Month: January 2025

Sawyer Free Library to Host Local Author Kristin Czarnecki on Feb 6

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library will welcome Kristin Czarnecki, Executive Director of the Rockport Art Association & Museum, on Thursday, February 6 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, for a special evening as she reads from her new memoir, Encounters with Inscriptions. The event will be at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. 

When Kristin lost both her parents within nine months, she sought solace in books—but not just any books. In Encounters with Inscriptions (Legacy Book Press, October 2024), she reflects on the volumes her parents had inscribed and gifted her over the years, an array spanning novels, short stories, poetry, nature writing, cultural criticism, and even a cookbook. As Kristin revisits each cherished title, she explores her grief, the complexities of childhood and family, and the rewards of a life spent reading. She recalls falling in love with poetry, contemplates how the Troubles in Northern Ireland shaped her adolescence, reflects on the legacy of her mother’s feminism, and comes to know her father better through an author he loved. Ultimately, these pages reveal how the power of literature can inspire, confound, soothe, and surprise us.

Kristin Czarnecki is also the author of a memoir, The First Kristin: The Story of a Naming, and a chapbook, Sliced. Her creative nonfiction, poetry, literary criticism, and book reviews have appeared in numerous publications. Kristin holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati and was an English professor for many years at Georgetown College. From 2015 to 2020, she served as President of the International Virginia Woolf Society and remains on the Virginia Woolf Miscellany editorial board. She lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

This event will be moderated by Heather Atwood, an artist, a home cook, and a writer/producer who also lives here in Cape Ann. Additionally, The Bookstore of Gloucester will be on-site during the event to sell copies of Kristin’s books.

To register, go to the calendar page of sawyerfreelibrary.org. Space is limited. Questions, 978-325-5500.

Planning for Medicare 101 | Information Presentation at Sawyer Free

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Tuesday, February 4, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., the Sawyer Free Library will host a presentation and discussion about Planning for Medicare led by a representative of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. 

This informative presentation is geared toward individuals approaching medicare eligibility and for the community who may still be working and looking to transition. 

Topics covered include health insurance information outside of employer-sponsored coverage, such as an explanation of Medicare, the Medicare enrollment timeline, Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans and programs available to early retirees, and COBRA.

No registration required. For questions or more information, please email: moneill@sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Sawyer Free Library Receives $27,700 Mass Cultural Council Grant

~ Sawyer Free Library

Funding to support operations of expanded Sawyer Free Library  

For Immediate Release (January 27, 2024) Gloucester, MA – – The Sawyer Free Library has been awarded a $27,700 grant from the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, through its Operating Grants for Organizations Program that provides multi-year, unrestricted operating grants to nonprofit organizations that enrich Massachusetts’ cultural life. This funding recognizes the Library’s commitment to high-quality cultural and educational resources and activities in the arts, humanities and sciences.

“Our Cape Ann residents deserve outstanding opportunities, and that’s exactly what the newly renovated and modernized state-of-the-art Sawyer Free Library will provide – for free to all,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “This grant from the Mass Cultural Council is a crucial investment in our community, ensuring the Library remains a beacon of equal access and lifelong learning.”

“As the daughter of a school librarian, public libraries hold a special place in my heart,” said State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester). “The Sawyer Free Library fosters a love of reading, inspires learning, and cultivates connections among all the residents of Cape Ann. I am grateful to the Mass Cultural Council for their support at this exciting moment as the Library expands its resources, programs, and services to reach new audiences and build a lasting community.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Mass Cultural Council for recognizing the Sawyer Free Library’s public value,” said Mern Sibley, President of the Sawyer Free Library Board of Trustees. “For nearly 200 years, we have enriched lives, fostered creativity, and built connections. As we move into our newly renovated, expanded, and modernized space, this grant will help us broaden our reach, enhance our services, and continue building a brighter future for Gloucester.”

As the largest free public space in Gloucester, the Sawyer Free Library draws over 275,000 in-person and online visitors annually. Guided by its mission to cultivate community connections, power imaginations, inspire learning, and provide an inclusive, welcoming space for all, it hosts hundreds of free public programs each year. With a newly renovated and modernized building, the Library looks to increase monthly programs by 25% and community-focused events by 50%.

