Submitted by Elizabeth Reinhart
(September 26, 2026) — The following programs and events will take place at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue in Essex, during the month of October, 2026:
Saturday, October 3 at 1:00 p.m. Corn Husk Wreath-Making Class
Learn how to make a beautiful, layered corn husk wreath in this hands-on craft class, led by local artist and teacher, Brenda Vynalek. Corn husks, a classic symbol of fall, will add textured, rustic warmth to any home for autumn. This program is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is required.
Wednesdays: October 7, 14, 21, 28 at 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., Medicare Counseling
Do you have questions about Medicare coverage or are you enrolling in Medicare? Register for a one-hour session with a CHOICES counselor at Essex Library Association. Available time slots are 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays during the month of October. Register online at www.youressexlibrary.org or by calling the Library at 860-767-1560.
Thursday, October 8 at 2:00 p.m. “Art in Flight: Reinventing Postmodernism,” with Smithsonian Curator Carolyn Russo (Virtual Author Talk)
Join us for a captivating online conversation with acclaimed author and Smithsonian curator Carolyn Russo as we dive into her fascinating book, “The Ascent of Rauschenberg.” Explore the towering legacy, unexpected inspirations, and creative heights of one of America’s most influential artistic icons. Registration is required for all virtual author talks. Register online at www.youressexlibrary.org or by calling the library at 860-767-1560.
Thursday, October 8 at 6:00 p.m. Tick Activity Throughout the Year
This talk will focus on the life cycles of several medically important tick species in Connecticut, as well as when each life stage is most likely to be encountered based on active tick surveillance data. Natalie Bailey, agricultural research technician for the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station will present this talk with Jessica Brown, a CAES agricultural post-doctoral research scientist. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is suggested.
Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 p.m. “All About Allergies,” with Physician Zachary Rubin, (Virtual Author Talk)
Essex Library Association will host pediatrician, allergist and social media star Zachary Rubin virtually for a discussion of his book, “All About Allergies: Everything You Need to Know About Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever, and More.” This virtual program is free and open to the public. Registration is required for all virtual programs.
Thursday, October 22 at 6:00 p.m. “Glitz and Glamour: The Gilded Age in Southeastern Connecticut”
In the so-called Gilded Age from the 1870s to the 1910s, New London and Groton became playgrounds of the wealthy. New London’s Pequot Colony and Groton’s Eastern Point attracted the wealthy and influential including U.S. presidents, celebrities, artists, Supreme Court justices and families such as the Plants and Harknesses. Learn about the people and places of the Connecticut shoreline during this era of excess with Gail B. MacDonald. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is suggested.
Tuesday, October 27 at 2:00 p.m. “Liberated Love: Rewiring Your Heart for Authentic Connection with Mark Groves” (Virtual Author Talk)
If you’re tired of repeating the same relational patterns and feeling as though you lose yourself in your partnerships, then this event is for you! Join us for a transformative conversation with relationship expert Mark Groves as we discuss his book, “Liberated Love: How to Release Codependency, Reduce Conflict, and Create Extraordinary Relationships.” This virtual program is free and open to the public. Registration is required for all virtual programs.
Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 p.m. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with Michael Langlois”
Be transported to colonial New York through the words of Washington Irving’s spine-tingling tale. Follow Connecticut school teacher Ichabod Crane as he becomes the target of a ghostly apparition: the famed Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. This program is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is required.
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.
