Essex Library News

From The Executive Director

May 1, 2023 –

We are edging ever closer to warmer temperatures outdoors which means many of us will be spending more time enjoying the beauty of Essex, and all the traditional outdoor events May offers. Don’t overlook the wonderful resources in our non-fiction collections on gardening, grilling and other outdoor activities, not to mention those fabulous novels you’ve been waiting to read in your hammock. Our Seed Library still has packets of vegetables and herbs, free for the taking.

I’m very pleased and honored to announce that the Essex Library finished among the top twenty in this year’s voting for the Community Investment Program sponsored by Essex Savings Bank. Our sincere thanks go to Essex Savings Bank, but also to our patrons. This gift will help us to continue to provide the community with free access to the high quality materials, programs and services you have come to expect from us.

Thank you to everyone who donated food during the April Region 4 Backpack Food Drive. Your generosity helps feed the children in our community. If you have any last-minute donations, our collection wagon will remain in the Library’s lobby for another week.

Lastly, the Friends of the Essex Library is putting together the final touches on what promises to become a highly anticipated annual fundraising event: Cocktails With The Friends. Tickets for the June 9 event are available now for purchase and they’re going fast! Live music will be provided by the Community Music School Faculty Jazz Trio.

I hope to see you soon!

Please remember that all Essex Library programs are FREE and open to the public.

Ann Thompson, Executive Director
Essex Library Association

New Year, New Hours!

The Essex Library is kicking off the New Year by opening 6 additional hours every week. Beginning January 3rd, the Library will open an hour earlier, Monday – Saturday at 9 a.m.

From The Board of Trustees

Essex Library Association Announces Appointment of Ann Thompson as Executive Director

November 21, 2022  – Essex Library Association (ELA) today announced the appointment of Ann Thompson as executive director of the Library, effective November 19, 2022.

Thompson has over 20 years’ experience in public librarianship, serving the Essex community since 1999. Thompson was most recently assistant director for public services at ELA, where she oversaw services for adults, acquisitions and programs, as well as supervision of circulation desk operations and staff. She was appointed interim director in July of this year.

“Ann Thompson is stepping into the role of executive director at a time when the Library is poised to enhance its role in the community through its forward-thinking strategic plan. The Board of Trustees and I are excited by the possibilities that her leadership will bring to Essex. It became clear to us, throughout the search and interview process, that Ann Thompson was the best person to assume this leadership position,” said Betsy Sandberg, president, ELA Board of Trustees.

A search committee appointed by the Library’s Board of Trustees conducted a four-month long national search for an executive director. Sandberg and ELA Board of Trustees member JoAnne Carter led the search committee.

“I’m honored to have this new opportunity to work with a dedicated and talented staff, Board, and Friends group. I look forward to continuing the library’s great programs and services while also expanding ways to engage our community – one of the best small towns in America,” said Ann Thompson, executive director, Essex Library Association.

Thompson holds an MLS degree from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven and a Bachelor of Arts from Goucher College in Baltimore, MD. She started her professional career in librarianship in 1999 at the Ivoryton Library Association in Ivoryton, CT. In 2001, she was hired as a circulation and reference librarian at ELA and in 2008 was appointed head of adult services, driving many of the Library’s innovative programming.

Betsy Sandberg, President
Essex Library Board of Trustees