Free, All-Ages Event Celebrates Digital Creativity, Local Innovation and Practical Technology
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Sawyer Free Library | 2 Dale Avenue | Gloucester, MA
GLOUCESTER, MA — The Sawyer Free Library Tech Expo: A Day of Digital
Discovery invites the community to bring their curiosity to a fun, free, community event celebrating the past, present and future of technology on Saturday, October 17th from 10 am to 4 pm. The Tech Expo showcases the Library’s growing technology offering —including lendable devices, digital learning programs, and new technology tools in the Digital Learning
Lab—while connecting residents with community partners using technology in innovative and practical ways.
Through hands-on demonstrations, a digital musical performance, exhibitions, and activities, the Tech Expo is designed for people of all ages and experience levels to build confidence with technology, discover new resources, and see how technology supports learning, creativity, connection, and everyday life. Visitors are encouraged to drop in, experiment, and discover something new.
“We’re excited to highlight how the Library supports the technology of today through our Tech Petting Zoo and Digital Learning Lab demonstrations, while also offering glimpses into the past and future of technology with our History of Technology exhibit and displays from cutting-edge community partners,” said Joella Allen, Digital Services Librarian. “People of all ages are welcome to come explore, ask questions, try something new, and be inspired by the technology available to them at their Library.”
TECH EXPO EVENTS
Timed Demonstrations
Digital Learning Lab
Explore the Library’s creative technology at demonstrations of the Audio Studios, 11 AM–12 PM, Digitization Station, 1–2 PM, and Digital Creation Stations, 2–3 PM. Registration required.
24/7 Pick-Up Lockers
Learn how to pick up requested Library materials anytime, day or night. Demonstrations offered at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM.
Digital Music Performance
Musical Spotlight with SHRZ | 1–2 PM
Enjoy a musical performance by Jessie Joseph and his band SHRZ. He will then discuss how he uses technology as a tool to turn his musical tracks into finished products.
Community Partner Exhibit Hall | 10 AM–1 PM
Meet local organizations and discover how technology is being used in environmental monitoring, civic engagement, education, public services, and other areas of community life.
Travel Through Tech History | 10 AM–4 PM
Explore the evolution of everyday technology—from vinyl records and rotary phones to retro gaming systems and early personal computers. All Day Activities
Tech Petting Zoo | 10 AM–4 PM
Get hands-on with technology you can borrow from the Library. Try out eReaders, Chromebooks, internet hotspots, portable DVD players, and more, and ask questions before taking them home.
Next Gen Explorers: Kids & Teens | 10 AM–4 PM
Discover Tonies, AWE learning stations, STEM/STEAM kits, and other interactive technology, plus a Technology Scavenger Hunt and a colorful “retro” CD craft.
Digital Photobooth | 11 AM–3 PM
Take a free individual, family, or group photo and receive your digital image by text or email.
For a complete listing of events, visit https://sawyerfreelibrary.org/sawyer-free-library-tech-expo/
The event is free and open to the public. Some Digital Learning Lab demonstrations require advance registration.
About the Sawyer Free Library
For more than 175 years, the Sawyer Free Library has served Gloucester by providing
free and equitable access to resources that support the community’s educational,
cultural, and informational needs. Now open in its newly renovated and expanded
home, the Library offers innovative resources, programs, and spaces that inspire
learning, creativity, and community connection.
Learn more at sawyerfreelibrary.org
Media Contact:
Christine Armstrong
Sawyer Free Library
646.644.5037
