Book Groups

Are you always looking for a good book or author? Do you like a lively discussion with other book enthusiasts? Then join one of our book groups! We have copies of the books available to borrow or you may click on the title and put a hold on the book in our catalog. Readers of all ages are invited to join our book groups at any time.


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American History Book Group

Next meeting: TBA soon. This group meets on Zoom.

The group meets every other month to discuss a book, primarily non-fiction, that deals with a topic, time-period or biographical work related to the rich history of the United States. Selections are based on suggestions from group members and from trusted, critical book review sources. The group is moderated by Executive Director Ann Thompson.

Please email athompson@essexlib.org for the Zoom link.

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez

Classics Book Group

Next meeting: Thursday, January 25th at 5 p.m. to discuss Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez. This group meets on Zoom.

Join this exciting book discussion group and meet those great books you’ve always meant to read or revisit. We’ll be exploring literature from across the wide Western canon; from Beowulf to Brideshead, and beyond. Guaranteed to provoke thoughtful, wide-ranging discussions, insights, and illumination. The group is moderated by Executive Director Ann Thompson.

Please email athompson@essexlib.org for the Zoom link.

List of Previous Classic Book Choices


First Thursday & Saturday Book Group

Next meeting: Thursday, December 7th at 4 p.m. OR Saturday, December 9th at 9:45 a.m. to discuss The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. This group meets in the library’s Program Room on Thursdays and the Conference Room on Saturdays.

This book group usually meets on the first Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. with a NEW, second meeting on Saturday at 9:45 a.m. Both groups read the same book. Come to either group. Participants may Zoom in. Essex Library staffer Ellen Miller moderates the discussions.


Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict

Historical Fiction Book Group (Hi-Fi)

Next meeting: Tuesday, December 12th at 10:30 a.m. to discuss Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict. This group meets in the library’s Program Room.

This book group usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Participants may Zoom in. Essex Library staffer Ellen Miller moderates the discussions.

Please email emiller@essexlib.org for the Zoom link.

List of Previous Historical Fiction Book Choices


The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje

Third Wednesday Book Group

Next meeting: Wednesday, December 20th at 10:30 a.m. to discuss The Cat’s Table by Michael Ondaatje. This group meets at Essex Meadows.

This general interest book group is open to all and meeds on the the third Wednesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. at Essex Meadows. Executive Director Ann Thompson moderates the discussion.

List of Previous Third Wednesday Book Choices