Join Us Tomorrow!

~ Hammond Castle Museum

Reservations required.

Doors open: at 10:00 am. Timed Admission.
The last entrance is at 3:00 pm.

Join us tomorrow, Saturday, April 13th as we celebrate the start of our new season and our visionary founder, John Hays Hammond Jr, whose pioneering scientific achievements continue to shape modern technology! Born 136 years ago on April 13th, 1888, Hammond’s enduring influence transcends time, and we’re commemorating his extraordinary legacy.

As our special gift to you, enjoy:
-Free admission to see the breathtaking Great Hall and a limited number of smaller exhibit spaces during your timed admittance and discover the magic that inspired Hammond’s visionary creations.

-Enjoy free access to the “Gertrude Cawein At Hammond Castle Museum” fine art exhibit of nearly 60 works by Eric Pape.

Please note:
No admittance without advance registration. RSVP is required for us to manage attendance as capacity is limited. Not all rooms within the Museum will be open during this special event. Thank you for your understanding.

Book your visit here!

“Making a Splash for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library” at THE CUT on Sunday, April 28th!

~ Sawyer Free Library

A family-friendly afternoon of live music, beach games and summer vibes featuring Mayor Verga’s band “Moonraker” – all to celebrate the 2025 Sawyer Free Library!

Get ready to make a splash at this community-wide celebration for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library at The Cut at 177 Main Street in downtown Gloucester on Sunday, April 28 from 3:00 -5:00 p.m. Dive into the fun and usher in summer early with live music, beach games and summer vibes – for all ages!

Headlining the event will be “Moonraker,” Gloucester’s very own Mayor’s band featuring Amy Prichard on lead vocals and guitar, Adam Quinn on drums, Missy Sponagle lending her vocal talents, Nate Kidder on lead guitar, Mayor Greg Verga on bass, and a special guest appearance by Millie Manning from Millie and the Half Nelsons on vocals and keyboard.

Adding to the summertime vibe, local reggae sensation the “Dis n’ Dat band” will kick off the party, setting the stage for an afternoon filled with beach games, prizes, and other surprises. Plus, a sneak peek into the exciting developments ahead with the 2025 Sawyer Free Library!

The Library is grateful to The Cut for generously donating their space for this event. And for those who choose to have dinner after the festivities, The Cut will also donate 10% of your final bill to the 2025 Sawyer Free Library.

The family-friendly event is open to all ages; admission is free, but donations to the 2025 Sawyer Free Library are welcomed.  To register or for more details, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Grab a Spoon and Enjoy a Delicious Collaboration in celebration of Earth Month!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Grab a spoon and satisfy your sweet tooth. In case you haven’t seen, the Sawyer Free Library has partnered with Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe to make Cocoa Berry Chip, a raspberry-infused chocolate ice cream loaded with chocolate chips! Award winning Holy Cow Ice Cream created a new flavor celebrating Earth Month in partnership with the Sawyer Free Library and Cape Ann Climate Coalition.

This delicious special chocolate and raspberry-flavored all-natural ice cream treat embodies the organizations’ commitment to environmental advocacy and the understanding that every day is earth day. A portion of sales of this limited time special flavor will support the Cape Ann Climate Coalition’s educational programs. This delicious ice cream be available in pints only at the Gloucester and Peabody locations, so get some while you can!

For more information visit, SawyerFreeLibrary.org


Sawyer Free Library to present the author of “The Unlocked Path” Janis Robinson Daly

~ Sawyer Free Library

Author Talk: Thursday, April 11, at 5:30 pm at 21 Main Street

The Sawyer Free Library will welcome Massachusetts author Janis Robinson Daly on Thursday, April 11, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm to discuss her debut novel, The Unlocked Path, which embraces the “New Woman” of the early 20th century. The event will be at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. Registration is not required. 

This fictional testament of a doctor’s life at the turn of the 20th century, “The Unlocked Path,” introduces us to educated, career-minded, independent Eliza Edwards. In 1897, in Philadelphia, after witnessing her aunt’s suicide, Eliza rejects her mother’s wishes for a society debut. At a time when five percent of doctors are female, she enters a women’s medical college. With the support of a circle of women and driven by a determination to conquer curriculum demands, battle sexism, and overcome doubts, Eliza charts her new life path. Combining science and sympathy, she triumphs to heal others and herself. 

Janis Robinson Daly grew up outside of Boston and remained in Massachusetts, graduating with a B.A. in Psychology from Wheaton College, at the time, an all-women’s college. At Wheaton, she developed a fond appreciation of the supportive relationships established between students, faculty, and alumnae and a heightened awareness of female-centric issues. Both directed the author’s writing of “The Unlocked Path”

Registration is not required.  All are invited to attend. For additional information visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Annual Low-Number Cape Ann License Plate Online Auction Opens April 8

~ Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Proceeds from Sale of 11 Remaining Low-Number Plates Will be Used to Support Local Charitable and Community Initiatives

The 11 remaining low-number Cape Ann license plates will be made available to the highest bidders through an online auction beginning Monday, April 8, with all proceeds going to the Cape Ann Community Foundation (CACF), which supports local charitable initiatives and organizations.

