Essex Library Association

Program for kids birth – age 5. Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop, squish, pour, and play with a variety of textures and materials in a safe, supportive space alongside their caregivers. This program supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and social interaction—come play, learn, and make a (little) mess with us! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Program funded in part by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund. Registration is required for each individual session.
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=574214&amp;PK=932770" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Sensory Playtime (Ages 0-5)

Middlesex County

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Connecticut

Sensory Playtime (Ages 0-5)

Program for kids birth – age 5.  Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime...

Program for kids ages 8-12.
Love graphic novels? Join Comic Crew!
This month, celebrate the popular graphic novel series, Wings of Fire, with games, contests, crafts, or activities based on the series. Fans of the series and new graphic novel readers are welcome to attend.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required.
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=575166&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Comic Crew: Wings of Fire (Ages 8-12)

Comic Crew: Wings of Fire (Ages 8-12)

Program for kids ages 8-12.
Love graphic novels? Join Comic Crew!
This month, celebrate the popular graphic novel series, Wings...

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Join us for a cozy winter-themed story time filled with snowy stories, songs, and fun activities!
Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn early literacy concepts like colors, shapes, opposites, the ABCs and much more, to prepare our pre-school age children for kindergarten.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is encouraged to ensure enough crafts are prepared.
Click here to register.

Local Event: Little Learners Story Time: Winter (Ages 2-5)

Little Learners Story Time: Winter (Ages 2-5)

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Join us for a cozy winter-themed story time filled with snowy stories, songs, and fun...

Program for kids ages 8-12.
Bundle up and get ready for some frosty fun at our Ice Bowling event! Kids will take turns rolling frozen ‘bowling balls’ down our cardboard lane to see how many ‘pins’ they can knock over. It’s a silly, chilly twist on a classic game, perfect for some laughs and friendly competition!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required.
This program will take place outside, please dress appropriately. This program is weather-dependent. Registered patrons will be notified of cancellation due to weather via telephone or e-mail.
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=575168&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Tween Time: Ice Bowling (Ages 8-12)

Tween Time: Ice Bowling (Ages 8-12)

Program for kids ages 8-12.
Bundle up and get ready for some frosty fun at our Ice Bowling event! Kids will take turns rolling...

Essex Town Hall

Program for families with kids ages 3+.
Get ready for a hilarious, high-energy magic show where the kids are the real stars! Every trick comes with a fun story and plenty of audience participation.
Ed Popielarczyk is a professional magician, balloon sculptor, flea circus ringmaster, and storyteller. He has been entertaining children and family audiences for over 40 years and has been featured in Wondertime Magazine (a Disney Publication).
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
This program will be held at the Essex Town Hall Auditorium, 29 West Ave, Essex, CT 06426.
Registration is required. Please register each person attending separately to ensure a proper head count.
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=575170&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Winter Reading Kickoff: Ed Pop Magic Show! (Ages 3+)

Winter Reading Kickoff: Ed Pop Magic Show!...

Program for families with kids ages 3+.
Get ready for a hilarious, high-energy magic show where the kids are the real stars!...

Winter Reading Kickoff: Ed Pop Magic Show! (Ages 3+)

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3) This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us! No registration required. Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

Local Event: Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages 0-3)

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages 0-3)

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3) This story time will take place every...

Local Event: Wiggle Worms Story Time (For ages 0-3)

Wiggle Worms Story Time (For ages 0-3)

Program designed for kids ages 5-12.
Get creative and make your own Shrinky Dinks! Design, color, and cut out your creations, then watch the magic happen as they shrink into sturdy little charms, keychains, or collectibles you can take home. Available until 3:30, or&nbsp;supplies run out.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration, drop in!

Local Event: Magical Shrinking Keychains (Ages 5-12)

Magical Shrinking Keychains (Ages 5-12)

Program designed for kids ages 5-12.
Get creative and make your own Shrinky Dinks! Design, color, and cut out your creations,...

Program designed for kids ages 5-12.
Join us to celebrate the hit movie K-Pop Demon Hunters with a craft party! Themed craft stations will be set up around the room while the movie’s upbeat soundtrack plays in the background! Crafts available until 5 PM or until&nbsp;supplies last.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration, drop in!

Local Event: The Magic of the Honmoon: A K-Pop Demon Hunters Music & Craft Party (Ages 5-12)

The Magic of the Honmoon: A K-Pop Demon Hunters...

Program designed for kids ages 5-12.
Join us to celebrate the hit movie K-Pop Demon Hunters with a craft party! Themed craft...

The Magic of the Honmoon: A K-Pop Demon Hunters Music & Craft Party (Ages 5-12)

Program for kids ages 0-3 and their caregivers, siblings welcome!
Wiggle Worms is a play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration required.

Local Event: Weekend Wiggle Worms (Ages 0-3)

Weekend Wiggle Worms (Ages 0-3)

Program for kids ages 0-3 and their caregivers, siblings welcome!
Wiggle Worms is a play-based music and movement story time...

Program designed for kids ages 5-12.
Step into enchantment and become a junior wizard! Young spellcasters will explore the magic of chemistry while they mix up colorful potions, watch bubbling brews come to life, and discover a bit of scientific magic. Be prepared for surprises, giggles, and magical smells!
Professor Sepoc is Dr. Jane Snell Copes, a Ph.D. inorganic chemist, teacher, inventor, tinkerer, writer, and owner of Science Outside the Box. Science Outside the Box is dedicated to bringing science fun and excitement to children through hands-on experiments and investigations!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=575173&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Registration is required. Click here to register.</a><a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=575173&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a>

Local Event: Professor Sepoc’s Wizard School (Ages 5-12)

Professor Sepoc’s Wizard School (Ages 5-12)

Program designed for kids ages 5-12.
Step into enchantment and become a junior wizard! Young spellcasters will explore the...

