Submitted by Elizabeth Reinhart
(July 24, 2026) — The following programs and events will take place at the Essex Library, 33 West Avenue in Essex during the month of August, 2026:
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. “The Legacy of Julia Child’s Kitchen,” with Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson (Virtual Author Talk)
Join us for a conversation that’s sure to warm your heart (and make your stomach rumble), as we delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson, author of Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space. Registration is required for all virtual author talks. Register online at www.youressexlibrary.org or by calling the library at 860-767-1560. This program is free and open to all.
Wednesday, August 5 at 12:00 PM, Like a Wave We Break: Overcoming Burnout to Lead with Resilience and Alignment with Jane Marie Chen (Virtual Author Talk)
In her memoir, Like a Wave We Break, leadership coach Jane Chen pulls back the curtain on the conventional narrative of professional success. As the co-founder and former CEO of Embrace Global, Jane’s groundbreaking work with a portable incubator impacted over one million premature babies across 25 countries, earning international acclaim. Yet, behind the global recognition lay an invisible crisis: a relentless pursuit of purpose that ultimately resulted in total burnout. Registration is required for all virtual author talks. Register online at www.youressexlibrary.org or by calling the library at 860-767-1560. This program is free and open to all.
Thursdays: August 13, 20 and 27, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Meditation and Mindfulness Series
Join us at Essex Library for a three-part meditation and mindfulness series with Caryl Horner. Each class provides a combination of instructional content and experiential practice in meditation and mindfulness. Breath work, voice and walking meditations and a simple sound bath also will be provided over the three classes. Register for each session separately. Register online at www.youressexlibrary.org or by calling the Library at 860-767-1560.
Friday, August 14, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Fifth Annual Adult Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament
Essex Library’s fifth annual jigsaw puzzle tournament begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 Noon on Friday, August 14th. Teams may consist of two to four people who will attempt to finish the same 500-piece puzzle in the least amount of time. A small prize will be awarded to the first team to either complete the puzzle or come closest to completion. Space is limited to five teams, so register early!
Wednesdays: August 19, Sept. 2 & Sept. 16, 3:00 PM/4:00 PM/5:00 PM Medicare CHOICES counseling
Do you have questions about Medicare? Register for a one-hour session with a CHOICES counselor at Essex Library Session. CHOICES (Connecticut’s program for Health insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, and Eligibility Screening) helps Connecticut’s older adults and persons with disabilities understand their Medicare coverage and healthcare options. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Register online at www.youressexlibrary.org or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.
Friday, August 21 at 10:00 AM, Movie Matinee
Enjoy a movie on the big screen in the Buel Room of Essex Library! For more information, such as the movie title, visit www.youressexlibrary.org or call the Library at 860-767-1560.
Thursday, August 27 at 2:00 PM, High Altitudes and High Stakes: A Miss Marple Mystery with Lucy Foley (Virtual Author Talk)
Join us for a thrilling conversation with acclaimed author Lucy Foley as we delve into her brand-new Miss Marple mystery, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel. Registration is required for all virtual author talks. Register online at www.youressexlibrary.org or by calling the library at 860-767-1560. This program is free and open to all.
Founded in 1889, the Essex Library is a nonprofit public library dedicated to providing free and equal access to information, ideas and education to enrich the lives of all members of the community. www.youressexlibrary.org.