The auction will conclude on Patriot’s Day, Monday, April 15. Any Massachusetts resident who wants to display their love and support for Cape Ann will have a chance to secure the 11 remaining Cape Ann license plates between 1-100. The remaining plates are numbers 4, 8, 55, 66, 78, 79, 87, 88, 90, 91 and 92.

In addition, this year CACF will for the first time allow those who make a donation to the foundation to choose available 3-digit and 4-digit license plates.

For more information on the auction and to register to bid, visit www.lovecapeann.com. The site also has information on how to request a specific plate through the foundation and the easy steps to order a random Cape Ann license plate through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Visit bit.ly/CALP24 to bid today!

April 8th Public Roundtable on Expanding Local Solar Production

~ Cape Ann Climate Coalition

Weigh in with your thoughts and perspectives on local solar. The Cape Climate Coalition (CACC) and the MIT Renewables Clinic are co-hosting a public roundtable discussion at Gloucester City Hall on Monday, April 8 at 5:30 p.m.  All are welcome to attend and discuss the potential for developing new solar energy projects in Gloucester.  This is a time to raise questions and express your initial reasons for why and where you would support or oppose new projects.

An expansion of solar energy capacity on Cape Ann could reduce energy costs and carbon emissions and support a shift to “electrify everything”, as well as provide for economic development and local energy security. The CACC in its recent webinar with Senator Bruce Tarr has added to concerns about the vulnerabilities in the current National Grid transmission and distribution electric grid serving Cape Ann. We need more local energy production, but we also need to learn more about how this could be achieved.  And the community needs to weigh on in where they would support locating solar projects and what other factors they think would be important in decisions to develop new projects. 

Students, through interviews and two public meetings, the first of which is on April 8th, will assess with our help the relative potential of expanded solar capacity with rooftop solar on buildings, on municipal properties, with floating solar panels on reservoirs, in open spaces, over parking lots, in industrial parks, along roadways, and blended with public art. We would like to hear about where and on what basis you would support such projects.


MIT’s Renewable Energy Facility Siting Clinic trains MIT students who work alongside a professional mediator to help communities resolve local conflicts around the siting of renewable energy facilities. By providing a neutral independent forum, the Clinic brings together all relevant stakeholders involved in a siting dispute to identify key concerns and interests and support consensus building.  MIT’s Clinic focuses on providing a formal stakeholder assessment, and facilitating a joint fact-finding and problem-solving process. The Clinic does not promote a specific siting outcome.

Workshops: Plan Your Vegetable Garden with Backyard Growers

~ backyardgrowersgloucester

Workshop: How to Plan Your Vegetable Garden

Dates & Times: April 10, 10am-12pm & April 16, 5:30-7:30pm

Location: Backyard Growers HQ, 103R Maplewood Ave, Gloucester

Event Summary: Learn the Square-Foot Gardening Method in this vegetable gardening workshop with Backyard Growers. Backyard Growers will introduce attendees to this growing approach which maximizes small spaces and crop yields. The organization uses this method across school gardens, backyard gardens, and community gardens all over Gloucester. Learn to plan your vegetable garden according to what you like to eat, the space you have for growing, and the amount of time you have to spend tending to it, with time at this workshop to map out your individual garden alongside Backyard Growers and your neighbors.

Tickets: Free for Backyard Growers Program Participants. $15 general admission. Proceeds support Backyard Growers’ work empowering people to grow their own food. Backyard Growers is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization.

Reserve your spot

Workshop: How to Grow Vegetables in Containers

Date & Time: Thursday, May 2, 2-3pm

Location: Backyard Growers HQ, 103R Maplewood Ave, Gloucester

Event Summary:  Container gardens are great when space or sunlight is limited or as a way to easily control the height and placement of your garden to eliminate bending over or to ease other mobility concerns. Join Backyard Growers to learn the nuances of container gardening so that you’re set up for a successful (and space-efficient) season. Attendees will receive free vegetable seeds and the option to purchase GrowBags from Backyard Growers to start or add to their vegetable garden.

Tickets: Free for Backyard Growers Program Participants. $15 general admission. Proceeds support Backyard Growers’ work empowering people to grow their own food. Backyard Growers is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization.

Reserve your spot

SAWYER FREE LIBRARY TO PRESENT “GLOUCESTER ZINE FEST”

~ Sawyer Free Library

Saturday, April 27th from 11:00am to 3:00pm: Cape Ann’s first-ever festival dedicated to self-published works is free to all

The SAWYER FREE LIBRARY is excited to announce the inaugural GLOUCESTER ZINE FEST, taking place on Saturday, April 27, from 11 am to 3 pm at both 20 and 21 Main Street in Gloucester, MA. The festival, in celebration of the Library’s new zine collection, zine-making, and zine culture, promises a day filled with artistic expression, community engagement, and fun for all ages. It is free and open to everyone to attend and enjoy with free giveaways for the first 200 attendees. 

