Author: Sawyer Free Library

MAKE A SPLASH THIS SUMMER AT THE SAWYER FREE LIBRARY

~ Sawyer Free Library

The SAWYER FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY is excited to announce that its adventure-filled “Summer at the Library” program has officially kicked off. The theme is “Tails and Tales,” and it’s overflowing with opportunities to read great books, enjoy unique experiences and win prizes. 

The Children’s Library Staff have begun distributing “Welcome to Summer Reading Packets” to young people and their families, which have program information, the event calendar, activities, and fun summer treats. Children can stay on top of their summer reading with their own “Tails and Tales” time-tracking reading logs. After reading for 500 minutes (or are read to), they win prizes.

The packets are available in the Library or through curbside pick-up. People can register in-person or online for the program. “Tails and Tales” themed curbside crafts for families will also be available for pick-up over the summer. 

The summertime programs for children will officially begin on Tuesday, July 6 at 10:30 am with a virtual celebration and an up-close look at exotic and native animals on zoom presented by Wildlife Encounters Ecology Center. 

Throughout the summer, the Library will host both outside in-person events and virtual programs for children of all ages and their families, including:

  • Discover your inner Picasso with Stories and Art with Cape Ann Museum on July 8 and August 5 at 3 pm
  • Move your body with Creative Movement in the Library’s Amphitheater on July 13 and Adventures in Wellness Kids Outdoor Yoga at Stage Fort Park on July 22 and 29. 

Children can learn virtually about snakes of the world with Rick Roth on July 26 to 31, the wonders of Monarch Butterflies with Kim Smith August 3 to 7, insight on insects with Ms. Frizzle’s Magic School Bus on August 10, and so much more. 

SFL has big plans for teens this summer too. Students entering grades 6-12 are encouraged to track their Summer Reading on the custom form available on the Library’s website to qualify for weekly prize drawings and the grand prize drawing of two whale watch tickets, courtesy of Cape Ann Whale Watch.

SFL is giving adults the chance to get in on the summer fun with Adult Book Bingo 2021. From now until September 1, 2021, those 18 and older can keep track of the books they read on the Library’s downloadable custom bingo card by writing the title and author in the matching square. Each completed horizontal, vertical or diagonal line enters you into a raffle to win $25, $50, or $75 Cape Ann Gift Certificates.

Thanks to the generous support of The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library, program participation is free, and registration is now open for all children, teens, and adult programs.

Sawyer Free Library’s summer operating hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday 12 – 7:00 pm, and Saturday 10:00 am to 1 pm and 24/7 at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

For more information about the “Summer at the Sawyer Free Library,” or to register for programs, visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5501.

Boston Red Sox’s Wally Making Books Come Alive with Sawyer Free Library on Wednesday, June 30 at 2pm

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the Sawyer Free Library for a virtual story time with Wally & Tessie from the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, June 30 at 2:00 pm and explore stories in a new and exciting way!

The mascots of the Boston Red Sox, Wally and Tessie the Green Monsters, will encourage and inspire us to get reading and have fun! Register here and a zoom link will be sent out prior to the program.

For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Wally and Tessie from the Boston Red Sox

Sawyer Free Library’s “Technology on the Horizon” series to host Patrick Flanagan, founder of OceanLab

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Monday, June 28, 6:30-8pm, the SAWYER FREE LIBRARY will present the second talk in their informative series  “TECHNOLOGY ON THE HORIZON,” which spotlights individuals and organizations on the North Shore working with critical or emerging technologies.

Most of the ocean is remote, deep, dark, cold, and extremely high pressure. So how do we help more people explore it?

Join PATRICK FLANAGAN, founder and director of OceanLab, in a virtual discussion of technologies that make exploration of the ocean more accessible to all. Learn about the evolution of technologies that allow organizations like OceanLab dive deep into deepest depths of our oceans. 

Click HERE to register to receive the Zoom link for the live presentation.

Local Author Talk with Patricia Hanlon

~ Sawyer Free Library

Sawyer Free Library is hosting local author PATRICIA HANLON on Wednesday, June 23 from 7-8:30m for a virtual book talk about her recently published book “Swimming to the Top of the Tide.”

REGISTER HERE to receive Zoom Link.

“The Great Marsh is the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. Patricia Hanlon and her husband built their home and raised their children alongside it. But it’s not until the children are grown that they begin to swim the tidal estuary daily. Immersing herself, she experiences, with all her senses in all seasons, the vigor of a place where the two ecosystems of fresh and salt water mix, merge, and create new life. Noting the disruptions caused by human intervention, she bears witness to the vitality of the watersheds, their essential role in the natural world, and the responsibility of those who love them to contribute to their sustainability.” -Bellevue Literary Press

Live Music in the Amphitheatre: “Knock on Wood” performs at the Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Come one, come all and be ready to have some fun!

