Bicentennial Quilt - Essex Public Library

The first public library in Essex was established about 1889. An Essex resident, Dr. Russell, gave the use of a room at his offices, rent free, and donated 50 books. In 1895 a fair was held by the Library Association and sufficient money was realized to purchase the lot which had been the old Union House grounds. By 1899 the library had 2000 books of wide variety. This building near the corner of Main and South Main Streets was made possible through the generosity of Captain Joseph Tucker who left a bequest of sufficient amount to build and furnish it free of encumbrance.