Sawyer Free Library Annual Meeting: Wed, 11/13

Please join us for the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library Corporation’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 13 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. It will be held at Gloucester Stage located at 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. The annual meeting is open to the public, but only corporators can vote. Refreshments will be served.

The evening will allow the community to come together and celebrate the Library’s achievements, learn about its finances and engage with the Library’s board members and staff. There will also be an update on the 2025 Sawyer Free Library building project.

New members of the Library Corporation and Board of Trustees will be elected, and the Mary M. Weissblum Volunteer Award will be presented to Simon Paddock. Each year, the award is given by the Trustees to recognize and show appreciation for the Library’s outstanding volunteers who help to maintain and promote its services and programs. 

ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS, PLANS AND PRIORITIES FOR THE LIBRARY

Refreshments will be served. No registration is required. Questions? Contact: 978-325-5500.

This Thursday: An Evening of Art, Music, and Community for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library!

Join the Sawyer Free Library this Thursday, September 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the North Shore Arts Association (11 Pirates Lane, Gloucester) for an evening filled with creativity and connection—all in support of the Sawyer Free Library 2025 Capital Campaign.

Take a Sneak Peek HERE at some of the stunning artwork up for grabs in our silent and live auctions from artists such as Jeff WeaverJohn TerelakRobert Gruppé, Coco BerkmanCharles MovalliJon Sarkin, and many more. Every bid brings us closer to restoring, expanding, and modernizing Gloucester’s beloved historic library.

The excitement begins at 7:15 p.m. when Walt Kolenda from Cape Ann Auction kicks off the live auction. Be sure to place your bids early—our silent auction closes promptly at 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy light refreshments, snacks, and live music while mingling with fellow art lovers and community members.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the art world, the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Benefit Art Auction promises to be a thrilling event. It’s a chance to enjoy a fun evening, connect with friends, and take home an original piece of art, all while supporting the future of the Sawyer Free Library. We hope to see everyone there for this exciting and meaningful and free community event!

Register HERE to let us know you are coming to the auction or for more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500

2025 Sawyer Free Library Benefit Art Auction & Reception on Thursday, September 19th

Join the Sawyer Free Library for an evening of art, music, and community in support of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, September 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. It is free and open to all!

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the North Shore Arts Association, the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Art Auction will showcase an impressive selection of works from both emerging local talents and established artists including Jeff Weaver, John Terelak, Robert Gruppé, Coco Berkman, and many more. Participating artists generously contribute half or all of the proceeds from their auctioned pieces to the building project to restore, expand, and modernize Gloucester’s historic library.

Walt Kolenda of Cape Ann Auction will lead the live auction, which kicks off at 7:15 pm. Don’t miss out on the silent auction, closing at 7:00 pm. Enjoy refreshments and light bites while live music sets the perfect ambiance for a night of creativity and philanthropy. 

Come, contribute, and be a part of something truly special!  This is more than just an art auction—it’s a unique chance to support this beloved vital community institution poised to make a lasting, transformative impact on downtown Gloucester for generations to come.  All proceeds from the auction benefit the Sawyer Free Library 2025 Capital Campaign. RSVP HERE.

ARTISTS interested in submitting their work for consideration for the juried auction, click HERE for details. This is a great opportunity for artists to exhibit and sell their work to new audiences and support their community!

RSVP HERE for this special evening. It is open to all to attend.

For those interested in learning more about or how to invest in the Library project, visit 2025 Sawyer Free Library 

RSVP HERE to 2025 Sawyer Free Library Benefit Art Auction and Reception  

Gloucester Zine Fest presented by Sawyer Free Library this Saturday, April 27 from 11am-3pm

A day of artistic expression and community fun!

Free and fun for all ages taking place at 20 and 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester!

Gloucester Zine Fest presented by the Sawyer Free Library is taking place this 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. 

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 a special performance by Gloucester Student Band, with the highlight being the Zine Marketplace at 20 Main Street. 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 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. 

See the full schedule below or visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org.

The Sawyer Free Library would like to thank 20 Main Street, LLC, for the generous use of their space.

If you’re asking, “what’s a zine?” that’s ok. Zines are small-batch, DIY publications that provide a powerful platform of expression for underrepresented perspectives and voices. 

Gloucester Zine Fest is free and open to all. Learn more at sawyerfreelibrary.org

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

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.

EARTH DAY ALL MONTH AT SAWYER FREE

SAWYER FREE LIBRARY PRESENTS EXCITING MONTH-LONG LINEUP OF ACTIVITIES CELEBRATING EARTH DAY 2024

As the global community gears up to commemorate Earth Day 2024, the Sawyer Free Library proudly presents a month-long extravaganza of activities aimed at celebrating and advocating for environmental consciousness.

In celebration of Earth Day 2024, the Sawyer Free Library is excited to unveil a diverse lineup of events and initiatives throughout April. From educational workshops to reading challenges, the Library endeavors to inspire and empower individuals to embrace sustainable living and make meaningful actions in their own lives to protect our environment.

Throughout April, the community is invited to participate in a variety of events designed to promote environmental awareness and stewardship. Highlights of the Earth Day 2024 lineup include:

Sustainability Reading Challenge: In collaboration with TownGreen, the Library invites community members to participate in a Sustainability Reading Challenge. From March to April, individuals are encouraged to read books aligned with the United Nations Sustainability Goals, with the chance to win a $25 Holy Cow gift card. These goals serve as a blueprint for addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Plant a Garden: Discover the joys of gardening with the Sawyer Seed Library. Select from a diverse array of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds to cultivate your own garden. By nurturing these plants from seed to harvest, participants contribute to a thriving community of gardeners and expand the Seed Library’s offerings for future generations.

