We are so thankful to the Essex Community Church members for allowing us to temporarily locate the library in the basement of the church. We have now moved back to our ‘original’ library.
Until chimney work is completed, we will only be able to access the first floor of the building, but will do our best to accommodate the needs of all our patrons in this limited space. Thank you all for your patience during this unexpected upset in services.

Safe viewing: Beginning on Saturday, March 23, while supplies last, we will distribute
approved “eclipse glasses” and safe viewing information. Each patron may pick up two
glasses. Remember that ordinary sunglasses, no matter how dark, are NOT safe for looking
at the Sun.

Just in time for the holidays…

In December 2022, everyone made a beeline to our festive holiday collection. This year, here at the Branch Library, we have amassed 50 holiday books and DVDs for adults and children even though we didn’t get the fancy decorations out. 

Bone Hacker by Kathy Reichs
Canary Girls by Jennifer Chiaverini
Collector by Daniel Silva
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead
Out of Nowhere by Sandra Brown
None of this is True by Lisa Jewell
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
1 st Ladies by Marie Benedict
Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

We are also trying a few books by new authors, so please let us know what you think of
them. We work hard to build a library collection that best suits the entertainment and
educational interests of our patrons. We welcome your suggestions.

Let’s Give Back!

We’ve all seen the “Strong Libraries, Strong Communities” sign in front of the library for a few years now. On Saturday, October 21, we are joining over 280 libraries around the state to “walk the walk.”

The Great Give Back is a community service initiative created by the Suffolk County Public Library Directors Association and the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, in conjunction with the Nassau Library System. The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide a day of opportunities for the patrons of the Public Libraries of New York State to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences.

Please plan to join us from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21 to make a simple craft for a “give back” endeavor. We are working with community leaders to determine a low-key activity by our patrons that will have the most impact. Stay tuned for details coming soon about this service-oriented activity.

Branch library is Open for “Fall” Fun!
The Belden Noble “branch library” is open for business! We resumed regular hours on Wednesday, October 4, and we’re ready to welcome the entire family. Thanks to the generosity of the Essex Community Church and many volunteers, we are able to create a welcoming space for everyone. All services, including inter-library loan, are (pretty much) up and running. We have lugged over a great collection of books, DVDs, and audiobooks for kids and adults. We even have one Internet access computer. Come check them out!

Please note: If you tried and failed to borrow from another library during our hiatus and were told that you have fines, please let Julie know. The library police will not track you down. We are in the process of clearing fines on the accounts of our most regular patrons, but will miss some along the way.

Dear Patrons,
Unfortunately our beautiful library was damaged extensively in the recent storm and will be closed until further notice. The library board was meeting upstairs when the tree fell and, though shaken, no one was hurt.
We are thankful to Ken Hughes and Brad French who were on site within minutes and organized a plan.
At this time, we have no idea how much damage there is to the structure or to materials inside, and obviously we will be closed until further notice.
Thank you to all our loyal patrons. We hope to be serving you again soon.

From March 1 to March 17, the Library Leprechaun will make a flying visit. He will have a new hiding spot each day. A picture of his hiding spot will be posted on our Instagram page daily.

Come to the library beginning Wednesday, January 25th and take a look at the books we’ve wrapped. Each book has a few hints about its ‘personality’ and hopefully you will find one you like and you will enjoy your ‘date’.
When your date is over, return the book review slip to be entered into our drawing on February 18th for a box of chocolates. We have ‘playdate’ books for kids too!