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# Essex Library Association

Your Community Center for Lifelong Learning and Cultural Enrichment

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/) - Notary services are back! Featured Events: 24/7 Download and Stream *Hoopla provided through the Ivoryton Library. Research & Resources researchIT CT is the state digital reference library, providing access to hundreds of magazines, journals, newspapers and other resources through licensed databases. If researching from home, you’ll need the barcode from your Library card. JobNow
- [Laptop ConneCT Program](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/adult-services/laptop-connect-program/) - Laptop ConneCT Program The Laptop ConneCT Program is a statewide initiative administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in partnership with the Connecticut State Library that complements Connecticut's broadband investments by making laptops available for loan and on-site use through participating public libraries for eligible Connecticut residents. Funded through the American Rescue
- [Book Groups](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/adult-services/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
- [Programs](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/teens/programs/) - FALL PROGRAMS Take & Make – Locker Magnets Ages 12+ Month of September Spruce up your locker this fall! This month’s kit contains all you need to make personalized wooden magnets. The Teen Department creates a monthly series of free take and make art projects for our crew. Ages 12+ please. First come, first served.
- [Volunteer](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/teens/teens_volunteer/) - Volunteers Wanted Interested in volunteering with the library? Fill out our short survey and a library staff member will be in contact with you. Volunteering is a great way to learn more about the library and gain valuable experience for college or work. Volunteer Form Join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) We’re recruiting teens of
- [Friends' Events](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/friends/friends-events/) - Fall Book Sale Mark your calendars! Our semi-annual Fall Book sale will be held on Saturday, October 17th from 9-4, and our Bag of Books sale will be held on Monday, October 19th from 9-3. More details to come. Winter Fundraiser Stay tuned for more details about our next winter fundraiser! Spring Book Sale Stay
- [Friends' Book Sale](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/friends/friends-book-sale/) - BOOK SALE NEWS As summer draws to an end, the Friends are busy behind the scenes gearing up for our monthly focused sale, which will be followed by our semi-annual Fall Book Sale. For the month of September through October 15th, we will have several different categories available for sale in the library. As you enter
- [Essex Film Fest](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/adult-services/essex-film-fest/) - Welcome to the 2026 Essex Film Fest! Optional donations are greatly appreciated and directly support the Essex Library Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Click Get Tickets to view the schedule and save your spot! GET TICKETS HERE GET MERCH HERE WEBSITE SOCIAL MEDIA: FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM FEATURED GUEST FILMMAKER Scott Macaulay is an independent film
- [Library Staff Directory](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/about/library-staff-directory/) - General Inquiries staff.essexlib@gmail.com For general inquiries not directed to a specific person or department; will be answered by the first available staff member. Executive Director Ann Thompson, MLS - athompson@essexlib.org Ann is responsible for management of all Library operations and represents the Library within the community. Ann oversees services for adults, including circulation desk operations
- [Book Reviews](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/adult-services/summer-reading-2026/book-reviews-adult-summer-reading/) - Book Reviews Here are some book reviews from adult summer reading participants. Share a book review HERE. Title: China Room Author: Sunjeev Sahota Continent: Asia/Europe Genre: Historical Fiction Rating: 3 Stars Review: A mother of three sons picks three wives and keeps the identities of the sons hidden. The women live separately from the household in the China Room. It
- [Summer Reading 2026](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/adult-services/summer-reading-2026/) - This summer, the Essex Library Association offers a summer reading program for adults that spans the globe! Register HERE for adult summer reading. By registering, you are automatically entered into weekly prize drawings and the grand prize drawing! Here is how it works: Starting June 1, pick up an adult summer reading program brochure at
- [Resources](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/teens/teen_resources/) - New Books The following books have just been added to our collection and are certain to be popular. To place a hold, just click on the title and then on “Request/Hold” and have your Library card handy.  Free Permit Practice Tests In partnership with Driving-Tests.org, the Essex Public Library is offering FREE Connecticut Driver
- [Book Donations](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/friends/book-donations/) - When and where do I bring my donations to the library? Effective June 1, 2026, a maximum of eight bags/boxes of book donations will be accepted only during the following times: Mondays: 10:00-11:00 am Wednesdays: 2:00-3:00 pm Fridays: 9:00-10:00 am Donations will be received by a volunteer at the Friends' Room door
- [Museum Passes](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/about/museum-passes/) - The Friends of the Essex Library purchases passes to a number of museums in the area. The discounts off the original entry fees vary according to the individual museum's policy. Passes may be borrowed for three days. Due to the popularity of these passes, they may not be reserved. They may be borrowed on a
