2024 Summer Reading

Rarified Air: One Passionate Birder’s Big Year Quest with Gino Ellison 

~ Sawyer Free Library

Thursday, August 29, 5:00 to 6:30 pm: Big Year Birder, Gino Ellison at Sawyer Free Library

How many different bird species could you dream of seeing, capturing a sound recording of, or photographing, from January 1 to December 31 of any given year? Have you ever considered doing an ABA (American Birding Association) Birding Big Year? How about a county or statewide Big Year? Why would you want to even do one? How does one plan out all the logistics to ensure that each of the important states are visited at the most opportune times? Can you do this alone, or do you need to seek out help? If you find yourself asking any of these questions, or are just interested in birds and birding, read on!

On August 29th from 5:00 to 6:30 pm, the Sawyer Free Library will host Rarified Air – One Passionate Birders’ Big Year Quest, with Gene (Gino) Ellison.

Come and meet Big Year Birder, Gino Ellison, and see tons of beautiful bird photographs, while also hearing one birder’s tale about a 12-month quest of a life time. Learn about the mishaps, the successes, the lessons learned along the way, the hilarious birding stories, the new life-time friends made on the journey, and the joy of reporting 801 bird species during 2023! 

Be warned… if you attend, you just might get the urge to plan a Big Year yourself! 

This will be a 1 hour presentation, followed by a brief question and answer session*.

More about Gino:

Eugene (Gino) Ellison, is a lifetime resident of Massachusetts. He is happily married to his wonderful wife Kate (38 years) and they have three fun kids and four active grandkids. Gino is now retired from the investment business as well as the Professional Bass Fishing Tournament circuit. Gino has been affiliated with Bass Pro Shops for over 25 years and still makes several store appearances each year. Gino is a hunter, fisherman, conservationist and passionate birder who leads dozens of walks in Massachusetts. He greatly enjoys volunteering with Mass Wildlife and with Mass Audubon at their family birding and fishing events. Gino just completed a successful ABA Birding Big Year in 2023 and is scheduled to speak at birding festivals and clubs around New England and nationwide.

The event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street located in downtown Gloucester. No registration is needed. All are welcome to attend. If you have questions, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Digging into Gardening at the Library with Cheryl Rafuse of Plant Magic Gardens

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Wednesday, August 21 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm join the Sawyer Free Library for “Digging into Gardening with Cheryl Rafuse of Plant Magic Gardens” at 21 Main Street in Gloucester.

Are you interested in planting native plants to support local ecosystems? Would you like insight into what’s a weed and what you should leave and not pull? North Shore native plant gardener Cheryl Rafuse will share all about the bees and butterflies, flowers and shrubs, and the easiest ways to start incorporating keystone species into your gardens during this hands on presentation.

Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. The first 20 attendees will receive free gardening supplies. 

If you have questions, contact: moneill@sawyerfreelibrary.org, call 978-325-5500 or visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

“Snakes of New England and the World” presented by Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Family Fun Event on Saturday, August 10 at 11:15 am 

Come learn about, meet & handle (if you’d like!) many types of snakes, some of which are from our local area. Rick Roth and his Cape Ann Vernal Pond team will share their knowledge and enthusiasm as they present science in a unique and fun way and help the Sawyer Free Library celebrate the summer reading theme of Read, Renew, Repeat which strives to bring attention to our natural world.

All ages are welcome at this family-friendly event which will be held on Saturday, August 10 at 11:15am at the Trinity Congregational Church, lower level, 70 Middle Street in Gloucester.

No registration required. For more information visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or call 978-325-5500. This special event is made possible in part through the generosity of the the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.

Tarot in a Flash at Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Saturday, July 27 from 10 am to 12 pm join Gloucester resident Diane Fraser at the Sawyer Free Library for personalized 15-minute flash tarot readings. Tarot reading is an art form that combines history, art, psychology, and mindfulness, serving as a tool for insight and transformation.

Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Readings are from 10 AM-12 PM. Specific times will be determined prior to event. Questions? Email Lisa at lryan@sawyerfreelibrary.org. For ages 18+.

Diane Fraser has been working with tarot and cartomancy for over 25 years. She received training in shamanic healing from the Four Winds Society and studied the hermetic arts with Brian Osborne and Mark Stavish. She was a Tarot reader at L’Espalier’s Tarot Tea, Joysource women’s retreats, and MATSU Boston.

Ice cream Float Party at Sawyer Free!

~ Sawyer Free Library

I scream, you scream, we all scream for icecream!

