The Essex Library has been a vital community institution since 1889. Its beginnings were humble – a collection of approximately 500 donated books housed in rented space that was managed by a small group of volunteers. Since that time, the Library has grown to become a modern, professionally staffed organization with a collection of nearly 50,000 items in a beautiful, 9,500 square foot facility.
The Essex Library Association is a member of the LION consortium. Libraries Online Incorporated (LION) is a self-governing consortium of thirty Connecticut library institutions committed to leveraging technology to share, expand, and promote quality, cost-effective information resources and services.