Essex Library Association

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)

Middlesex County

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Connecticut

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

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...

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages birth - 3) This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!
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 birth - 3) This story time will take place...

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...

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.

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...

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.

Pratt House Museum - Essex Historical Society

Program for kids and teens ages 8-18.
Essex Library Association and Essex Historical Society invite children and young adults, with their parents, to join the team from Digging for Good in Haddam, CT to ‘dig’ on Pratt House’s grounds, using metal detectors to find buried objects.
Digging for Good will provide metal detecting tools to find objects embedded in Pratt’s two-acre field, which was once part of a farm dating from 1701. Anything found will be donated to Essex Historical Society and may later be placed on exhibit. Digging for Good members will record a video, as well as take photos of the interesting finds. Please dress for the outdoors and wear sturdy shoes and sunscreen, as needed.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
This program will be held at Pratt House, 19 West Avenue, Essex, CT. In the event of rain, this program will not be held.
Registration is required.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=592145&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Digging for Good (Ages 8-18)

Digging for Good (Ages 8-18)

Program for kids and teens ages 8-18.
Essex Library Association and Essex Historical Society invite children and young adults,...

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages birth - 3) This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!
No registration required.

Program for kids ages 2-5, siblings always welcome!
Get ready for the new school year with stories, songs, and fun activities all about classrooms, backpacks, and first-day jitters at this Back to School-themed story time!
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=592146&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Little Learners Story Time: Back to School (Ages 2-5)

Little Learners Story Time: Back to School...

Program for kids ages 2-5, siblings always welcome!
Get ready for the new school year with stories, songs, and fun activities...

Little Learners Story Time: Back to School (Ages 2-5)

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

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...

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 <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 little ones aged 18 mos. – 4 years, and one adult loved one.
Join Miss Kristen from Elevé Academy for a free Little One &amp; Loved One demo class! This is&nbsp;a special introductory movement class designed for young children and a parent, grandparent, caregiver, or other loved one to participate in together. Through music, movement, games, and imaginative activities, children are introduced to the joy of dance while building confidence in a nurturing and supportive environment. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are beginning their dance journey and benefit from the comfort and encouragement of a trusted adult.
Elevé Academy is a new dance studio opening at 10 Bokum Rd in Essex this September.&nbsp;
At Elevé Academy, our mission is to provide exceptional dance education in a supportive and inspiring environment where students are encouraged to grow as artists, athletes, and individuals. We strive to build confidence, discipline, creativity, and a lifelong love of dance while fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
At Elevé Academy, we foster an inclusive and uplifting environment where dancers are encouraged to pursue their own path, embrace challenges, and reach their fullest potential at every stage of their development. Whether training recreationally or pursuing advanced performance and competitive opportunities, each dancer is provided with the guidance, opportunities, and personalized attention needed to grow artistically, technically, and personally.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required as space is limited. Please register only the child participant. <a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=595891&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Little One & Loved One Dance Class with Elevé Academy (18 mos. – 4 years)

Little One & Loved One Dance Class with Elevé...

Program for little ones aged 18 mos. – 4 years, and one adult loved one.
Join Miss Kristen from Elevé Academy for a free Little...

Little One & Loved One Dance Class with Elevé Academy (18 mos. – 4 years)

Program for children ages 5-8.
Join Miss Kristen from Elevé Academy for a free Intro to Ballet demo class! This class is a joyful introduction to the foundations of ballet designed specifically for kindergarten to second-grade aged dancers. This class nurtures creativity, confidence, and a love of movement while introducing students to basic ballet technique in a fun, age-appropriate environment. Perfect for young dancers who are ready to explore the beauty and discipline of ballet while having fun and building confidence.
Elevé Academy is a new dance studio opening at 10 Bokum Rd in Essex this September. 
At Elevé Academy, our mission is to provide exceptional dance education in a supportive and inspiring environment where students are encouraged to grow as artists, athletes, and individuals. We strive to build confidence, discipline, creativity, and a lifelong love of dance while fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
At Elevé Academy, we foster an inclusive and uplifting environment where dancers are encouraged to pursue their own path, embrace challenges, and reach their fullest potential at every stage of their development. Whether training recreationally or pursuing advanced performance and competitive opportunities, each dancer is provided with the guidance, opportunities, and personalized attention needed to grow artistically, technically, and personally.
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=595918&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Intro to Ballet with Elevé Academy (Ages 5-8) 

Intro to Ballet with Elevé Academy (Ages 5-8) 

Program for children ages 5-8.
Join Miss Kristen from Elevé Academy for a free Intro to Ballet demo class! This class is a...

Program for grandparents and their grandchildren, ages 3 and up.
Tomorrow is Grandparents Day, come celebrate at the library! Kids and their grandparents are invited to enjoy tea and snacks together and create a Grandparents Day craft.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required. Please register each attendee (grandparents and kids) separately to ensure an accurate head count.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=595922&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Grandparent’s Day Afternoon Tea (Ages 3+)

Grandparent’s Day Afternoon Tea (Ages 3+)

Program for grandparents and their grandchildren, ages 3 and up.
Tomorrow is Grandparents Day, come celebrate at the library!...

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 George Catholic Church

Saint George Church Carnival sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 3928, Guilford
August 11 - 15, 2026
Food - Rides - Games - Family Fun
Great Food and Fun for the Whole Family
Event Schedule &amp; Details
·Times: Food tent opens at 5:30 PM nightly; rides open at 6:00 PM.
·Admission &amp; Parking: No entrance fee; limited free parking is available on the church grounds.
·Highlights: Carnival rides provided by <a href="https://tufanoamusements.com/events/274" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tufano Amusements</a> (including the new Giant Wheel for 2026), food favorites like fried dough pizza, games, and a White Elephant sale.

Local Event: Saint George Church Carnival

Saint George Church Carnival

Saint George Church Carnival sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 3928, Guilford
August 11 - 15, 2026
Food - Rides -...

St. George Church

Celebrate the 12th Anniversary of this vibrant community festival featuring live music from Rich DiPalma, Jen &amp; Tonic, and Sister Funk Band. Enjoy delicious Italian favorites like fried dough and meatball subs, participate in a spaghetti eating contest or grape stomping competition, and explore the kids zone and bocce area. Admission is $5.00, with children 15 and under attending for free.

Local Event: Italian Festival 2026

Italian Festival 2026

Celebrate the 12th Anniversary of this vibrant community festival featuring live music from Rich DiPalma, Jen & Tonic, and...

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Posting Activity

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

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Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

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Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

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Little Learners Story Time: Back to School (Ages 2-5)

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Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)

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Wiggle Worms Story Time (Birth - Age 3)