Month: June 2025

Sawyer Free Library Kicks Off Summer with Reading Program and Exciting Lineup of Free Events

~ Sawyer Free Library

Summer is a time for discovery—and at Sawyer Free Library, the adventure is just beginning.

Sawyer Free Library invites the community to celebrate summer with the launch of its 2025 Summer Reading Program: Level Up at Your Library. This year’s theme is all about playful learning—spotlighting puzzles, games, and hands-on fun designed to spark curiosity and creativity in readers of all ages.

With a vibrant lineup of free events–from live animal visits and magic shows to garden story times and interactive challenges–Level Up encourages young readers to power up their imaginations and discover new worlds. 

The Summer Reading Program is open to children and teens who can register in person at any Summer Reading Program event or online through August 1. Participants are encouraged to read (or be read to) for at least 500 minutes over the summer. With their “Level Up at the Library” reading logs, kids can earn prizes including Topsfield Fair tickets and a chance to win a signed Boston Bruins hockey jersey courtesy of the Boston Bruins Foundation. 

The summer fun kicks off on Friday, July 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Gloucester City Hall with a live animal presentation by Wildlife Encounters Ecology Center. Children and families will meet exotic creatures and learn about their habitats, adaptations, and roles in the ecosystem.

Beginning July 10, Thursday mornings bring gardening and story-sharing with Backyard Growers in the library’s raised beds on the Saunders House Lawn. 

A summer highlight comes on Monday, July 28 at 10:00 a.m., when The Poop Museum arrives at City Hall. This interactive science program, led by “poop expert” Susie Maguire, is packed with fun facts, hands-on learning, and plenty of laughs as kids explore the surprising world of human, animal, and insect poop.

The library will also host Ed the Wizard and his Reading is Magic Alchemy Laboratory on Friday, August 8, an interactive magic show that uses storytelling and everyday objects to demonstrate the transformative power of reading. Then, on Tuesday, August 12 at 10:30 a.m., Rick Roth and the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team will introduce kids to real snakes and share fascinating facts about their habitats and behavior.

Tweens and teens have a summer program of their own to look forward to at Sawyer Free. Students entering grades 6–12 can earn a free half pint of Holy Cow Ice Cream just by reading one book and filling out online form. They’re also invited to special events like the Teen & Tween Whale Watch on July 10 and Henna Tattoos on August 11. Youth are encouraged to get involved in the Teen/Tween Advisory Board (TAB), where they can help shape library programs, earn volunteer hours, and connect with friends and community.

Summer reading isn’t just for kids. Adults can join in by submitting book ratings, earning entries into prize draws for $25, $50, or $75 Cape Ann Gift Certificates. Submissions can be made online or at the library. In addition, the library will host a full schedule of virtual author talks throughout the summer. All adult library programming, in-person services, programs, and special events will resume in September. Library cardholders can also continue to enjoy free or discounted passes to local cultural attractions. 

All summer programming is free, thanks to the 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. 

The Sawyer Free Library is excited to officially open its newly renovated, expanded, and modernized space this September. In the meantime, the Library’s digital resources are available 24/7 at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

To learn more about Summer at the Sawyer Free Library and to register for programs, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Become a Voice for Ideas: Join the Gloucester Lyceum Committee

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Gloucester Lyceum is looking for volunteers interested in bringing together national, regional, and local contemporary speakers with community members to explore pressing issues and ideas of our time.

If you are interested in joining the Lyceum Committee, please send a letter of interest to GloucesterLyceum@sawyerfreelibrary.org explaining why you are interested in joining this exciting new chapter of the Lyceum. 

In the meantime, stay tuned for the first Lyceum event in October 2025!

2025 Winners Announced in Poetry Without Paper Contest at Award Ceremony

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Poetry Without Paper contest during an inspiring awards ceremony held on Tuesday evening, June 17, 2025, at the Gloucester High School Library. A standing-room-only crowd of friends, families, and community members gathered to celebrate Gloucester’s young literary talents. The evening featured moving readings from the student winners, showcasing both creativity and emotional depth across all age groups.

Now in its 23rd year, Poetry Without Paper continues to ignite imagination and passion for writing among Gloucester’s youth. This year’s contest, themed New Chapter, New Stories, New Beginnings, invited students to reflect on fresh starts and new possibilities—a timely prompt as the Library prepares to move into its newly renovated and expanded space.