- [Drop-In Groups](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/adult-services/interest-groups/) - French Conversation Groups: Monday & Tuesday Sessions Mondays (ongoing), 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays (ongoing), 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. - On break for the Summer! To resume on Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. Drop-in group. Meet up with other beginner to intermediate French speakers to practice conversation in a friendly environment. Genealogy Interest Group 2nd &
- [Essex Community Services](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/essex-community-services/) - Child and Family Agency (860) 443-2896 Child and Family Agency's mission is to promote the well-being and development of all children and their families, in particular to give priority to the unmet needs of children lacking physical, emotional and intellectual care and nurturing. Common Good Gardens (860) 526-3459 to volunteer The Common Good Gardens are
- [Friends](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/friends/) - Who We Are - The Essex Library is free to the public but depends heavily on the community for its funding. The Friends of the Essex Library was established to provide services and equipment that are outside the library’s budget. We are volunteers devoted to enriching the resources of the Library and making it a vital
- [Services and Policies](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/services-and-policies/) - ELA Circulation Policy ELA Code of Conduct Policy ELA Collection Development and Maintenance Policy ELA Digital Monitor and Handouts Policy ELA Display Policy ELA Exhibits Policy ELA Gifts and Donations Policy ELA Internet and Computer Use Policy ELA Library Events Policy ELA Program Policy ELA Program Room Request Form ELA Program Room Use Policy ELA
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/) - How do I get an Essex Library Card? Remote library card issuance. If you are a town resident and do not have a library card, we would be happy to issue one to you electronically. Please fill out the Patron Registration Form here and take a photo of it or scan it. Submit the form
- [How To Support Us](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/giving/) - The Essex Library is a free public library serving Essex, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton. Organized in 1889, we are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, receiving support from the town of Essex and donors. This year the town of Essex will contribute approximately 49% of the Essex Library’s annual operating funds, the remainder is raised through the Annual
- [About ELA](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/about/) - The Essex Library has been a vital community institution since 1889. Its beginnings were humble – a collection of approximately 500 donated books housed in rented space that was managed by a small group of volunteers. Since that time, the Library has grown to become a modern, professionally staffed organization with a collection of nearly
- [Teens](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/teens/) - All programs are free and open to everyone. Teen Events | Tween Events Teen Events (Gr. 9-12) Teen Friday (Ages 13+) Fridays (ongoing), 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the Program Room Drop-in event, no registration required. Note: No Teen Friday during the week of winter break, December 29. What is Teen Friday? It's a time to
- [Borrowing Information](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/about/borrowing-information/) - CIRCULATION POLICIES Background and General Information Essex Library Association collections are available for use by residents of the Town Of Essex, including Essex, Centerbrook and Ivoryton, who hold a valid Essex library card. Loaned materials remain the property of Essex Library Association (“the Library”). Essex Library cards are issued to identify users of library materials
- [Library Board of Trustees](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/about/library-board/) - 2025-2026 Updated 03/19/2026 BoardofTrustees@essexlib.org President JoAnne Carter Vice President Gail Briggs Treasurer Stephen Brinkmann Secretary Andrew Corbin Friends President Lisa Burkarth Board Members Sandra Cahill Susan Guernsey Sarah Fryxell Rebecca O'Neal Robert Parkerson Bridget Quinn Pamela Reeser Kevin Rogers Jill Schwartzman Executive Library Director Ann Thompson Board of Trustees Recruitment Document Nomination Form for Library
- [Services & Resources](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/adult-services/) - VetNow provides tailored support for veterans and their families with navigating the Veterans Affairs bureaucracy, providing academic tutoring, and employment transition assistance. Resources include VetNow Navigators, trained to help veterans and families connect with valuable benefits and resources. LearningExpress Job & Career Accelerator gives job seekers the most comprehensive collection of job search and career
- [Research Your Family History](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/research/research-your-family-history/) - What's On This Page: Essex Library Databases | Additional Online Resources | Libraries with Genealogy Resources | Essex Library Resources | Class Handout Genealogy: Ancestry.com & ProQuest Patrons with Connecticut Library cards only - log in with your Connecticut Library card number, from home or anywhere! As “the world's leading resource for online family history
- [Library History and Archives](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/about/history-of-the-library/) - An Overview of the Essex Library Association and How It’s Supported People usually take it for granted that their local library is fully supported by tax dollars. Although that is the case for the majority of public libraries in Connecticut, the situation here in Essex is somewhat different. Most of the public libraries in Connecticut
- [Annual Appeal](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/giving/annual-appeal/) - Your Community Center for Lifelong Learning and Cultural Enrichment October 2024 Dear Friends, You make a difference. Because of you, Essex Library is able to provide essential resources to our community that support and enrich our residents' lives no matter what age. Your gift makes it possible for us to offer these vital services. Essex
