Book Groups

Are you always looking for a good book or author? Do you like a lively discussion with other book enthusiasts? Then join one of our book groups! We have copies of the books available to borrow or you may click on the title and put a hold on the book in our catalog. Readers of all ages are invited to join our book groups at any time.


American History Book Group

Next meeting: Thursday, December 5 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss American Colonies by Alan Taylor.

The group meets in the library every other month to discuss a book, primarily non-fiction, that deals with a topic, time-period or biographical work related to the rich history of the United States. Selections are based on suggestions from group members and from trusted, critical book review sources. The group is moderated by Executive Director Ann Thompson.

Participants may Zoom in. Please email Ann at athompson@essexlib.org for the Zoom link.

The Plague by Albert Camus

Classics Book Group

Next meeting: Thursday, November 21 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss The Plague by Albert Camus.

Join this exciting book discussion group and meet those great books you’ve always meant to read or revisit. We’ll be exploring literature from across the wide Western canon; from Beowulf to Brideshead, and beyond. Guaranteed to provoke thoughtful, wide-ranging discussions, insights, and illumination. The group is moderated by Executive Director Ann Thompson.

The October meeting is in person in person in the 1889 Room.

List of Previous Classic Book Choices


First Thursday & Saturday Book Group

Next meeting: Thursday, December 5 at 4:00 p.m. OR Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss Yellowface by R. F. Kuang.

This book group typically meets on the first Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. in the program room. A second meeting of the group is held in the conference room on a Saturday, typically at 10:00 a.m. Participants can attend either date and time, both groups read the same book. Adult Services Librarian Elizabeth Reinhart moderates the discussions.

Participants may Zoom in. Please email Elizabeth at ereinhart@essexlib.org for the Zoom link.


The Lost Boy of Santa Chionia bookcover

Historical Fiction Book Group (Hi-Fi)

Next meeting: Tuesday, December 10 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss The Lost Boy of Santa Chionia by Juliet Grames.

This book group usually meets in the Library’s conference room on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Adult Services Librarian Elizabeth Reinhart moderates the discussions.

Participants may Zoom in. Please email Elizabeth at ereinhart@essexlib.org for the Zoom link.

List of Previous Historical Fiction Book Choices


Third Wednesday Book Group

Next meeting: Wednesday, November 20 at 11:00 a.m. to discuss Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray.

This general interest book group is open to all and meets on the the third Wednesday of every month at 11:00 a.m. at Essex Meadows. Executive Director Ann Thompson moderates the discussion.

List of Previous Third Wednesday Book Choices