Essex Library News

From The Executive Director

February 1, 2023 –

Who doesn’t love February? If you’re not a February fan, stop in to the Library and let us help change your mind.

First, Take Your Child To The Library Day is February 4. Miss Nicole has gone above and beyond TYCTTLDay and is celebrating with a whole week of fun activities that are a blast for the kids.

A week is not enough, you say? Then bear in mind that February is also National Library Lovers Month. Consider visiting the Library to go to a museum. We offer free and discounted museum passes to many museums in CT and also Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, NY. Get some DIY tasks done with tools from our Library Of Things. Learn to play the piano with our electric keyboard that you can borrow.

Of course, there are all the usual suspects of programs, books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines and their digital versions, all available for free with your Library Card! And the Library Cards are free too! We’ll be waiving fines for all Essex materials for the month of February to encourage you to check us out.

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