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.


"The Revolutionar" by Stacy Schiff bookcoverAmerican History Book Group

Next meeting: Thursday, June 1st at 5 p.m. to discuss The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams by Stacy Schiff. 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.

Meeting ID:  821 1218 4552
Passcode: 566057

"The Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad bookcoverClassics Book Group

Next meeting: Thursday, June 29th at 5 p.m. to discuss The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. 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.

Meeting ID: 884 5353 4510
Passcode: 236940

List of Previous Classic Book Choices


"The Shepherd's Life" by James Rebank bookcover

First Thursday Book Group

Next meeting: Thursday, June 1st at 4 p.m. to discuss The Shepherd’s Life by James Rebank. This group meets in the library’s Program Room.

This book group usually meets on the first Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. Participants may Zoom in. Essex Library staffer Ellen Miller moderates the discussions.


"The Sandcastle Girls" by Chris Bohjalian bookcoverHistorical Fiction Book Group (Hi-Fi)

Next meeting: Tuesday, June 13th at 10:30 a.m. to discuss The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian. 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.

To join on Zoom, please email emiller@essexlib.org for link.

List of Previous Historical Fiction Book Choices


"The Lions of Fifth Avenue" by Fiona Davis bookcover

Third Wednesday Book Group

Next meeting: Wednesday, June 21th at 10:30 a.m. to discuss The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis. 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