Throughout the summer, everyone can get their hands dirty on Thursday mornings while sharing stories, gardening and more in the Sawyer Free Library’s raised gardens with Backyard Growers.
Everyone is invited to join in on the fun on Thursday’s from 10-11am at the Sawyer Free Library’s garden, located alongside Middle Street, for story hour followed by time planting, watering, maintaining and harvesting and more in the garden! Open to all ages, recommended for ages 2-8. No pre-registration required.
To learn more about this fun program and to discover all that is happening at the Sawyer Free Library this summer, visit www.sawyerfreelibrary.org, call 978-325-5500, or the Library 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester.
Vendor Restrictions: Must be Fisheries Related Items for sale must be approved by Organizing Committee Participants to supply their own tent, tables, & chairs Seeking Demonstrations for: Netting Fish Preparation Knot Tying Lobster Banding, and more!
Please submit any questions to: events@gloucesterma400.org
The Sawyer Free Libraryis excited to be a part of Gloucester Reads, a community wide book club that has just kicked off and will run through August.
Presented by Gloucester’s Racial Justice Team and the Gloucester Health Department, in collaboration with the Sawyer Free Library and fifteen additional co-sponsors, the citywide, intergenerational summer reading initiative aims to spark conversation and new ideas and encourage introspection about race equity in our community.
Gloucester Reads will explore books by Black authors that reflect Black experiences in America to increase understanding of the history and current status of race in Gloucester and the United States and build a strong community to foster a feeling of belonging for everyone.
Gloucester Reads includes books for all ages, interests, and reading levels. The summer book club’s main selection is “Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid. This engaging story about race and privilege is set around a young black babysitter, her well-intentioned employer, and a surprising connection that threatens to undo them both, revealing complex characters, misguided intentions, and little resolution.
The Library will distribute free copies of “Such A Fun Age” at select community events, including the Juneteenth Celebration and Festival on Sunday, June 18, at the Cape Ann Museum. The books are also available for check-out at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street. Downloaded Ebooks and Eaudiobooks are available instantly to anyone with a Library card and a Libby app. All Gloucester Reads books are also available for purchase at select local bookstores.
Discussion groups on “Such a Fun Age” will be held throughout the city during the month of July. Those interested in being involved can find additional information at sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Other Gloucester Reads titles include “Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019″ by Ibram Kendi and Keisha Blain and the award-winning memoir “The Love You Save” by Goldie Taylor. And, especially for children and families, the picture book “Black is a Rainbow Color” by Angela Joy, illustrated by Ekua Holmes, will serve as the Family Book Club pick throughout the Read with the graphic novel “Ain’t Burned All the Bright” by Jason Reynolds, artwork by Jason Griffin selected for tweens and teens.
Gloucester Reads will then culminate on the evening of August 15 with a live-stream panel discussion featuring Kiley Reid, The New York Times bestselling author and an assistant professor at the University of Michigan. “Such A Fun Age” was her debut novel and was longlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize. This exciting and engaging event will be open to the public, with more details forthcoming.
For additional details and a complete list of Gloucester Reads programs, book suggestions and learning resources on racial equity, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org.
Sawyer Free Library is excited to present Musical Storytime @ 21 Main Street on Friday, June 16 at 11:15 a.m. for our youngest patrons and their caregivers!
Join Ruthanne Paulson for some musical fun at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in Downtown Gloucester. It will be a festive morning of Spring fun, stories, singing, dancing and playing music.
Got three minutes? Share your thoughts about the Sawyer Free Library and help shape our future. We want to hear from our community! Click HERE to take the survey.
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If you have questions, come visit us at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester, give us a call at 978-325-5500 or check out sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Healthy soil, sanitary tools, and cooperation with other life forms are the keys to our most effective approach to pest management in your vegetable garden: prevention! In this online workshop, Backyard Growers will walk you through how to minimize human, microbiological, and plant risk by using the ecosystem as the starting point to diagnose pest issues threatening your harvest.
Backyard Growers is a Gloucester-based 501(C)3 nonprofit organization committed to cultivating healthy, connected, resilient communities by empowering people to grow their own food.
“With so many remarkable GEF powered opportunities returning to our schools this year, it has been wonderful for our community to once again experience the full impact of GEF’s support.”
~Superintendent Ben Lummis
With the 2022-23 school year wrapping up tomorrow, the Gloucester Education Foundation (GEF) has released their FY23 Impact Report. Built around the theme of “Discover, Connect, Belong”, this year’s report is full of images, stats, and stories from current GPS students and alumni; teachers and administrators; GEF supporters and champions. This was a big year for GEF, with the return of The Power of Play and Gloucester Student Arts Festival, continued growth in arts, STEM and vocational investments, and the integration of their new Student Advisory Committee. See below for lots of images from this school year and the incredible array of learning opportunities supported by GEF.