From nearly 200 submissions, winners were selected from three categories: elementary, middle, and high school. The contest awarded over $1,000 in prizes, including Cape Ann gift certificates for top winners and poetry books for honorable mentions. In addition to certificates and public recognition, winning poets were invited to appear on The Writer’s Block with John Ronan, a 1623 Studios production. Their work will also be featured on the Sawyer Free Library’s website.

The awards were presented by former Gloucester Poet Laureate and contest co-founder John Ronan, with newly appointed Gloucester Co Poet Laureate Heidi Wakeman. Together, they honored the accomplishments of the young poets and emphasized the importance of poetry in giving voice to the next generation.

“For more than two decades, the Sawyer Free Library has fostered a love of poetry, providing young writers with a space to express themselves,” said Library Director Jenny Benedict. “This year’s entries were particularly powerful and deeply reflective—proof that poetry continues to thrive among Gloucester’s youth.”

John Ronan shared in his opening remarks, “Over the years, we’ve received thousands of poems from hundreds upon hundreds of students. And this year—like every year—I was once again impressed by the maturity, insight, and intelligence in their work. These young poets are paying close attention to the world around them and are sharing their hopes, fears, and reflections through poetry.”

Heidi Wakeman followed by saying, “Poetry is a powerful way of expressing language,” and added, “What a great night for Gloucester as we celebrate these talented young writers.”

The Poetry Without Paper contest is open each spring to Gloucester students in grades K–12. Participants are encouraged to explore a theme but may write on any topic in 30 lines or fewer. 

For more information about Poetry Without Paper, to read the winning poems, or to learn more about Sawyer Free Library’s youth programming, visit www.SawyerFreeLibrary.org 

The Sawyer Free Library extends heartfelt congratulations to all participants and winners and looks forward to the continued growth of Gloucester’s young literary voices.

Sawyer Free Library: 2025 Poetry Without Paper Winners

Elementary School Winners

1st Place:        Laszlo Jablanczy, Plum Cove, Grade 3, “Bird House”

2nd Place:        Freja Hinderlie McLanahan, Beeman, Grade 2, “The Worst Life of Bad Luck!”

3rd Place:        Sophia Deoliveira, West Parish, Grade 5, “Take care of Your Self”

HM:                 Ilani Mione, East Veterans, Grade 5, “Moving On” 

HM:                 Sigrid Fishburn, West Parish Grade 4, “New Chapter”

Middle School Winners

1st Place:        Iona Fishburn, Waring School, Grade 7, “A Poem for Francie”

2nd Place:        Yenssi Erazo, O’Maley Innovation Middle School, Grade 7, “Doubts that Won’t Go Away”

3rd Place:        Elizabeth Olson, O’Maley Innovation Middle School, Grade 8, “My Chance”

HM:                 Addy LeClaire, O’Maley Innovation Middle School, Grade 7, “Heal the Woes”

HM:                 Kendall Brown, O’Maley Innovation Middle School, Grade 7, “Growing My Wings”

High School Winners:

1st Place:        Aleena Brown, GHS, Grade 10, “Where I Belong”

2nd Place:        Emma Wilt, Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School, Grade 11, “Reflection”

3rd Place:        Lacey Barry, GHS, Grade 9, “Surviving”

HM:                 Emma Hoke, GHS, Grade 9, “Notes Between the Margins”

HM:                 Vivian Payne, Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, Grade 9, “Canary in the Coal Mines”

Help Fund Ocean Explorers

~ michaeldekoster

For the past 21 years, Maritime Gloucester’s Ocean Explorers program has brought marine science education to every 3rd, 4th, & 5th grader in the Gloucester Public Schools. We visit the classrooms in all 4 elementary schools and welcome these students to our campus to participate in exciting hands-on experiential learning in our Sea Pocket Aquarium, the Marine Science Education Center, onboard the Schooner Ardelle and so much more. Over the course of the school year, your kids interact with our educators a total of 6 times, offering invaluable access to the harbor, bridging a unique connection with our local youth in our own blue backyard. 21 years participating in our curriculum equates to the educational engagement of over 13,500 students!