Join the Sawyer Free Library this Saturday, June 19 at 11:00 am outside in the Amphitheatre for live performance by musical group “KNOCK ON WOOD“

Knock on Wood is a high-energy, family-friendly acoustic folk-rock duo, featuring singer-songwriter Howie Newman on guitar, lead vocals and harmonica. Howie is joined by Joe Kessler, one of the top fiddlers in the area. They also play mandolin and sing backup vocals. The duo performs Classic Rock covers and funny original songs (suitable for all ages). It’s a very lively show with great musicianship, nice vocal harmonies and a little humor here and there.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Gloucester Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

For more information visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org

BIG NEWS! The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library Bookstore is now OPEN!

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library are excited to announce that THE FRIENDS BOOKSHOP is fully open to the public once again during regular library hours. After 15 months of the shop being closed, the dedicated Friend’s group of volunteers have cleaned, restocked the shelves, and are now thrilled to finally welcome customers back!

The Friend Bookshop is open during regular Library hours, Monday-Saturday, 10-5pm and Thursday, 12-7pm.

“We are delighted to be back 100%. We have filled the shelves with a great selection of books to choose from for all your summer reading! We have a generous selection of new and current titles and a very robust children’s and teens section. There is something for everyone, and all at bargain prices,” said Kecia German, Vice President of the Friends of SFL.

The year-round used book shop is on the first floor of the Sawyer Free Library, just past the main entrance. Visitors will find titles for children, teens, and adults in paperback and hardcover, and audio formats. Fiction and nonfiction selections cover over 35 genres, including mystery, art, biography, business, entertainment, history, music, literature, science, travel, current bestsellers, and more. All books, audiobooks, and DVDs are always in good condition and sold at prices starting at $1, with most books $5 or less.

The volunteer-run book shop’s inventory is sourced entirely from community donations. The Friends’ are always looking for donations of good quality used books, especially of recent vintage. All sales revenues go directly to supporting and expanding library programming and other initiatives. The generosity of the Friends and their hard work means that the community has culturally rich and diverse library programs and services that otherwise would not be possible.

To learn more about the Friends of the Sawyer Free Library and The Friends Book Shop and how to become involved, please visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org

PAGE 2 STAGE Book Club: a Sawyer Free Library and Gloucester Stage Collaboration

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library and Gloucester Stage Company have teamed up once again to offer the Page2Stage Book Club. This innovative collaboration is a unique take on the traditional book club that focuses on literary works associated with performances from Gloucester Stage Company’s exciting 2021 season. The summer’s theatrical performances will be taking place outside at the beautiful and historic Windhover Performing Arts Center in Rockport from June through September.

Page2Stage gives participants opportunities to deepen and expand their experience as audience members through pre-show facilitated discussions about each play’s subject and related content, including biographies, novels, and timely periodicals. 

The four selected literary works for this season’s Page2Stage series are available now at the Sawyer Free Library located at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. 

The program begins on Thursday, June 17 at 5:45 pm, discussing Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar by New York Times best-selling author Cheryl Strayed, before Gloucester Stage’s production of Tiny Beautiful Things at 7:30pm.

Page2Stage Book Club: June 17

Then on Thursday, July 8, the book club will discuss the book, The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Doyle prior to seeing the production of Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery.

On Thursday, August 12, the Book Club will discuss Anthony Bourdain’s memoir, Medium Raw, then will enjoy the regional premier of the play, Seared. 

To bring the summer series to a close on Thursday, September 9, the group will discuss an article from The Atlantic, “The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehesi Coates prior to seeing the New England premiere of Reparations, a poignant new play by James Sheldon where personal revelations lead to laughs, tears, and coming to terms with racial injustice and personal betrayal. 

This year with Page2Stage Book Club, discussions will happen before the show at Windhover Performing Art Center located at 257R Granite Street in Rockport.

The book group is free to join with discount theater tickets for registered members. There is no charge to participate in the group, but registration is required. Register for one or more groups at www.sawyerfreelibrary.org. Discounted show tickets of $25 will be available to participants by calling the Gloucester Stage Box Office 978 281-4433.

For more information about Page2Stage visit:  sawyerfreelibrary.org or gloucesterstage.com/community-events/.