Teens and tweens are invited to the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, July 25 from 2:30 to 4:00 pm for a free ice cream float! Start with a vanilla ice cream base and choose from a variety of sodas to make your float.

No registration is required — pop by and bring a friend. Students 6th to 12th grade are welcome.

Be sure to check out all the fun and free programs for all ages happening at the Sawyer Free Library throughout the summer! Visit sawyerfreelibrary.org

Culture Splash at the Sawyer Free Library – Thursday evenings

~ Sawyer Free Library

To celebrate Discover Gloucester’s Culture Splash, the Sawyer Free Library will be giving away goodies related to all things arts and culture, including a poetry 101 kit, paint your own birdhouse, DIY diamond art coasters, and more! Giveaways are for 18+ participants and are first come, first serve. Limited quantities.

Every Thursday starting July 11 through the end of August | 4-7pm | Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in Downtown Gloucester.

For more information visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or contact: lsvensson@sawyerfreelibrary.org

Garden Storytime with Backyard Growers at Sawyer Free Library’s Garden Bed

~ Sawyer Free Library

Backyard Growers brings a fun outdoor children’s gardening program to the Sawyer Free Library in a series of Thursday morning events at 10:00 am throughout the summer! Children will plan, plant, water, weed, maintain and harvest a garden at the library in July and August.

Children and their caregivers are invited to come learn about gardening as the community partners share books and stories while exploring the process of growing.

As a part of the Library’s summer reading program, “2024: Read, Renew, Repeat,” which focuses on conservation, the Sawyer Free Library encourages participants of all ages to discover the joy and power of reading while developing a sense of environmental consciousness.

The weekly event takes place at the Sawyer Free Library’s raised garden bed on the Middle Street side of the Saunders House (88 Middle Street.)

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

This summer program has been made possible with support from the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.

Summer at Sawyer Free: Abra-kid-abra! Mike Bent’s Eco-Magic Show

~ Sawyer Free Library

As a part of its exciting summer reading program, Read, Renew, Repeat, the Sawyer Free Library is excited to be presenting Magician Mike Bent Eco-Magic Show on Friday, July 19 at 10:00 am.

Children and their families will be wowed by the environmental-themed magic show with magic, comedy and fun! The conservation focused summer reading theme of Read, Renew, Repeat strives to bring attention to our natural world, and caring for the environment as well as the living creatures that call it home. 

This event will be held in the City Hall auditorium, 9 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. No registration is needed.

This summer’s reading program, titled “2024: Read, Renew, Repeat,” offers a diverse and enriching experience for the entire community. By focusing on conservation, the Sawyer Free Library encourages participants of all ages to discover the joy and power of reading while developing a sense of environmental consciousness. Through engaging activities, interactive workshops, reading challenges, and more, participants will learn about the critical role of conservation in maintaining the health and vitality of our planet. For more information on Summer at Sawyer Free Library visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org.

This summer program has been made possible with support from the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.

Summer at the Sawyer Free Library: Reverse Glass Painting with Pop Up Art School for Teens & Tweens

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Tuesday, July 16 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm Tweens and Teens are invited to unlock their crafty side, learn about the centuries-old art of reverse glass painting and create their own reverse painting with Pop Up Art School at the Sawyer Free Library!

Participants can choose from three images, and paint it using acrylic paint on clear acetate.

Reverse painting techniques have been used since the 16th century. In reverse painting, the details are painted first and then the larger shapes. It’s the reverse order of how one usually paints on paper or canvas where we start with the background, add medium to large shapes and then details. Once the image has been painted, it is viewed from the opposite side through the clear acetate.

Rising 6th graders to graduated 12 graders welcome. Space is limited, please register at SawyerFreeLibrary.org to hold your spot.

Wildlife Encounters: Kick off summer reading with Sawyer Free – Family fun for all age on July 9th!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Sawyer Free Library is kicking off summer reading on Tuesday, July 9 from 10:00 to 10:45am with fascinating animals presented by Wildlife Encounters Ecology Center!  This family friendly event will be held in the City Hall auditorium, 9 Dale Avenue. No registration required.

During this interactive live animal presentation attendees will meet exotic animals and learn about their habitats, adaptations, and environmental roles from eco-educators. The ecology focused summer reading theme of “Read, Renew, Repeat” strives to bring attention to our natural world, and caring for the environment as well as the living creatures that call it home.

This event has been made possible through the generous support of the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund. Everyone is invited. No registration needed. For more information or questions, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or 978-515-6349.