And don’t miss the remarkable (and long!) list of donors, volunteers, and in-kind gifts at the end of the report that made this work possible – GEF is so thankful for the Gloucester community’s support for our schools, educators, and students. Look for your friends’ and neighbors’ names, and join them by donating to GEF’s spring campaign!
Gender Equity in STEMClubGHS TheaterCountdown to KindergartenO’Maley Science CenterO’Maley Academy4th Grade Earth Science Field StudyGPS Teachers and Admin at GEF’s Bowl for Education eventO’Maley Science Center East Gloucester Elementary PlayEast Gloucester Elementary PlayElementary BandGender Equity in STEM ClubGHS Visual ArtsGHS TheaterThe Power of Play – GHS VolunteersThe Power of Play – GHS VolunteersAutomotive TechnologyO’Maley BandO’Maley Science CenterO’Maley AcademyO’Maley AcademyO’Maley Agriculture and Social StudiesGHS BandGHS Engineering LabO’Maley Agriculture and Social StudiesThe Power of Play – GHS VolunteersCountdown to KindergartenThe Power of PlayThe Power of PlayThe Power of PlayThe Power of PlayThe Power of PlayThe Power of PlayThe Power of PlayThe Power of PlayThe Power of PlayThe Power of PlayThe Power of PlayGEF Student AdvisoryGEF Student AdvisoryGEF Student AdvisoryGEF Student AdvisoryArts Fest – Senior Art ShowArts Fest – Senior Art ShowArts Fest – Senior Art ShowArts Fest – Senior Art ShowArts Fest – Senior Art ShowArts Fest – Senior Art ShowArts Fest – Senior Art ShowArts Fest – Senior Art ShowArts Fest – Senior Art ShowArts Fest – Senior Art ShowArts Fest – Senior Art ShowArts Fest – Senior Art ShowArts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest Arts Fest
Get creative and express yourself all summer long at Gloucester’s Public Library with free events for all ages, programs for kids and teens, reading recommendations, and much more.
Sawyer Free Library (SFL) is thrilled to announce 2023 summer reading program, “Find Your Voice” and invites the community to embark on a summer-long journey of creativity, self-expression, and exploration.
Summer at the Sawyer Free Library officially kicks off this month with an overflowing calendar of free events and programs to inspire, educate, and entertain patrons of all ages. From innovative reading challenges and interactive workshops to book discussions, author talks, live music, field trips, and much more, the Sawyer Free Library is the ultimate destination this summer for kids, teens, and adults to unleash their imaginations and find their unique voices.
“Our voices have the power to share stories, express ourselves and spark change,” said the Sawyer Free Library DirectorJenny Benedict. “The Sawyer Free Library’s summer long program, “Find Your Voice” is designed to inspire individuals of all ages to discover the joys of reading, unlock their creativity, and connect with others through the power of words. With a wide range of dynamic programs, activities and resources the Library offers something for everyone to get creative and express themselves all summer long.”
Kids of all ages can make their voices heard loud and clear at the SFL through an exciting lineup of fun programs, innovative incentives, and educational activities to encourage them to stay active, engaged, and read for fun.
To get started, young people and their families can pick up their Summer Reading Information and Activity Log at the Library, which has program information, the event calendar, and reading log. Children can stay on top of their summer reading with their “Find Your Voice” time-tracking reading logs. Register from June 13 to August 1, and then read (or be read to) for at least 500 minutes throughout the summer to earn prizes, including tickets to the Topsfield Fair. People can register in person or online for the program.
Children and families looking for things to do need not look further than the Sawyer Free with its busy summer schedule. Younger library goers will be moving and grooving during musical story time with Ruthanne Paulson on Friday, June 16, engaging with puppet friends reading stories and singing songs during an interactive storytime on June 28, and dancing with Creative Movement in the Library’s Amphitheater on July 29.
Kids will get the chance to get an up-close look at rainforest reptiles on Friday, July 7, presented by Conservation by Education, learn about the snakes of the world with Rick Roth and the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team on Saturday, July 15, and meet a variety of insects, bugs and more with Professor Bugman EntomologyAdventureson Tuesday, August 8.
Throughout the summer, everyone can get their hands dirty on Thursday mornings while sharing stories and gardening in the Library’s raised gardens with Backyard Growers. Then on select Tuesday afternoons, young poets can try out rhymes, personification, haiku, and more in workshops led by young Gloucester poet Willa Brosnihan.
The Library will also host fun local field trips for children and their caregivers, including a visit to Hammond Castle on Tuesday, July 18, and Maritime Museum on July 24.
It is also a big summer for Tweens and Teens. Students entering grades 6-12 are encouraged to track their “Summer Reading and Library Adventures” on the official form available on the Library’s website to qualify for weekly prize drawings including treats from Bravo, Turtle Alley and more.