- [Library of Things](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/library-of-things/) - Patrons expect to find books and movies at the library, but libraries can offer so much more! Essex Library Association now offers our Library of Things, a collection of equipment and supplies for patrons to borrow at no cost. We want to hear what types of items you are interested in borrowing. Please send your
- [Essex Historical Society Quilt and Quilt Artists Exhibition - 2022](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/about/history-of-the-library/essex-historical-society-quilt-and-quilt-artists-exhibition-2022/) - Essex Quilts & Quilt Artists from the Collections of Essex Historical Society Essex Historical Society (EHS) serves as steward for over 7,000 objects representing the town’s three villages of Centerbrook, Essex and Ivoryton. To serve our mission of “Engaging and Inspiring the Community,” EHS strives to partner with area organizations, such as Essex Library Association,
- [Bequests](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/giving/bequests/) - Estate Planning: Bequests A bequest to the Essex Library Association allows you to support and preserve the Library’s mission as a free public resource for future generations. Established in 1889, the Essex Library Association has been the beneficiary of many gifts from community members who have included the Library in their estate plans. Such bequests,
- [Captain Joseph Tucker Society](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/giving/captain-joseph-tucker-society/) - The Captain Tucker Legacy Society For more than 130 years, The Essex Library has benefited from estate planning gifts. These bequests have played an essential role in sustaining the Library as a vibrant, free resource for the entire community to enjoy. From the beginning, local philanthropists bequeathed funds to construct the first Library building on
- [Captain Joseph Tucker and the Wreck of the William Layton](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/about/history-of-the-library/captain-joseph-tucker-and-the-wreck-of-the-william-layton/) - On February 22nd, 1855, Captain Joseph H. Tucker of Essex suffered a terrible loss at sea. At the helm of the William Layton, a packet ship on its way from New York to Antwerp, the Captain encountered a ferocious storm. The sky turned dark as violent winds whipped the sails, and the ship "fell over
- [Tax Forms](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/tax-forms/) - As a service to our patrons, the Essex Library provides selected tax forms. Printed forms are available in the lobby by our Park and Pickup tables. If you do not find the form you require, please ask our staff and we will be happy to assist you. Connecticut Tax Forms Forms Forms available at
- [ELA Strategic Planning](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/about/ela-strategic-planning-focus-group/) - The Essex Library has a new strategic plan! We invite you to see our mission, vision, values, and goals, all geared toward stimulating curiosity, nurturing creativity, and enabling discovery. It's all in the new ELA Strategic Plan 2022-2026. You can also read our Strategic Plan Marketing Card. The Essex Library re-launched our Strategic Planning process,
- [Research](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/research/) - Our reference collection in the Library is replete with dictionaries, atlases, directories, almanacs and encyclopedias on all types of subjects. We also have the Connecticut General Statutes and state and local history materials and resources. What's On This Page: Look for a Job | Learn a Language | Local Information | Medical Information | Research Your
- [Resources](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/children/parent-resources/) - Resources for Kids: Region 4 Schools researchIT CT – Provides access to digital magazines, journals, newspapers and other resources through licensed databases. Easy Bib – A site that helps you how to understand resource citation. Prezi – Used in upper elementary classes to create presentations. Connecticut's Official Website for Children – Have fun learning about
- [Local Organizations](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/local-organizations/) - Ancient Order of Essex Weeders essexweeders.weebly.com The Weeders was founded in 1981 and now consists of about 18 men who meet weekly to take care of the traffic islands at the intersections of Routes 153 and 154 at the entrance to the town of Essex. Bushy Hill Nature Center (860) 767-2148 Bushy Hill Nature Center
- [Shoutbomb Text Messaging](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/services-and-policies/shoutbomb-text-messaging/) - What is Shoutbomb? Sign up for Text Message Notifications Shoutbomb Commands Frequently Asked Questions Shoutbomb is a text-messaging service that allows you to keep up-to-date with your library account using your mobile phone. Receive text notices about items available to pick up, items due soon, overdue items and more. Send a text to request a
- [Annual Meeting 2025](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/about/annual-meeting-2025/) - The Board of Trustees is recommending a change to the organizational structure of the Essex Library Association. Members will vote at the Annual Meeting on October 27, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. to amend the Certification of Incorporation to designate the Board of Trustees as the governing body. This change will update the Association’s structure in
- [Services](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/children/) - The Children’s Room offers many activities, services and materials for children and parents. Library materials include: books, audio books, magazines, music, DVDs, foreign language materials, parent reference books and magazines, preschool toys and more. Family library programming includes: baby, toddler and preschool story hours, elementary age book groups, craft sessions, film showings, teen programs, family
- [Job Opportunities](https://www.youressexlibrary.org/about/job-opportunities/) - Thank you for your interest in our library.