Every year at the Essex Library, kids participate in the annual summer reading program, which concludes with a party in August. But this year, the party is for adults, too. In addition to pizza, cake, and the handing out of achievement certificates, a variety of artwork created by children will be on display to proud parents and community members alike.

“This is the first year we’re doing it this way,” said Jessica Branciforte, head of the Essex Library Children’s Department. “Typically we meet somewhere up in town or we meet outside. This year we wanted to do something at night so the adults could come celebrate with them. We’re combining it with an art show for the art they’ve been doing all summer. We thought this way we’d be able to entice parents and grandparents, too.”

The event celebrates summer reading achievements from very young children reading for 15 minutes at a stretch to older youth recording the titles of all the novels they’ve read. It’s also the culmination of weekly summer programs and activities at the library, during which kids produced the art on display.

“We said no matter what we made, if someone wanted to leave one for the art show they could. There’s photography from our photography class, there’s collage—even down to our one’s and two’s class,” Branciforte said.

During the summer, kids received incentives such as free ice cream from Sweet P’s and baseball tickets to celebrate their reading. They chose whichever books appealed to them, from picture books for the younger kids up to novels or even audio books.

“It’s such a hectic time of year. I’m impressed they’re making time to read,” Branciforte said. “That’s another reason for the party—they’re really choosing to do all of it.”

The party and art reception is set for Thursday, Aug. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library.

“We’re giving out the official ‘Great job’ certificates at 6, but people can drop in anytime and the art will be up for the month of August as well,” said Branciforte. “The library actually has space and a hanging system, so we’re able to promote art for an artist every single month. We thought for the month of August we’d have the kids’ art instead. We thought that’d be nice as a hook to get the adults in to see what they’ve done and also to celebrate their reading.”

Stop by and take a look at what the community’s kids have been up to this summer. It may be hard to guess a book by its inspired artwork, especially in the case of those created by one or two year-olds, but that could be part of the fun.

The Children’s Summer Reading Party is on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Essex Library, 33 West Avenue. The event includes an art reception and a party with pizza and cake. The certificate presentation is at approximately 6 p.m., but visitors are welcome to drop in at any time. Admission is free. For more information, call 860-767-1560.