera...

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3) This story time will take place on Tuesday mornings. Join us!
PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO WIGGLE WORMS ON MAY 26
No registration required. Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

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

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3) This story time will take place on...

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

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3) 

Program for families with kids ages 5 and below.
Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for purposeful story time sessions promoting key early literacy skills that invite caregivers and young children to learn, play, and experience stories together, following the CT Ready to Read with Sparkler 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 iOS or Android.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration is required, drop in!

Local Event: Ready To Read! (Ages 5 and below)

Ready To Read! (Ages 5 and below)

Program for families with kids ages 5 and below.
Join the Essex Library Children’s Librarian for purposeful story time sessions...

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.

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)  

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

Step into a space where creativity meets home. Join us for 'The Artful Home' Open House, a one-of-a-kind experience showcasing beautiful watercolor art, curated wallpaper designs, and modern styling ideas that bring your space to life. Alan James Art and&nbsp; AH Designs have joined forces, and will be hosting a joint Open House on May 16, 2026, 12pm. All merchandise and paintings at both shops will be discounted for this totally cool event. Indulge in wine, cheese and home inspiration. Plus, don't miss our exclusive raffles for a chance to take home some beautiful art, wallpaper, or some other fine goodies.&nbsp;See this event on your favorite social media.

Local Event: The Artful Home Open House

The Artful Home Open House

Step into a space where creativity meets home. Join us for 'The Artful Home' Open House, a one-of-a-kind experience showcasing...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

Sensory Playtime (Ages 0-5)

MAY

13

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Louie Listens: Read to a Therapy Dog!

MAY

13

5:15 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Junior Chefs: Chocolate “Monkey Tails” (Ages 5-12)

MAY

15

4:00 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Kids Create: Water Gun Painting (Ages 5-12)

MAY

16

10:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

MAY

19

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

MAY

19

10:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Ready To Read! (Ages 5 and below)

MAY

23

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

JUN

2

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

JUN

2

10:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

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

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

The Artful Home Open House