Sawyer Free Library Launches New Resources for Job Seekers

~ Sawyer Free Library


The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to announce the launch of their new Job Seekers Resource Program to assist job seekers throughout the Cape Ann community gain a competitive edge. Targeted to the needs of today’s job hunter – the new program supports people in discovering a new career path, gain new job skills, find job opportunities, and more. 

The program features expert-led virtual workshops, one-on-one resume sessions, and a new dedicated webpage, available in over 100 world languages, with extensive resources specially curated by Library staff.  All resources are free and accessible to those in the Gloucester community and beyond. 


“Our goal with this new Job Seekers program is to provide a combination of programs, informational resources and knowledge about local opportunities so that everyone in our community, regardless of income, age, education, or language, can acquire new skills and have the support they need for their job search. We want the public to know that we have their backs and we are here to help them successfully get back to work,” said Library Director Jenny Benedict. 

Job Seekers Summer Workshop Series 

Job seekers attending the virtual workshops will learn effective job search strategies, interviewing best practices, networking, how best to craft resumes and cover letters, and tips on changing careers, stress management, and more. Each week career counseling experts will share their insight and knowledge to help attendees plan and achieve their goals. The series runs from June – August. 

The first workshop, A Guide to Interviewing for Graduating Students and their Families, is scheduled for June 8 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Click here to register.

This skills-based workshop is geared toward high school students embarking on college interviews and college graduates facing employment interviews.  Employment specialist and career coach, Gary Gekow, will share a variety of strategies to help students navigate through this challenging experience. 

All programs are free, open to everyone, and no library card is needed, although registration is required.   The full schedule is available at sawyerfreelibrary.org/job-seekers-resources/. 

Job Seeker Resources Web Page 

The Sawyer Free Library has launched a web page for job seekers that is easy to navigate, multilingual, accessible, and comprehensive, containing self-assessment, job search and networking tools, resume and cover letter assistance, and live interview prep and practice. These job search resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for free, on any device, anywhere with an internet connection at sawyerfreelibrary.org/job-seeker-resources/.  

Job Seeker One-on-One Services 

Those needing help with their resume and cover letters can make an appointment for a one-on-one resume review session.  In addition, the Library has available free WiFi and computer access with printing and scanning capability. Computers, Chromebooks, and tablets are also available for public use. 

For more information about the Resources for Job Seeker program, call 978-325-5500 or email: jobseeker@sawyerfreelibrary.org. To register for a workshop session or to reserve a resume review session, go to sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Through its hundreds of free programs, it offers each year the Sawyer Free Library is committed to strengthening the fabric of the community they serve and helping Gloucester create and maintain a healthy, vibrant workforce so that individuals and families who live here can thrive. For more information on the Sawyer Free Library and “Resources for Jobs Seekers” programming, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org


Gloucester Education Foundation’s Annual Arts Festival on display at Sawyer Free Library – come see the community’s young artists’ talent and creativity!

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library has partnered with the Gloucester Education Foundation for the Gloucester Public School Arts Festival 2021 which showcases the artwork of local students from kindergarten through high school.

The community’s young artists’ talent and creativity is front and center for all to enjoy at the Library located at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester now through June 5, 2021.

Gloucester Education Foundation’s Annual Arts Festival has kicked off in the Library’s Matz Gallery with a display of works by Gloucester High School seniors and Honors Art students, Advanced classes in Sculpture and Clay Work, and Advanced Photography.

Photo by Kyle Clifford, GHS Senior on display in Matz Gallery at Sawyer Free Library

Then, Wednesday, June 2 – Saturday, June 5, 2021, the community is invited to enjoy a special video compilation produced by the Gloucester Education featuring artwork by students of all ages, kindergarten through high school.

The video, which local filmmaker Stephen Brock generously produced, will be shown Library’s big screen on the first floor as well as in the Children’s room through the day during regular Library hours. The video will also be available to view on GEF’s website, thinkthebest.org beginning on June 6th.

Hearts created by students at Beeman Elementary School

For more information about the Gloucester Education Foundation Art’s Festival, visit thinkthebest.org and for information on the Library, go to sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Slice of Cake by GHS Senior, Aryana Moreno on display at Matz Gallery at Sawyer Free Library

Gloucester Literary and Art Trivia Night hosted by the Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

How much do you know about the of Gloucester? The Sawyer Free Library wants to know! Join the Local History Librarian, Jacklyn Linsky, for a night of Gloucester Trivia focused on the community’s rich literary and art history.

Register here as a team or by yourself, all are welcomed. Community teams are encouraged!

If you have any questions please feel free to email Jacklyn at jlinsky@sawyerfreelibrary.org.  Zoom link will be provided.

For more information about this and other great community programs offered by the Sawyer Free Library visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org.