Children entering grades 1-6* may register for our Summer Reading Challenge at the Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, June 18, 1-3pm (held at the Library, 30 Martin St.) or by stopping by the Library anytime we are open. Using the log sheet we provide, keep track of the hours you read over the next 7 weeks.
Visit the Library to collect prizes for every 5 hours completed. All participants who complete 25 hours of reading and submit their log sheet to the Library by August 8th will receive tickets to the Topsfield Fair!
*Children entering grade 6 may choose to do the Grade School Challenge OR the Teen Summer Reading Challenge.
Questions? Email: awanner@essexpl.org
Join us for Summer Events. Spaces are limited, sign up early HERE
Mosaic Madness Crafternoon: Monday, June 23 @ 3:30pm
Children entering grades 3-6, join us to make your very own colorful 3-D mosaic made from drinking straws.
REGISTER HERE!
Play with Clay Crafternoon: Monday, June 30 @ 3:30pm
Children entering grades 3-6, join us to experiment and create a clay masterpiece! We’ll roll and cut clay, form it and add texture with things like popsicle sticks, burlap and pasta!
REGISTER HERE!
POINTILLISM PAINTING: Tuesday, July 1 @ 4pm
Children entering 4th grade and above may register for this program.
Join the Pop Up Art School to learn about pointillism art—a product of the Impressionism period. Make your own vibrant cherry tree painting to be displayed at the library Color Our World Art Exhibit on Tuesday, August 19, 6-8pm.
REGISTER HERE!
STORYART at the LIBRARY: Thursday, July 3, 10am
Ideal for children entering grades 1-3 (older children are welcome!)
Join us at the Library on Thursday mornings to learn about various artists through stories read aloud and themed art projects. Drop-ins are welcome.
Hanging Yarn Art Crafternoon: Monday, July 7 @ 3:30pm
Children entering grades 3-6, join us as we combine yarn, sticks and knotting skills to create decorative hanging yarn art.
REGISTER HERE!
STORYART at the LIBRARY: Thursday, July 10, 10am
Ideal for children entering grades 1-3 (older children are welcome!)
Join us at the Library on Thursday mornings to learn about various artists through stories read aloud and themed art projects. Drop-ins are welcome.
Collage Art Crafternoon: Monday, July 14 @ 3:30pm
Children entering grades 3-6, join us to make a unique collage from scrapbook paper, book pages and magazines.
REGISTER HERE!
STORYART at the LIBRARY: Thursday, July 17, 10am
Ideal for children entering grades 1-3 (older children are welcome!)
Join us at the Library on Thursday mornings to learn about various artists through stories read aloud and themed art projects. Drop-ins are welcome.
Squeegee Art Crafternoon: Monday, July 21 @ 3:30pm
Children entering grades 3-6, join us to learn the art of Squeegee painting! Who knew drops of paint and a squeegee could create such vibrant, fun art!?
REGISTER HERE!
Meet Author & Cartoonist Mark Parisi: Tues, July 22, 6pm
Children, Teens and Adults! Meet syndicated cartoonist and author Mark Parisi.
Mark will share how his childhood inspired his writing including “The Truth About 5th Grade” which is one of our Summer Reading Book Group picks. Enjoy live drawing demos (sometimes with his eyes closed!) lots of laughs and a Q&A session.
RSVP HERE
SUMMER BOOK GROUPS
The Great Art Caper: by Victoria Jamieson
Children entering grades 2 & 3, register to join us for this rollicking, hilarious read! Meet the critters of Daisy P. Flugelhorn Elementary School as they seek to thwart the malicious efforts of Harriet and her mousey minions in this delightful graphic novel. Spaces are limited. Register HERE to reserve a copy of the book and your spot at our discussion and themed party on Thursday, July 24th at 4pm.
The Truth About 5th Grade by Kim Tomsic & Mark Parisi
Children entering grades 4, 5 and 6, register for this in person group meeting every other Tuesday at 4pm June 24 and July 8 & 22. Enjoy themed snacks & activities at each session. Best of all? MEET THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR, Mark Parisi on Tuesday, July 22nd, 6pm at the Essex Library!
To register to take part in the book group, click HERE
(For more info on Mark’s visit to the library, open to all ages, click HERE!)
Book Synopsis: Charlotte “Charli” Wilson thought Alex Andropov would always be her best BFF in the whole wide world. From crushes to butterfly phobias to secret hidden blankies, there’s never been a secret they couldn’t share. Charli even showed Alex the supersecret hiding spot for her diary. But when school starts and Charli learns that Alex has betrayed her by sharing her biggest, most secretest secret, she realizes that maybe her bestie isn’t so great after all.
Meanwhile, Alex has no idea what he’s done wrong. He doesn’t know why Charli’s not talking to him. He has no choice (right? RIGHT?) but to take her diary and try to correct the record. There’s always two sides to the truth—especially in fifth grade.
Find CALVIN the Chameleon, Our Summer Reading Mascot
Calvin will be visiting a different local business each week from June 18 to July 23. When you spot him, contact the Library to report where. We’ll add your name to our weekly raffle for ice cream cones donated by WOODMANS of Essex.
QUESTIONS? Email April at awanner@essexpl.org