As we mark this year’s final 5th grade graduation celebration, we want to emphasize the importance of this program in our schools and we urge you to consider supporting its continuation. Maritime Gloucester annually raises the funds to sustain Ocean Explorers as our gift to the community, but we now are urgently seeking funding to keep this program alive for elementary students across Cape Ann and beyond. To support Ocean Explorers into 2026 and help us keep this essential program going at no cost to the Gloucester Public Schools, please Donate Today: MaritimeGloucester.org/give-1

Gloucester Education Foundation looks back at a busy year – and busy hands – in new report!

~ gloucestereducationfoundation ~ 1 Comment

GEF released its FY25 Impact Report today, “In Their Hands: The Power of Experiential Learning”. This colorful report highlights 30 hands-on programs led by talented Gloucester educators who go above and beyond to help students learn by doing. With nearly $475,000 invested in GPS this school year, GEF sees that the Gloucester community is steadfast in their support for our schools and experiential learning. We hope you’ll help keep that momentum going with a gift to our spring appeal!

Learn more about GEF at http://www.thinkthebest.org.

2025 season of Gloucester’s farmers market, the Backyard Growcery, kicks off June 18

~ backyardgrowersgloucester

 Backyard Growers, the Gloucester-based food equity nonprofit organization, is thrilled to share the return of the Backyard Growcery, Gloucester’s community-centered, food-focused farmers market in America’s Oldest Seaport. Now in its second season, the Growcery reopens on Wednesday, June 18, at Burnham’s Field and will run weekly until October 15, 2:30-6:30pm. 

The Backyard Growcery brings fresh, local food to the heart of downtown Gloucester while supporting small-scale farms and up-and-coming food businesses. It’s more than just a market—it’s a space to connect, learn, and grow together.

“We can’t wait to see everyone back at the market for another fun season of supporting local growers and making fresh, local food easy for everyone to enjoy,” said Alison DiFiore, Executive Director of Backyard Growers. “The Backyard Growcery is a great spot to hang out—whether you’re picking up veggies, learning something new, getting creative with art, or just spending time with friends and neighbors. See you at Burnham’s!”

Fresh Food, Local Vendors & New Faces

This year’s lineup features favorites like Cedar Rock Gardens, Marshview Farm, First Light Farm, Bonny Breads, Wild Heart, Underground Mushroom, Rhea Pizzeria Napoletana, and more. The Growcery is also welcoming High Tide Farm, a new certified organic farm hosted by New Entry Sustainable Farming Project. Plus, keep an eye out for pop-up appearances from other North Shore food vendors and producers, like Salty’s Bagels, all season long.

The Backyard Growcery is a food-focused market with a mission to boost the local economy and help small businesses thrive while also creating opportunities for community connection. In order to reduce business risk to small-scale food producers, the market does not charge a vendor participation fee. 

New This Year: Growcery Quest!

Want to get to know seasonal, local food, and the people who grow it? The Backyard Growcery is introducing Growcery Quest, a season-long scavenger hunt for kids and families to inspire them to make weekly discoveries at the market. Stop by the Backyard Growers table at the market to get involved.

Accessible, Welcoming, and Here for Everyone

Located at Burnham’s Field—just a 5-minute walk from the MBTA station—the Growcery is easily accessible by foot, CATA bus (near Sheedy Park stop), or car (free parking on Sargent Street and nearby streets). The park also features a playground, basketball courts and athletic fields, walking paths, and a 55-bed community garden managed by Backyard Growers. Burnham’s Field is the homebase of Backyard Growers’ work in the community, connecting low-to-moderate income Gloucester residents with access to the space and resources to grow fresh food.

With the closure of Shaw’s on Railroad Avenue, the need for fresh food in this downtown neighborhood has significantly increased. The Growcery proudly accepts SNAP/EBT, and Backyard Growers provides Market Mint, a SNAP Match up to $5 per week. This year, the Backyard Growcery is doubling the number of vendors who accept WIC and Senior Farmers Market Coupons. WIC coupons will be available at the market on July 23, with more chances to pick up WIC and Senior Coupons throughout the season. 

Cultivating food-growing knowledge & resources in our community

Backyard Growers is committed to ensuring equitable access to the resources, space, and knowledge needed for communities to grow their own food. During the Backyard Growcery, Backyard Growers will once again host regular free workshops, with a focus on vegetable gardening, food preparation and preservation, art, and gardening for pollinators. The nonprofit will also offer regular free giveaways of resources such as vegetable seeds and guidance, with the opportunity to purchase fertilizer, compost, and more, directly from their booth. 