Short for fanzine or magazine, zines are small-batch, hand-made publications that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and formats. As DIY self-published works, they are a medium for self-expression that is generally not represented in mainstream culture.

Gloucester Zine Fest attendees can look forward to a vibrant and engaging lineup of hands-on activities and workshops for all ages, including inspiring speakers and live music, with the highlight being the Zine Marketplace at 20 Main Street. Here is where zinester-vendors will be trading and selling their work, serving as a great opportunity for people to meet the artists and learn what zines are all about. Participants of all ages can also unleash their creativity by crafting their own zine with local community partners Cape Ann Art Haven and Cape Ann Museum and enjoy aperformance by the Gloucester Student Band. And what’s a festival without some delicious treats? Attendees can indulge in some Holy Cow Ice Cream while immersing themselves in the world of zines.

The Sawyer Free Library’s mission is to cultivate connections across our community, power imaginations, inspire learning and provide a free, welcoming space for all. Zine-making provides the opportunity to nourish creativity and discover perspectives from diverse voices. Zines are often a platform for people in marginalized or less-empowered communities to share their knowledge and experiences. 

The Sawyer Free has been diligently curating a collection of zines that are now available for checkout. This collection aims to provide access to a wide range of zines, showcasing a variety of styles and perspectives. Additionally, the Library welcomes zine donations from people who wish to contribute to this growing collection.  

To learn more about Gloucester Zine Fest, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

What: Gloucester Zine Fest

When: Saturday, April 27, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Where: Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street and Event Space at 20 Main Street, Gloucester, MA

http://www.SawyerFreeLibrary.org

Fun at Sawyer Free: Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals

~ Sawyer Free Library

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 from 11:00 AM—12:00 PM at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Gloucester

The Sawyer Free Library is so excited to be hosting “Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals” event on Saturday. April 13 from 11am to 12 noon. Bring your stuffed animal friends to this fun event and join us as we learn about taking care of animals with the creators of the children’s book “Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals.” Jennifer Welborn & Rozillia Mh will read their book and show us how to give our stuffies a check up with a mini veterinarian kit. Attendees will learn about caring for animals with this author and illustrator team while having some hands-on fun! Each young participant will receive a mini vet kit and diagnostic treatment sheet to bring home. In addition, signed copies of the book will be available for purchase. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

If you have questions please visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

This event has been made possible by the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.

Sawyer Free Library Named Finalist for 2024 IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service  

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library is among 30 finalists for the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The Sawyer Free Library is one of four institutions in Massachusetts to be selected as a finalist for this award.

The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For 30 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.

“To be a finalist for a National Medal for Museum and Library Service is an outstanding honor for the Sawyer Free Library and the people of Gloucester. It is a testament to our community that, as we face the unprecedented and daunting challenges of our time, the Sawyer Free Library is trusted as a leading institution to address our community’s needs,” said Library Director Jenny Benedict. “This recognition strengthens our resolve to champion solutions for our future that cultivate connections across our community, inspire learning and foster belonging. We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman Seth Moulton for nominating the Sawyer Free Library for this prestigious award, and to Senator Ed Markey for his support.”

“The 30 National Medal finalists from across the United States showcase the tremendous abilities of libraries and museums to serve as trusted, dynamic public spaces that meet the needs of their communities,” said IMLS Acting Director Cyndee Landrum. “The Institute of Museum and Library Services is honored to recognize these outstanding institutions. We congratulate them on their collective effort to respond to community needs, preserve diverse history and culture, and create a sense of belonging for all Americans.”

“The Gloucester community already knows what an important role the Sawyer Free Library plays in all our lives. We need more places where kids and adults alike can take a break from their screens and learn to relish a good book. That’s why I was honored to nominate the library for this prestigious award last year, and now I’m thrilled that it’s been nationally recognized as one of the best libraries in the entire country,” said Congressman Seth Moulton. “Especially as the Sawyer Free Library team works on its expansion, this honor is well-timed and very well-deserved.” 

To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging the Sawyer Free Library’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media using the hashtags #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals, and engage with IMLS on X(formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.

National Medal winners will be announced in late May. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during an in-person National Medals Ceremony in Washington, DC this summer.

To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services 

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library

The Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library have served the informational and cultural needs of Gloucester’s residents of all ages for over 175 years. Today, its purpose remains to provide equal access to quality resources and be a place of learning, innovation, and creativity to nurture and strengthen our community. Each year, SFL hosts hundreds of programs and serves thousands of people. All of its programs and exhibitions are free and open to the public. Learn more about all its offerings at sawyerfreelibrary.org.  

The Sawyer Free Library, temporarily located at 21 Main Street and online 24/7, remains committed to providing a dynamic and enriching environment for all and looks forward to officially opening its newly renovated, expanded, and modernized space in the fall of 2025. Designed to achieve LEED Gold Certification and Mass Save Path 1 Net-Zero-Ready Verification, the renovated library will exemplify energy efficiency and renewable practices. For details, visit sawyerfree2025.org.

2025 Sawyer Free Library (architect rendering of Dale Street Avenue view)