Teen Book Box
Reader Subscription Service
Ages 12-18
Reserve a Teen Book Box on our website by filling out our Book Box form and our Teen Librarian will use your reading preferences to create a subscription box just for you.
Included in your package will be a book or two tailored to your reading preferences, a themed snack, and other small goodies. Your box will be set aside and checked out to you on our hold shelf. This is a zero pressure individualized guide for finding a new favorite book.
First come, first served. Our number of boxes per month is limited.
Teen Winter Reading Challenge
January 1st – February 28th
It’s winter in New England. Embrace the cozy life! Stay warm, read for fun, and win prizes.
Participation enters you in the running for free books and an exceptional raffle basket featuring free hardcovers, enticing gift cards and other goodies! You can register on our website, in person, or by emailing jbranciforte@essexlib.org.
Teen Winter Reading Challenge Flyer
Take & Make – Watercolor Prints
Ages 12-18
Month of February
As seen on TikTok! Color on plastic bags with provided markers and spray. Watch the watercolor effect take hold! Grab a supply kit and create. First come, first served.
Send a photo to jbranciforte@essexlib.org or show us your finished project for a chance to be honored in our crafty D.I.Y. Hall of Fame.
Hard Candy Contest
Ages 11-19
Month of February
Guess the number of candies in our Teen Department jar marked “Ages 11 – 19.” The closest guess to the actual number of candies will award you a small prize and ownership of the candy! Winners will be announced on February 28th.
Dungeons & Dragons (Teens)
Ages 13-18
Thursday, February 12, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, February 26, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, March 12, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, March 26, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Come create your own character and join the adventure where we will fight monsters and explore new lands. Both new and experienced players are welcome. These sessions are for teen players.
Sessions held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, unless otherwise noted. Registration encouraged. New players welcome.
Teen Art Workshop – Create an Animal Character
Ages 12-18
Saturday, January 24, 1:00 PM
In this class, we’ll learn to draw animal characters with help from Heegyum Kim’s book Draw 62 Animals and Make Them Cute. You’ll leave this quick and fun workshop with a new artistic skill and a piece of art.
All supplies are provided by the library. Registration is encouraged.
Teen Hang Out – ©Super Smash Bros Marathon
Ages 12-18
Saturday, January 24, 2:00 PM
Get involved as favorite gaming icons clash in the ultimate brawl on our projector screen. Come ready to compete with Nintendo Switch! Snacks will be provided.
Registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Ages 13-18
Saturday, February 14, 3:00 PM
We have open seats on our Teen Advisory Board! We’re recruiting teens of all ages to help us make the library a better place for young adults.
Help us choose books, plan programs, design the teen department and mentor young readers, all the while earning volunteer service hours. Snacks provided. Registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Junior Librarians
Ages 8-12
Thursday, February 19, 4:00 PM
Discover what it takes to run a library, and have fun doing it! Explore the perks of the job with Ms. Nicole and Ms. Jessica. We’ll have four sessions from January-April.
Registration is required. We ask that you are able to commit to all four sessions if possible.
Creative Writing Workshop with YA Author Catherine Con Morse
Ages 12-18
Saturday, February 28, 1:00 PM
Join award-winning novelist and Catherine Con Morse for a creative writing workshop followed by a Q&A and book-signing!
In this class, you’ll learn how to write compelling characters and fresh descriptions through a variety of fun writing exercises. Catherine is the author of The Notes and The Summer I Remembered Everything (shortlisted for All CT Reads 2026.) Registration is required!
2026 Essex Library Non-Profit Volunteer Expo
Saturday, March 21, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Are you looking for volunteer opportunities in the community? Join us at Essex Library for our 2026 Essex Library Non-Profit Volunteer Expo to meet and connect with representatives from local non-profits. Discover what local organizations are doing for the community and learn about how you might join them.
No registration necessary, drop-in!
Teen Volunteer Program
Ages 12-18
The Essex Library Teen Department is looking for young adult volunteers. All teen volunteers are trained to help us organize our book collection, review new book possibilities, design displays, and create art used in the Teen area and at the front desk. There are also opportunities to mentor younger children and to help our Teen Librarian develop and run programs.
Being a library volunteer looks great on your resume, helps with job experience, and delivers an avenue to help your peers and the greater community.
