Author: Sawyer Free Library

Sawyer Free Library to Host Book Sale of Arthur Ryan’s Collection September 21 to 23

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is thrilled to announce a remarkable opportunity for book enthusiasts, art aficionados, and community members to delve into the literary and artistic world of Arthur Ryan, the celebrated film executive, art collector, and philanthropist. Born in Gloucester and returning to his beloved hometown after retirement, Arthur Ryan’s philanthropic legacy continues to flourish through the Arthur F Ryan Foundation. From September 21 to 23, Sawyer Free Library will host a Book Sale featuring the extensive collection of over 2,000 titles Mr. Ryan generously donated to benefit Gloucester’s public library.

Mr. Ryan’s passion for reading and his remarkable book collection, consisting primarily of mint-condition hardbacks related to art and art history, bestselling fiction, English mysteries, and business, is a treasure trove for book enthusiasts and scholars alike.

The Book Sale is scheduled to take place from September 21 to 23rd. The event will kick off on Thursday, September 21, with an exclusive preview for booksellers and Friends of the Sawyer Free Library from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. This preview event offers a unique chance for avid collectors and supporters to get a first look at the collection. On Friday, September 22, the Book Sale will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a final opportunity on Saturday, September 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The sale will take place at the Sawyer Free Library, located at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester on its ground floor. Visitors are to use the parking lot door off School Street to enter the ground floor where the sale will be held.

All proceeds from the Book Sale will be directed to the Sawyer Free 2025 campaign. The 2025 Sawyer Free Library will officially break ground with a community celebration on September 29 at 3pm. The project will take approximately eighteen months to complete. 

The project to renovate and expand the Sawyer Free Library is a once in 50-year opportunity to secure the future of this vital public institution. When doors open at the 2025 Sawyer Free Library, the building will exemplify what a 21st-century public library can and should be.  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 your help.  To learn how you can be a part of making the new Sawyer Free Library a reality, visit www.2025SawyerFree.org.

For more information about the Book Sale and other related events, please visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or contact 978-325-5500. 

Congressman Moulton Nominates Sawyer Free Library and Cape Ann Museum for Prestigious National Medal of Museum and Library Services

~ Sawyer Free Library

Salem, Mass. – In honor of the Gloucester 400, Congressman Seth Moulton is proud to nominate two Gloucester cultural institutions, the Sawyer Free Library and the Cape Ann Museum, for the prestigious 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This award, presented annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is the nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. 

“As we celebrate the Gloucester 400, I’m thrilled to be able to nominate two of the city’s impactful and inspiring institutions for this national honor. Both the Sawyer Free Library and the Cape Ann Museum inform, educate, engage, and connect our community every day in immeasurable ways. This recognition is very well-deserved,” said Congressman Moulton. 

“Above all, this nomination is a validation of Sawyer Free Library staff, who make a deep impact on our community every day,” said Sawyer Free Library Director Jenny Benedict. “In recent years, our Library has responded to the unprecedented challenges of our time by fostering belonging and leading by example with our holistic approach to sustainability. To be recognized nationally for our achievement through this nomination is an absolute honor.”

 “We are incredibly honored to receive this nomination from Congressman Moulton,” said Cape Ann Museum Director Oliver Barker. “We are proud to be able to contribute and be a part of such a vibrant and special community like Cape Ann.”

Approximately fifteen libraries and fifteen museums will be selected as finalists by IMLS. From these finalists, a minimum of three museums and three libraries will then be selected to receive National Medals. Medal recipients will be announced in Spring 2024. 


More information about the National Medal for Museum and Library Services can be found HERE.

“SFL AT THE Y” – A DIGITAL POP-UP LIBRARY

~ Sawyer Free Library

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

CODA Film Screening at the Library on Thursday, August 31

~ Sawyer Free Library

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.  

Attendance is free, but reservations are required. Any questions, call 978-325-5500 or visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Sawyer Free Library to Host LEGO Event for Community “LET’S BUILD TOGETHER: 2025 Sawyer Free Library”

~ Sawyer Free Library

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 Library will 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.

To learn more about the Sawyer Free Library’s Community Lego Event or the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Groundbreaking Celebration, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

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.

SFL presents Author Talk with Ellen Levy: The Saturday Evening Girls in Gloucester 

~ Sawyer Free Library

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 Saturday Evening Girls

The Young Gloucester Scientist’s Club Presents: Community Scavenger Hunt – Friday 8/25

~ Sawyer Free Library

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 Library for 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

Mass Audubon Tree Walk and Talk – Young Gloucester Scientist Club Field Trip

~ Sawyer Free Library

Tweens & Teens – – join the Sawyer Free Library Young Gloucester Scientists Club on a 2-hour nature walk in Historic Dogtown with some experts from Mass Audubon. Learn all about Cape Ann’s native plant life and the importance of trees in our ecosystem while observing and collecting data in our own YGSC nature journals! This is a great opportunity to connect with the natural world and practice vital science skills. This program is suitable for 4th-8th graders.

Registration & Permission Slips are Required. To Register Click: HERE.

For more information, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or email:  jllaurie@sawyerfreelibrary.org

The Young Gloucester Scientist’s Club is supported by federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The YGSC is a monthly club for 4th through 8th graders that introduces them to Gloucester Community members with careers across a variety of STEM fields.

Gloucester Reads: Community Conversation with Author Kiely Reid – Tuesday, August 15th

~ Sawyer Free Library

The community is invited to the final event for Gloucester Reads, a summer initiative, when best-selling author Kiely Reid will take part virtually on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at Gloucester Stage Company located at 267 East Main Street.


Doors open for the free event at 6 p.m., and starting at 6:30 p.m., Reid, author of the award-winning “Such a Fun Age, will talk about her work. There will be selected readings from her book, “Such a Fun Age,” and a panel discussion in connection with Gloucester Reads.   

The program moderator is Michea McCaffrey, co-chair of the Gloucester Racial Justice Team and member of the Gloucester Human Rights Commission. The panel includes James Cook, principal of Gloucester High School; and Doug Rich, co-owner of Susie’s Stories in Rockport, and who also is a jazz musician. Refreshments will follow. 

Reid is a 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.

Gloucester Reads Event:

Doors open at 6 pm
Author Kiley Reid speaks (virtually) from 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Community discussion and refreshments from 7:30 – 8 pm

Register Here

For more information, visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org.

SFL’s Young Gloucester Scientists Club: Field Trip to Maritime Gloucester 

~ Sawyer Free Library

Register now for a day of sea-side learning at Maritime Gloucester on Thursday, August 11th! The Sawyer Free Library Young Gloucester Scientists will help raise the sails on the Schooner Ardelle as they learn what it takes to be a sailor. Then they’ll spend some time on land learning about invasive crab species and rotate through stations all about the unassuming oyster, emphasizing its unique internal anatomy with a hands on dissection.

This program is suitable for 4th-8th graders. Registration is required for this free day long program!

All participants are asked to arrive at 32 Harbor Loop by 9:20a.m. and pick up will be at 1:30p.m. Permission slips required. All attendees should bring a bag lunch and water, no glass containers please.

For questions, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

The Young Gloucester Scientist’s Club is supported by federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The YGSC is a monthly club for 4th through 8th graders that introduces them to Gloucester Community members with careers across a variety of STEM fields.