Middle and high schoolers are encouraged to check out the Library’s full summer schedule of weekly programs, including creative workshops with local paper artist Katherine Morrisonon bookmaking on June 23 and building wire trees with Local Sculptor & Wire Artist Ryan Kelley in July. Young Gloucester Scientist Club will host a series of field trips, including a whale watch in June, a community garden scavenger hunt with Backyard Growers in July, an adventure on the water with Maritime Gloucester in August, and more, with the summer anchored by the exciting author visit in July by Taylor Tyng of the celebrated graphic novel series Clara Poole and the Long Way Round.
SFL also knows that summer reading is for everybody, whether you read at the beach or on your commute to work so it is giving adults a chance to get in on the summer fun, too, with Adult Book Bingo 2023. From now until September 1, 2023, those 18 and older can keep track of the books they read on the Library’s downloadable custom bingo card by writing the title and author in the matching square. Each completed horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line enters you into a raffle to win $25, $50, or $75 Cape Ann Gift Certificates.
In addition to the myriad of resources and programs the Library offers adults—technology training, job search help, historical resource assistance, and more – there will also be summer-themed special programs and reading lists available from local author talks, live music, and much more.
Thanks to the generous support of the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and the Gloucester Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, program participation is free. Registration is now open for all children, teens, and adult programs.
The summer programming will run from June 5 to September 1. To discover the complete schedule and register for events, please visit the Sawyer Free Library website at www.sawyerfreelibrary.org, call 978-325-5500, or the Library 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester.
Sawyer Free Library’s summer operating hours beginning on June 3, will be Monday 8am to 6 pm, Tuesday 8 am to 6:15 pm, Wednesday 8 am to 6 pm, Thursday 10 am to 7 pm, Friday 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday 10 am to 1 pm, and 24/7 at sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Sawyer Free Library was honored to participate in this fun event, promoting literacy and education within the community.
Fun was had by all fourth graders last week at East Gloucester Elementary School first ever “Battle of the Books,” a challenge where students read books and then came together to test their book knowledge in a game show-style competition. This fun literary competition was between three teams of East Elementary School fourth graders.
With the students’ parents and families cheering them on, the fourth graders competed by answering questions about books on the “Battle of the Books” list. It was a competitive until the end, with the final score being: Team 1: 27 points, Team 2: 29 points and Team 3: 27 points.
Over the past four months, from April 3 through June 7, East Gloucester Elementary School fourth graders have been reading an assortment of children’s book titles — from a designated list of 15 books — to equip themselves with knowledge about plots, characters, and themes for the school’s first-ever “Battle of the Books.” Organized by the school’s Fourth Grade teacher Ruth Flaherty, who served as the host of the event, with support from Sawyer Free Library’s Tween Librarian, Marisa Hall, the aim is to make this an annual event and expand to include all fourth graders across the school system.
This “Book Battle” was meant to encourage reading for pleasure, reward the development of comprehension skills and encourage teamwork among young readers. The titles selected vary from easy to more difficult within the 4th-grade reading level. Each participating student was assigned a book to begin the “Book Battle.” They were encouraged to read other book titles if they completed the book. They could read as many as they liked and were able to read over the four months.
Mrs. Flaherty asked questions to the teams one at a time, and they had one minute to discuss the answer. Teams receive 1 point for each correct answer and 0 for incorrect or incomplete answers. The opposing teams had the opportunity to answer a question that was incorrectly answered.
Sawyer Free Library was honored to participate in this event. The Library believes in the power of reading to ignite young minds. SFL Tween Librarian Marisa Hall was a part of the program kick-off, visited the students regularly to discuss the books, hosted after-school study sessions in preparation for the big day at the SFL, and served as guest host of the Book Battle!
As part of the Gloucester 400+ celebrations, on Saturday, June 10th from 1:00-2:00PM, Melissa & Russell Hobbs’ cemetery tour, “Families of Lanesville” will be held at the Victorian Langsford Cemetery (32-34 Langsford Street, Gloucester, MA). The tour will cover the families of Munsey, Langsford, Duley, Sargent, and Haraden. There will be a reading of the Veterans names listed on the cemetery’s Civil War Monument by Veterans. The Hobbs will discuss the Lanesville Veterans of the War of 1812 and the “Battle of Gloucester 1814” which occurred at Folly Cove. There will also be a demo on “How to Clean a Gravestone”, (https://www.gloucesterma400.org/event/cemetery-walk-series-families-of-lanesville/). The cemetery is not handicapped accessible, and the terrain is uneven. This particular free cemetery tour does require an Eventbrite registration, https://www.gloucesterma400.org/calendar/list/page/2/
Limited parking is available on Washington Street and Langsford Street. On Saturday there is a CATA bus to Lanesville leaving the Rose Baker Senior Center (6 Manuel F. Lewis St, Gloucester, MA 01930) at 9:25AM & 11:25AM. See the CATA link for the times the CATA bus leaves Lanesville and returns to the Rose Baker Senior Center, https://canntran.com/routes/lanesville/
Cape Ann Community 