Program designed for kids ages 5-12.
Step into enchantment and become a junior wizard! Young spellcasters will explore the magic of chemistry while they mix up colorful potions, watch bubbling brews come to life, and discover a bit of scientific magic. Be prepared for surprises, giggles, and magical smells! Professor Sepoc is Dr. Jane Snell Copes, a Ph.D. inorganic chemist, teacher, inventor, tinkerer, writer, and owner of Science Outside the Box. Science Outside the Box is dedicated to bringing science fun and excitement to children through hands-on experiments and investigations!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required.
Click here to register.

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3) This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us! No registration required. Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

Program designed for kids ages 5-12.
Join Ms. Rae for a magical adventure into the world of the fae! Young witches and wizards will learn about different kinds of fairies, where they might be found, and what sorts of gifts they enjoy. Then we’ll make small offerings we can leave outside for the faeries.
Rachel (“Ms. Rae”) is The Replanted Witch. She leads workshops primarily out of Blackbird House and Wildcraft Herb Shoppe on wellness, nature-based magic, folk traditions and herbalism as well as hosts a book club called Witchy Reads. She is a certified vegan chef, herbalist, yoga teacher and librarian. 
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=575174&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Registration is required.</a>
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=575174&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Ms. Rae’s School of Faeries

Ms. Rae’s School of Faeries

Program designed for kids ages 5-12.
Join Ms. Rae for a magical adventure into the world of the fae! Young witches and wizards...

Program designed for families.
Ring in the New Year early with a little magic and a lot of fun! Join us for a festive celebration featuring a special New Year’s craft, themed games, and a “photo booth” to capture the memories. We’ll wrap up the party with a sparkling cider toast to welcome the year ahead, just as the clock strikes 12 o’clock (noon)!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;EventID=575175&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Registration is required.</a>
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;EventID=575175&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: A Magical Noon Year’s Eve

A Magical Noon Year’s Eve

Program designed for families.
Ring in the New Year early with a little magic and a lot of fun! Join us for a festive...

Program for kids ages 8-12.
Curious about Dungeons &amp; Dragons but not sure where to start? Join our in-house DM (Dungeon Master) Evie for an adventurous introduction to the world of D&amp;D! Learn the basics of creating a character, rolling dice, and working together to tell an epic story filled with quests, creatures, and creativity. Perfect for beginners, no experience needed!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required.
Click here to register.

Local Event: Tween Time: Intro to D&D (Ages 8-12)

Tween Time: Intro to D&D (Ages 8-12)

Program for kids ages 8-12.
Curious about Dungeons & Dragons but not sure where to start? Join our in-house DM (Dungeon Master)...

Program for kids ages 6-12.
Please join award-winning polymer clay artist Deb Jaffe as she guides your micro-Michelangelo through making a one-of-a-kind magic wand. Each participant will make their very own wand imbued with all the creativity and magic in their spirit. Each wand will be as unique as your child. 
Deb Jaffe, a Rhode Island School of Design graduate, is an accomplished designer and artist whose work blends creativity, craftsmanship, and playfulness. Since 2012, she has shared her expertise and passion for polymer clay through teaching, inspiring students to explore the limitless possibilities of the medium. Her whimsical Fairy Houses earned “Best in Show” at Clay ConneCTion 2018, reflecting her attention to detail and imaginative spirit. Recognized with the SCPCG “Outreach” Award and Grant in 2023, Deb continues to contribute to the polymer clay community, most recently as an invited instructor at the 2025 ClayCation retreat in Lancaster, PA.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required.
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=575395&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Magic Wand Workshop with Artist Debbie Jaffe (Ages 6-12)

Magic Wand Workshop with Artist Debbie Jaffe...

Program for kids ages 6-12.
Please join award-winning polymer clay artist Deb Jaffe as she guides your micro-Michelangelo...

Magic Wand Workshop with Artist Debbie Jaffe (Ages 6-12)

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages 0-3) This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!
No registration required. Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

Nicole Ballestas

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Clinton

The Haddams-Killingworth

New Haven County

Alfred Branch

Madison

New London County

The Lymes

Richard Kaufman

Guilford

Durham-Middlefield

North Branford

East Hampton-Portland

Chris Dehnel

Middletown

Ellyn Santiago

Branford

Fairfield County

Bridgeport

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Registration is now open for Winter Programs at Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater, located at 128 Washington Street in...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Posting Activity

Sensory Playtime (Ages 0-5)

DEC

17

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Comic Crew: Wings of Fire (Ages 8-12)

DEC

17

4:00 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Little Learners Story Time: Winter (Ages 2-5)

DEC

19

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Tween Time: Ice Bowling (Ages 8-12)

DEC

19

4:00 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Winter Reading Kickoff: Ed Pop Magic Show! (Ages 3+)

DEC

20

10:00 AM

Essex Town Hall, 29 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages 0-3)

DEC

23

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (For ages 0-3)

DEC

23

10:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Magical Shrinking Keychains (Ages 5-12)

DEC

23

1:00 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

The Magic of the Honmoon: A K-Pop Demon Hunters Music & Craft Party (Ages 5-12)

DEC

26

3:00 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Weekend Wiggle Worms (Ages 0-3)

DEC

27

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Professor Sepoc’s Wizard School (Ages 5-12)

DEC

27

11:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Professor Sepoc’s Wizard School (Ages 5-12)

DEC

27

11:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages 0-3)

DEC

30

9:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Wiggle Worms Story Time (For ages 0-3)

DEC

30

10:30 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Ms. Rae’s School of Faeries

DEC

30

5:00 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

A Magical Noon Year’s Eve