Join the Greater Cape Ann Chamber and the City of Gloucester for the last of the three summer block parties on Friday, September 1st from 6 to 10 PM to kick off Labor Day and Schooner Festival weekend!
Featured performer Cate Great will delight the young and old alike with her balancing and juggling skills. A “possible appearance” by Slyde, the NE Revolution mascot, face painting, Mary Poppins, Captain Jack and Cape Ann Vernal Pond will also be on hand to entertain the kids. Visit with non-profits, street vendors, and retailers. Enjoy the delicious offerings of numerous food trucks & restaurants, and dance the night away to music on three different stages. A great start to the “end of summer weekend!”
SAWYER FREE LIBRARY AND CAPE ANN YMCA LAUNCH INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION:INTRODUCING “SFL AT THE Y” A DIGITAL POP-UP LIBRARY
The Sawyer Free Library(SFL) and the Glen T. MacLeod Cape Ann YMCA are thrilled to announce their dynamic partnership, unveiling an initiative to foster community engagement and provide access to digital reading materials. “SFL at the Y,” a Digital Pop-Up Library, empowers YMCA members to explore and enjoy a wide array of downloadable audiobooks, eBooks, e-newspapers, and e-magazines through an innovative pilot program.
The collaboration leverages the strengths of both institutions, uniting the Cape Ann YMCA’s commitment to promoting healthy living and community connections with the Sawyer Free Library’s dedication to enhancing access to information and enriching minds. This exciting endeavor aligns perfectly with the shared goal of making educational and recreational resources more convenient for families and individuals throughout Gloucester and beyond.
With “SFL at the Y,” anyone with a Sawyer Free Library card can access the Library’s comprehensive digital collection by simply scanning the specially posted QR codes prominently displayed in the Main Lobby of the Cape Ann YMCA. The collection features a curated selection of bestsellers thoughtfully chosen to cater to readers of all ages and preferences. Notably, all materials are available through a convenient per item checkout basis so card holders won’t need to face inordinate wait times for their chosen titles.”
“We are proud to partner with our local library to offer our members additional resources. Collaboration between our Y and the SFL is a natural and promising pairing, given our shared commitment to community development,” said Erina McWilliam-Lopez, the Cape Ann YMCA’s Executive Director.
“We are excited to expand the reach of Sawyer Free Library’s resources to individuals who might not have the chance to visit our Main Street location,” said Beth Pocock, the Library’s Assistant Director. “Through QR codes and digital downloads, every Library cardholder while at the YMCA can now easily tap into our complete digital catalog. Personally, as a frequent visitor to the Y, I often enjoy downloadable audiobooks during my treadmill sessions. It’s amazing how I can breeze through a book within a week or two!”
YMCA members will discover prominently displayed Library Pop-Up posters with QR codes that, when scanned, will transport them to the Digital Library website. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing YMCA members and program participants to explore and check out titles for a two-week duration. Additionally, SFL is committed to expanding its offerings on the platform throughout the year, ensuring a continually enriching experience.
Gloucester residents that do not have a library card can get a provisional card by going to www.sawyerfreelibrary.org, click the “About” link on the homepage, then “Get a Library Card” link. Complete the form, once registered, you can start using all library online resources immediately.
For further information on the Sawyer Free Library and its offerings, please visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500. For the Glen T. MacLeod Cape Ann YMCA visit northshoreymca.org.
Sawyer Free Library’s Assistant Director Beth Pocock and Cape Ann YMCA’s Executive Director Erina McWilliam-Lopez with “SFL at the Y” – Digital Pop Up Library
Music on Meetinghouse Green presents a free, outdoor concert at 6:00pm featuring ‘What Time is it, Mr. Fox?’on September 1 in front of the UU Church at the corner of Middle and Church Streets. Free-will donations from the audience will benefit the Northshore Health Project. The Lobster Roller is the food vendor. This concert was postponed from August 4 due to heavy rain.
Well known in Boston’s underground cabaret scene, ‘What Time Is It Mr. Fox?’ has earned a loyal following with frequent performances in New York City and tours across the United States. Their original songs feature rich lyrical imagery that explore love, spirituality, sexuality, and identity, and their performances are infused with energy, honesty, and emotional authenticity. Their unique brand of music and performance art has been adopted by popular singers, filmmakers, and repertory theaters. Band members include: 3rian King, voice, piano, and acoustic guitar; Nathan Cohen, violin, trumpet, voice; Dennis Monagle, drums; Renee Dupuis, voice, keys, and melodica; and Joe Cardoza, upright bass.
Next Friday, September 8 at 6:00pm, is our grand finale summer concert featuring the Alek Razdan Ensemble. In addition to Alek, the ensemble features his father Rikki Razdan on saxophone and clarinet, Jim Coyle on guitar and vocals, John Cameron on keyboard, Ken Steiner on bass, and Roger Brockelbank on drums. Free-will donations go to the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s upcoming major restoration of Meetinghouse Green. The Causeway Restaurant is the food vendor.
Movie Screening at Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in Downtown Gloucester – Free and open to the public, registration required.