For Fiscal Year 2025, the Mass Cultural Council has adopted a $34 million spending plan, enabling the agency to award at least 2,500 grants totaling approximately $38 million to the Commonwealth’s creative and cultural sector. These funds primarily come from the Council’s $26.7 million state budget appropriation and support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Through initiatives such as the Mass Cultural Facilities Fund in partnership with MassDevelopment, the Council’s unrestricted organizational support grants help cultural organizations innovate, take on new challenges, and expand access for underserved audiences—improving quality of life, creating economic opportunity, and fostering greater cultural participation across Massachusetts.  

Mass Cultural Council funds reach every community in the Commonwealth. Its mission is to advance the Commonwealth’s creative and cultural sector by celebrating traditions and talents, championing its collective needs, and equitably investing public resources.

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Hawks, Owls & Eagles of MA with David Williams

~ Sawyer Free Library

How many different kinds of Hawks, Owls, and Eagles do you think frequent Cape Ann during the year? Join the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, January 30 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm to find out!

Using interactive maps, photos, and more, David Williams‘ presentation will take a season by season approach to examine the more than 20 hawks, owls, and eagles that frequent our area. Some of these Raptors are common nesters in our area, some are Winter visitors, and some are rarities that cause excitement. Tips on identifying these birds of prey will be shared as well as how to respectfully find and view these special birds.

The event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. All are welcome. Registration is requested at SawyerFreeLibrary.org For questions email jwilkins@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Minute to Win It: Sawyer Free Library Edition at Cape Ann YMCA on Wed, Jan. 1/29

~ Sawyer Free Library

Calling all tweens and teens—it’s your time to shine! Join the Sawyer Free Library at the Cape Ann YMCA on Wednesday, January 29, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm for an afternoon of snacks, mini-games, and friendly competition. We’ll test your skills and smarts, and you could walk away with prizes—so be sure to bring your A-game and a friend! No registration is required, and all materials will be provided. This event is open to anyone in grades 6–12 (ages 11–19). For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500. Don’t let the winter blues slow you down—come get active, have fun, and win big!

Hybrid Productivity: Finding Your Focus

~ Sawyer Free Library

Start the year strong with the Sawyer Free Library!

Kick off 2025 with strategies to boost focus, productivity, and efficiency at home and work. On Thursday, January 23, 5:30 to 6:30 pm join Gloucester resident and innovator Shawn Gerard at 21 Main Street to learn how to leverage your energy and develop a structured planning approach. 

The start of a new year is a great time to focus on our goals for the coming months. We often get too busy to enjoy our life, though. In this session, you’ll explore how to find your focus, accomplish your goals, and create free time to charge your batteries.

All are welcome. Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Sawyer Free Library Shares Most Popular Books Of The Year

~ Sawyer Free Library

Library’s most-borrowed books give a glimpse into what Gloucester read in 2024

Every book we read tells a story—not just of the characters on the page, but also of the community that chooses to read it. At Sawyer Free Library, these stories come to life every day, with a total circulation of over 180,000 in 2024, thousands of books across print and digital were borrowed by Gloucester residents. From poignant fiction to thought-provoking nonfiction, the Library’s most popular titles offer a snapshot of the interests, passions, and curiosity that define our city.

Whether escaping into Kristin Hannah’s deeply moving The Women, exploring James McBride’s vibrant The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, or laughing with Jeff Kinney’s enduring Diary of a Wimpy Kid, these books inspired and entertained readers of all ages.

“The books our community borrowed in 2024 reflect a collective curiosity and a desire to explore diverse perspectives and experiences,” said Sawyer Free Library Director Jenny Benedict. “Whether escaping into fiction, gaining insights from nonfiction, or discovering new stories with family, these titles highlight the Library’s role as a place for growth, connection, and lifelong learning.”

The Sawyer Free Library’s top checked-out books across print and digital were:

Top 5 Adult Fiction:

1. The Women by Kristin Hannah
2. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
3. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
4. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
5. North Woods by Daniel Mason

Top 5 Adult Nonfiction:

1. How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith
2. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
3. 101 All-Time Fantasy Baseball Teams by Jack Sweeney
4. Our Underwater World by Sue Lowell Gallion
5. The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson

Top Teen Fiction:

1. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
2. The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah Maas
3. Queen of Shadows by Sarah Maas
4. 1984 by George Orwell
5. Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

Top 5 Children’s Books:

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney
2. I Am Going! An Elephant and Piggie Book by Mo Willems
3. Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild by Dav Pilkey
4. The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster! by Mo Willems
5. The Thank You Book by Mo Willems

Find these and millions of other books through the Sawyer Free Library. Visit the Library’s temporary space at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester or sawyerfreelibrary.org, where librarians are always ready to help you discover your next great read.

