The Brownell Library was dedicated on July 20th 1926. This year the library will celebrate 100 years of serving the community of Essex Junction. Join the library for a year full of events and programs celebrating this exciting milestone. 

Commemorative Book– Submit stories, memories, poems, images, and drawings about Brownell Library. These will be collected into a commemorative book celebrating the first 100 years of Brownell Libraries’ history. The book will then be for sale at the end of the year.  Proceeds will go to the Friends of the Brownell Library 100th fund to help support the library for the next 100 years!

Submission for both the design contest and the book can be sent to frontdesk@brownelllibrary.org with the subject heading Design Contest or Commemorative Book. Please include a signed release form with all submissions. 

January 10th 2:30– Join us in the Brownell Library’s Main Reading Room to kick off our 100th year! We’ll have snacks, games, and other fun activities for all ages. Make sure to keep an eye out for other 100th Anniversary events throughout the year;  2026 will be full of events, contests, and celebrations of Brownell Library and Essex Junction history! 

April 8th at 7pm– Trivia Night by the Essex Historical Society about the history of the library and Essex Junction.

May 30th at 12pm– 1920’s inspired party! Games, music, and crafts inspired by the 1920’s when the library was founded. 

July 10th at 1pm– Retro Circulation Desk-  Come experience old library technology like a card catalog, stamps, and vintage handwriting at our retro circulation desk!  

July 17th at 4pm– Brownell’s 100th Anniversary Party!  Celebrate 100 years of Brownell Library will a party including food, games, and more! 

October date TDB- Ghost Stories at the Library –  Read and share ghost stories from Brownell’s (or any library’s) history