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.
American History Book Group
Next meeting: Thursday, May 21 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss Post Roads & Iron Horses by Richard DeLuca.
The group meets in the library 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.
The group meets in person, but participants may Zoom in. Please email Ann at athompson@essexlib.org for the Zoom link.
Classics Book Group
Next meeting: Tuesday, May 26 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers.
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 Ann at athompson@essexlib.org for the Zoom link.
List of Previous Classic Book Choices
CT History Book Group – Essex Historical Society
Next meeting: Wednesday, April 22 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss Freegift by James R. Benn.
Please register here with EHS.
Group meets at: Hills Academy History Center, 22 Prospect Street, Essex, CT, 06426
Join the Essex Historical Society in collaboration with the Essex Library and Ivoryton Library for a Connecticut History Book Club. This quarterly book club explores the state’s past through both fiction and non-fiction works, highlighting key events, figures, and themes that shaped the state or played a larger role in America’s history. Join us for insightful discussions that connect the past to the present, revealing the histories that shaped our state, led by EHS Director, Melissa Josefiak. This event is FREE and lite refreshments will be provided.
List of Previous CT History Book Choices
First Thursday & Saturday Book Group
Next meeting: Saturday, May 2 at 9:30 a.m. OR Thursday, May 7 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss When Women Ran Fifth Avenue by Julie Satow.
The First Thursday/Saturday book group reads general fiction with a few non-fiction exceptions. Selections are based on trusted, critical book review sources.
The group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m. in the Buel Room. A second meeting of the group is held in the conference room on a Saturday, at 9:30 a.m. Participants can attend either date and time. Both groups read the same book. Adult Services Librarian Elizabeth Reinhart moderates the discussion.
Participants may Zoom in to either meeting. Please email Elizabeth at least 24 hours prior to a meeting at ereinhart@essexlib.org for the Zoom link.
Historical Fiction Book Group (Hi-Fi)
Next meeting: Tuesday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris.
The Historical Fiction book group meets in the Library’s conference room on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Adult Services Librarian Elizabeth Reinhart moderates the discussions.
Participants may Zoom in. Please email Elizabeth at least 24 hours prior to a meeting at ereinhart@essexlib.org for the Zoom link.
SECWAC Book Group
Next meeting: in September to discuss TBD.
Join the Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council (SECWAC) and the Essex Library for a new, quarterly book group.
Meets at the library in the Buel Room.
List of Previous SECWAC Book Choices
Third Wednesday Book Group
Next meeting: Thursday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd.
Temporarily meeting on Thursday.
This general interest book group is open to all and meets on the the third Wednesday of every month at Essex Meadows. Executive Director Ann Thompson moderates the discussion.