This fall, the Library eagerly anticipates welcoming the community back to its beautifully renovated and expanded spaces, designed to offer comfort, accessibility, and inspiration for all ages. The revitalized first-floor Main Library blends modern upgrades with familiar charm, creating a warm, well-lit environment ideal for reading, research, and connection. Two great rooms house the Library’s treasured physical collections, complemented by inviting furnishings for study and relaxation. The adjacent Quiet Reading Room features a nonfiction collection, modular desks, and cozy armchairs overlooking serene gardens, providing a tranquil space for study and reflection. With its stunning double-height arched windows and natural light, the Reading Lounge evokes an elegant living room atmosphere, perfect for enjoying magazines and newspapers in plush armchairs. Meanwhile, children and teens can explore their vibrant, redesigned spaces filled with age-appropriate materials, fostering a love of learning and discovery. Whether meeting friends, doing homework, or finding the next great read, these spaces offer something special for everyone.

With approximately 14,000 cardholders, Sawyer Free Library continues to be a cornerstone for education, connection, and cultural enrichment. Gloucester residents and students can obtain a library card for free by applying in person, online, or by mail. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Get Salty with the Sawyer Free Library and The Open Door!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join us on Saturday, January 25 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Sawyer Free Library (21 Main Street) for a fun, family-friendly popcorn party. While your popcorn pops, decorate a festive snowman bag and then create your own custom salty seasoning blend. It’s the perfect winter snack!

This popcorn extravaganza with the Library and The Open Door is part of the 4th Annual Gloucester’s So Salty Festival—a city-wide celebration of Gloucester’s famously salty character. Hosted by the Cape Ann Museum in partnership with local cultural institutions and businesses, this exciting weekend features ice sculptures, live music, salty treats, free art activities for kids, and much more. You won’t want to miss it!

While you’re at the Library, don’t forget to learn how you can save money and energy this winter. Home Works Energy will be on-site from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM to help you sign up for a no-cost home energy assessment through the Mass Save Program.

These events—and the whole So Salty festival—is free and open to the public, so bring your friends and family for a taste of Gloucester’s saltiest delights!

For questions about these or any Library community program and events visit sawyerfreelibrary.org, call 978-325-5500 or stop by the Sawyer Free’s temporary Library space at 21 Main Street in Gloucester.

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Event 2025

~ chasnaz

GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE, MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. BIRTHDAY EVENT 2025
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation proudly presents its ninth annual
Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday event. It will be held on Monday, January 20th
at 2:00pm in the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, located at the corner
of Church and Middle Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). An elevator is available
from the side door at 10 Church Street. No charge for admission but freewill
donations are gratefully received. For more information please visit:
www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org


This year’s program will honor Dr. King by featuring the work being done by two
local groups to reckon with history. Afterward, there will be a discussion about
how vernacular history gets written, “how the word is passed.” The program
will open with a recording of Martin Luther King, Jr. reading segments of
“Letters from Birmingham Jail.”


Joe Rukeyser from the Cape Ann Slavery and Abolition Project will present
recent research on abolition. Melissa Dimond of Wellspring House will follow
with that organization’s work on the Freeman Family, the prominent Black
family who called the Wellspring House home for over 100 years. Then Michea
McCaffrey, co-chair of the Gloucester Racial Justice Team, and Dick Prouty,
founder of TownGreen and board member of the Gloucester Meetinghouse
Foundation, will lead a discussion on critical points made by author Clint Smith
in his book How the Word is Passed. (It is not necessary to have read the book.)
The Paul Revere Bell in the Meetinghouse tower will be rung at the end as
people disperse onto the newly restored green.

ABOUT THE GMF: The mission of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is to preserve the historic
1806 Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, as a civic hub,
entertainment venue and community gathering center. The GMF is a 501(c)(3) corporation modeled on
a similar nonprofit that preserves Boston’s famous Old North Church.