🌱No More Library Fines In Chester + Psychic Event In Deep River

Hi all. It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Daily. Keep reading for the most important things going on around town.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 87 Low: 70.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily readers to local businesses they need to know about. If that’s you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories in Essex-Chester-Deep River today:

1. Good news for Chester residents, effective Thursday, July 21, the Chester Public Library joined libraries across Connecticut and throughout the nation no longer charging overdue fines. According to a Facebook post from the Library, "After much discussion with the Library Board of Trustees and guided by the American Library Association's study which found that library fines restrict access to materials and services while evidence shows ending library fines results in an increase in patron usage, a proposal was submitted to the First Selectmen and on July 13, a motion passed unanimously. However, going fine free does not mean that you will not have to bring library materials back in a timely manner, we are simply removing all penalties. Items will still have due dates and will still need to be returned. If they are not returned, we will consider them lost and you will be responsible for payment. Patrons will also be responsible for damaged items returned, as well as Interlibrary Loans. We are excited to remove this barrier to access and make our library a more welcoming place to the residents of Chester." (Chester Public Library via Facebook)
2. Be sure to mark your calendars Tri-town residents, the Friends of the Deep River Library are putting on their Annual Psychic event on Sunday, August 7 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Town Hall auditorium. Catherine Crowley from Mystics by the Sea will be the medium this year. All proceeds benefit the Deep River Public Library! Tickets are $50 and can be purchased, cash or check, at the library. Tickets can also be bought at the event. Hope to see you there! (Deep River Library via Facebook)
3. The application period for the state child tax rebate has closed. Reportedly, the majority of eligible families applied for rebates. According to an article by Patch Staff writer Rich Scinto, " aout 239,000 applications were filed for the state child tax rebate by the July 31 deadline, according to state officials. The applications represent nearly 370,000 dependents.The rebate program provides up to $250 per dependent child, up to a maximum of three children per filer. Applications are being processed by the Department of Revenue Services and checks are expected to go out to qualified applicants starting in late August." (Patch)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Harry Potter Potions Class - Essex Library Association (1 p.m.)
• Kid's STEM Galaxy Explorers - Essex Library Association (4 p.m.)
• Campfire Crafts & Stories @ Deep River Library (4:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: "But wait, there's more! You asked, so we have added another date. On sale now! Thursday, October 13 will have two shows only at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.. Get your tickets today! https://essexsteamtrain.com/experiences-2/the-salem-express/." (Essex Steam Train & Riverboat via Facebook)
• Town of Essex: "Teen Wellness Program Sponsored by TTYS will have youths learning how to engage in teamwork, respect and most of all, fun! We will meet at the Tri Town Youth Services office at our first meeting to establish norms and boundaries using fun activities. We can also visit Deep River Ice or The Nest, too! Our second meeting will be at Bushy Hill Nature Center for hiking, farm animal visits and outdoor activities. The final meeting will be at Cockaponset State Forest for a mindfulness hike." (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
• Deep River Library: Join us Friday, September 16 as a parent educator from Healthy Futures, leads us in a class to demonstrate the techniques of infant massage! In this class you will learn the benefits of massage for your child, as well as meet and socialize with other parents. Best suited for infants under 16 months. Please bring a blanket or towel. Registration is required. Please register yourself as the head of household and indicate how many people will attend. Link to register: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm? (Deep River Library via Facebook)

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Events:

• Free speech on the benefits of access control installation in Old Saybrook, CT (August 4)
• Art's and Crafts Fair (August 13)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a native of Connecticut, who currently resides in the Tri-Town community of Chester, Deep River and Essex. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my small town community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com