The Sawyer Free Library is partnering with Cape Ann Community Cinema with a free screening of the award-winning movie, CODA (2021), at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street on Thursday, August 31, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The event is free and open to all, although registration is required.
CODA, which stands for child of deaf adults, tells the story of Ruby Rossi and her family’s struggling fishing business. The only hearing person in her home, Ruby discovers a passion for singing that makes her choose between supporting her family and following her dreams.
The Sawyer Free Library is hosting an exciting LEGO community event in advance of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library’s upcoming groundbreaking celebration. LET’S BUILD TOGETHER: 2025 Sawyer Free Librarywill take place on Saturday, September 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 20 Main Street in downtown Gloucester, directly across from the Sawyer Free Library temporary location.
Co-hosted with the LEGO Discovery Center Boston, the free event, LET’S BUILD TOGETHER: 2025 Sawyer Free Library Brick by Brick LEGO Celebration, will bring together families, enthusiasts, and Lego lovers of all ages for a morning filled with boundless creativity, fun, and community spirit as they share their excitement for the future of the Sawyer Free Library.
Whether you’re a seasoned Lego enthusiast or new to the world of building blocks, this free event is open to individuals of all ages and skill levels. Event highlights include:
The opportunity to build “library” inspired creations with an Official Lego Master Model Builder from the LEGO Discovery Center Boston.
The official unveiling of the specially commissioned 2025 Sawyer Free Library Lego model, created using over 1,000 Lego blocks and made possible through the generosity of Dore + Whittier | Oudens Ello Architecture.
Extraordinary Lego masterpieces courtesy of the Boston LEGO Discovery Center.
Participants of all ages can showcase their construction skills through imaginative Lego challenges designed to inspire creativity and teamwork and win fun prizes.
Explore, build, and play freely with Legos, enjoy a musical performance by Gloucester’s own youth rock band, “Kicked off the Bus,” photo-ops with LEGO Minifigure characters, face painting, prizes and more!
In addition to the Lego festivities, attendees will also get a peek into the exciting plans for the 2025 Sawyer Free Public Library which promises to be a welcoming and inclusive environment, offering cutting-edge technology, diverse collections, engaging programs, and dedicated spaces for collaboration, learning, and relaxation. There will be information on how people can get involved and support this once-in-50-year opportunity to secure the future of this vital public institution.
The 2025 Sawyer Free Library Groundbreaking Celebration is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 29, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester, taking place rain or shine in the tented parking lot. The ceremony will mark the exciting beginning of the Sawyer Free Library’s comprehensive renovation, modernization, and expansion, and Gloucester realizing its vision of the 21st-century Library it so deserves – a dynamic and modernized community space that will inspire generations of lifelong learners in Gloucester and beyond. This exciting local history making event will be open to all.
The Sawyer Free 2025 campaign is grateful for the tremendous engagement and investment at every level from all parts of the community but we still need the community’s help. To learn how you can be a part of making the new Sawyer Free Library a reality, visit www.2025SawyerFree.org.
Coming up this Sunday at 5pm, please join us for the Downtown Dash! There will be 1-mile races for men, women, scholastic runners, & families. Something for everyone! Register today: https://www.simplyregister.net/register/?e=124610
On Thursday, August 24, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in a lively presentation at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street, Ellen Levy will relay the story of the Boston library group, Saturday Evening Girls, that created magnificent Arts and Crafts pottery at the turn of the last century. The story of the Saturday Evening Girls is beloved: a story of turn of the century determination and an early example of immigrant women developing useful trade skills to make a career in America. This group of women turned a reading club into the beginnings of Paul Revere Pottery.
In addition to becoming an important financier of the club, Helen Storrow would create a summer camp in Wingaersheek Beach in West Gloucester for the women, often exposing the young women to the outdoors and rural life.
Ellen will share the data and stories she gathered for her series of historical fiction books taking place in the 1910s in Massachusetts.
Event will take place at SFL @ 21 Main Street in Gloucester. Registration not required. Questions? Contact: jtravers@sawyerfreelibrary.org
The Young Gloucester Scientist’s Club Presents: Community Garden Scavenger Hunt on Friday, August 25 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Join the Sawyer Free Libraryfor an afternoon of garden bed exploring, scavenger hunting and a little bit of dirt-based science! In this hour long field trip to the Burnham Field Community Garden the Library’s friends at Backyard Growers will share some of the science behind growing and harvesting your own food.
This program is suitable for 4th-8th graders. Registration is required. Click HERE or go to SawyerFreeLibrary.org
Join us for Backyard Growers‘ annual fall fundraiser, The Great Gloucester GrowDown. At this year’s GrowDown, Backyard Growers will share stories from our community’s 2023 growing season and toast the power of growing food together.
Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner with ingredients sourced from local North Shore farms and prepared by the magicians at Short & Main, plus signature seasonal cocktails. Contribute to a live fund-a-need auction to support our work empowering people to grow their own food, and connect with your community over the joy of supporting each other and growing food together!
Tickets are selling out fast! Proceeds support Backyard Growers’ work building healthy, connected, resilient communities by empowering people to grow their own food in Gloucester and beyond.
Cape Ann Community 