Children’s Featured Events

Essex Ed’s Groundhog Day Parade Author & Illustrator Event

Saturday, January 28, 12:00 p.m. in the Program Room
Grades K – 6

The Groundhog Day Parade is tomorrow, so let’s get ready with an event that is uniquely Essex!

Join local author Sue Cornell for a reading of her new book, Essex Ed’s Groundhog Day Parade, and participate in a How to Draw a Groundhog workshop by the book’s illustrator, Mina Hamamoto Mohtasham!

Then, join us tomorrow as we march in the Groundhog Day Parade together, and show off our awesome illustrations!

Registration Required. Sign up at (860) 767-1560 or e-mail staff.essexlib@gmail.com

March with the Essex Library in Essex’s Groundhog Day Parade!

Sunday, January 29, 1:30 p.m. Meeting Place TBA
Grades K – 6

Join Miss Nicole and march in the Essex Groundhog Day Parade! Essex Ed returns for his 43rd year to lead the Groundhog Day Parade. Come ready to make some noise as everyone’s favorite groundhog makes his annual appearance and reveals his secret identity for 2023!

Registration Required. Sign up at (860) 767-1560 or e-mail staff.essexlib@gmail.com

Take Your Child to the Library Day Week

Lego Scavenger Hunt, Children’s Room

January 30-February 4

There are 12 Lego animals hidden around the children’s room!

Find them all and win a prize!

Lego Checkout Challenge, Children’s Room

January 30-February 4

For every book you check out, add a block to the Lego tower on the children’s desk!

Let’s see what we can build as a community!

Library Card Sign-Up, Children’s Room

January 30-February 4

Essex kids (5 +) can sign up for their very own library card!

Sign up during Take Your Child to the Library Week and get a special library card lanyard (while supplies last)!

Build-A-Bookmark Craft Event

Tuesday, January 31, 3:00-6:00* p.m. in the Program Room
Grades Pre-K – 6

Kids in PK-Grade 6, come get crafty at the Essex Library and make your very own “I Love to Read” Bookmark!

*Registration not required. Bookmark Crafts available on a first come, first served basis.

Open Lego Play

Wednesday, February 1, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. in the Program Room
Grades Pre-K – 6

Come hang out and play with Legos! Open play for children Gr. K+! Bring your own Legos, or use some of ours!

A great time for kids in grades 2-6 to practice for Saturday’s Lego Building Competition!

Lego Minute to Win It Challenge

Thursday, February 2, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Program Room
Grades K – 2 & 3 – 6

Can you beat the clock? Compete against your friends in 60 second Lego challenges!

Registration Required. Sign up at (860) 767-1560 or e-mail staff.essexlib@gmail.com

Open Lego Play

Friday, February 3, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the Program Room
Grades Pre-K – 6

Come hang out and play with Legos! Open play for children Gr. K+! Bring your own Legos, or use some of ours!

A great time for kids in grades 2-6 to practice for Saturday’s Lego Building Competition!

Storybook STEM

Saturday, February 4, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the Program Room
Grades Pre-K – 2

Learn the history of the classic tale, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, and read the new retelling by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen!

Then, teamwork in groups to build a bridge for the three billy goats to cross!

Registration Required. Sign up at (860) 767-1560 or e-mail staff.essexlib@gmail.com

Lego Building Competition

Saturday, February 4, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Program Room
Grades 2 – 6

Come show your skills at our Lego Building Competition! Judged by a panel of SURPRISE community volunteers! Bring your own Legos or Lego sets, or use some of ours!

Registration Required. Sign up at (860) 767-1560 or e-mail staff.essexlib@gmail.com

Louie Listens

Thursday, February 9, Sign-Up slots from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Program Room

Did you know that reading to a therapy dog can not only improve your child’s reading skills, but also their self-esteem and confidence?

Sign up for a timeslot for your child to spend time with and read to Louie the Labrador, a local, licensed therapy dog!

Sign up at (860) 767-1560 or e-mail staff.essexlib@gmail.com to check availability.

STEAM Saturdays

Saturdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 & February 11, 18, 25, 10:00 a.m. in the Program Room
Grades K – 6

Enjoy a different STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) project at the library each Saturday throughout the winter!

January 7: Fluffy Snow Slime!
January 14: DIY Catapult!
January 21: Snowflake Salt Painting
January 28: Kinetic Sand

February 11: Bouncy Balls
February 18: Rainbow Paper
February 25: Unpoppable Bubbles

Registration Required. Sign up at (860) 767-1560 or e-mail staff.essexlib@gmail.com

Wiggle Worms Story Time

Tuesdays, (ongoing): January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 & February 7, 14, 21, 28, 10:30 a.m. in the Program Room
Ages 0-3

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. See website or Facebook/Instagram for last-minute cancellations.

Fri-YAY Stories & Play

Fridays, (ongoing): January 6, 13, 20, 21 & February 3, 10, 17, 24, 10:30 a.m. in the Program Room
Ages 0-5

A story and social time for young children and their caregivers!

Join Miss Nicole for a story, followed by play time!

This story time will take place every Friday morning.  See website or Facebook/Instagram for last-minute cancellations.