Learn more at www.backyardgrowers.org/backyard-growcery or follow us on social media @backyardgrowcery. 

See you at Burnham’s! 

Sawyer Free Library Launches Fall Internship Program for GHS Students

~ Sawyer Free Library

Information session about paid opportunity scheduled for Wednesday June 11

This fall, Sawyer Free Library is offering a new internship opportunity for Gloucester High School students in support of its innovative Digital Learning Lab. The Library is hiring student interns as Digital Tutors to assist with the inaugural Computer Basics Course, a community program designed to help adults gain essential digital skills.

Digital Tutors will serve as trusted guides, helping participants navigate internet use, computing devices, and common digital applications. The course includes 15 hours of self-paced, hands-on training. Qualified adult participants who complete the program will receive a free Chromebook and a one-year internet service plan.

“Student interns will gain valuable work experience while making a meaningful impact on closing Gloucester’s digital divide. “Students will be developing two sets of skills,” said Assistant Director Lisa Ryan. “They’ll build hard skills such as setting up and troubleshooting devices, using Google applications, navigating the internet safely, and practicing email and telecommunications best practices.”

“We’ll also focus on soft skills,” Ryan continued. “Through on-the-job experience and a weekly workshop, students will strengthen their communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills that colleges and employers are increasingly prioritizing alongside technical knowledge.”

Interested students should send their application to jobs@gloucester-ma.gov or drop them off or mail them to Gloucester City Hall, 9 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930. References may be from a teacher, coach, employer, or guidance counselor—but not family or friends. The application deadline is June 18, 2025, with interviews scheduled between June 23 and 27.

Interns will complete paid training in early September. After training, they may work up to 16 hours per week through December 12, 2025, with shifts available on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons, and Saturdays. Interns will be paid $18/hour, and those who complete at least 54 hours of tutoring may earn high school credit.

Students interested in pursuing careers in technology, education, psychology, social work, or digital literacy are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to juniors and seniors.

An information session will be held Wednesday, June 11 at 2:10 p.m. in the Guidance Conference Room at Gloucester High School.  For more information, contact Assistant Director Lisa Ryan at lryan@sawyerfreelibrary.org with your contact information, a brief summary of relevant experience and interest, and availability.

This first of its kind digital intern program at the Sawyer Free Library is funded through the generosity of an Essex County Community Foundation Digital Equity Partnership Grant.

Sawyer Free Library is on the Move —Here’s What You Need to Know

~ Sawyer Free Library

The wait is almost over! Final touches are underway on the newly renovated and expanded Sawyer Free Library, and we’re getting ready to return to our historic home at 2 Dale Avenue.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Our temporary location at 21 Main Street will be closed as of 6 PM on Monday, June 9. 
  • In-person services will pause as we move 70,000 items, install new technology and furnishings, and complete final walkthroughs.
  • The announcement for when the newly renovated library at 2 Dale Avenue will re-open will be made in mid-July—stay tuned for the exact date!

During the Transition:
🌐 Online resources and virtual programs remain available at sawyerfreelibrary.org
📆 Due dates will be extended—no late fees
📬 Holds can be picked up at other NOBLE libraries
📪 Book drops will be closed—please hold onto items until we reopen
📴 Staff will be unavailable by phone or email during the closure

Need something in the meantime? Visit a neighboring NOBLE library to meet your borrowing and research needs.

All news, events, and service updates will be shared at sawyerfreelibrary.org and on our social media. Be sure to follow us.

Help Us Celebrate
Mark your calendars as everyone is invited to the:
🎉 Official Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting: Friday, September 5
🎉 Community Celebration & Open House: Saturday, September 6

Support the Final Phase
We are deeply grateful to all who have contributed to the project and proud of what your generosity has built so far.  But we are not done yet. If you can, please share the news of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library with others, increase your support of the project or make your very first gift. We need your help to fully fund this transformational project and bring it across the finish line. To donate: 2025.sawyerfreelibrary.org

See you soon!
We can’t wait to welcome you back to the reimagined 2025 Sawyer Free Library at 2 Dale Avenue.  Thank you for being part of this exciting new chapter for Sawyer Free Library and our great community!