Indulge in “Holy Cow Ice Cream“: Grab a spoon and satisfy your sweet tooth. Award winning Holy Cow Ice Cream created a new ice cream flavor celebrating Earth Month in partnership with the Sawyer Free Library and Cape Ann Climate Coalition. Available throughout April at Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafes across the North Shore, this special chocolate and raspberry-flavored all-natural 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.

In addition to these exciting initiatives, the Sawyer Free Library will host a series of captivating events, including workshops, educational talks, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include “Start Your Own Kitchen Herb Garden” with Backyard Growers, “Tree Talk” with 400 Trees, “Earth Month Musical Storytime” and a “Recycled Art Workshop” led by a local artist.

All events are free and open to the public, with registration required for certain activities. For more information and to view the full schedule of Earth Day events, please visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

As the Sawyer Free Library continues its commitment to sustainability, it looks forward to the official opening of its new 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. 

The Sawyer Free Library knows that every action we take individually and collectively toward making our environment resilient and sustainable is a step toward a net zero-impact future. To learn more about or to invest in the 2025 Sawyer Free Library’s sustainability features and programs, please visit sawyerfreelibrary.org/sustainability

Topping-Off Ceremony to Mark New Phase in Construction of 2025 Sawyer Free Library

Sawyer Free Library will raise steel beam signed by community into place on February 9

It has been just four months since the Sawyer Free Library broke ground on its historic renovation, expansion, and modernization project, and at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 9, the Library will celebrate the project’s next significant milestone, the placement of the highest steel beam at a topping off ceremony. The long-standing construction tradition of a beam topping will mark the completion of the structural phase of this historic project.

The ceremony will feature remarks from local elected officials and library representatives, to be followed by the exciting moment of the last steel beam of the newly expanded 2025 Sawyer Free structure being put into place by a crane. In keeping with tradition, the beam will be adorned with an evergreen tree on one end and an American flag joined by the City of Gloucester’s on the other. Due to limited space on the site, the public is welcome to witness the historic moment outside the safety fencing.

This momentous day will also pay tribute to the incredible community that the Sawyer Free Library has the great honor of serving. Over the past week, the commemorative 11-foot steel beam was signed by over 400 people from throughout Gloucester and beyond, making them a permanent part of this transformative project. Participants of all ages joyfully joined together to leave their mark on the symbolic steel beam, expressing their support, sharing personal messages, and commemorating loved ones, making it a beautiful representation of the community’s collective spirit and deep appreciation for its beloved public Library.

“As we reach this exciting milestone for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library, we celebrate not just the physical structure taking shape but also the collective vision and dedication of our Gloucester community,” said Sawyer Free Library Board of Trustees President Mern Sibley.

“The topping of this beam symbolizes the culmination of the tireless effort and shared commitment of so many, including the countless volunteers, elected and city officials, generous donors, talented creative partners, dedicated Library staff, and our incredible patrons,” added Sibley. “Reaching this exciting milestone has been a tremendous team effort, and as construction progresses, I would especially like to recognize the outstanding work of our partner, W.T. Rich Construction, and our subcontractors in bringing us closer each day to the grand opening of the reimagined 2025 Sawyer Free Library.”

“W.T. Rich is proud to celebrate this construction milestone for the Sawyer Free Library project. We are honored to be a part of a project that is so important to the Gloucester community. We have had a great working relationship with the City and our construction partners, and we look forward to continuing that collaboration to turnover a beautiful, newly renovated and expanded Library in the spring of 2025,” said Jonathan RichChief Executive Officer of W.T. Rich Company.

The 2025 Sawyer Free Library capital campaign is continuing during construction to raise $11M towards the $29M goal. To date, it has approximately $10.3 million in grants secured from the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Project (MPLCP) and Green Library Incentives. In addition, the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, a Commonwealth of Massachusetts program administered through a collaborative arrangement between MassDevelopment and the Mass Cultural Council, has provided substantial funding for the project.

The Library is also immensely grateful for the tremendous engagement and investment at every level from all parts of the community committed to realizing the 2025 Sawyer Free Library. The project has received transformational gifts from individual and corporate donors, including room-naming contributions from the Institution for Savings, Bank Gloucester, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Gorton’s, and Sudbay Motors.

There are still naming opportunities available for donors interested in leaving their legacy, honoring a family member, or aligning their company’s mission and values while supporting the Library, Gloucester, and the Cape Ann community. To learn more about investing in the 2025 Sawyer Free Library, please visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

The comprehensive renovation, modernization, and expansion of Gloucester’s public Library officially broke ground this past September. The project, which remains on schedule and budget, will take approximately eighteen months and is expected to be opened to the public in the summer of 2025.

When its doors open, the 2025 Sawyer Free Library will exemplify what a 21st-century public library can and should be in terms of architecture, sustainability, accessibility, use of natural resources and light, wayfinding, lines of sight, air quality, and public safety. The 2025 Sawyer Free Library project will preserve the original exterior, housing an entirely redesigned interior, and will also double the size of the existing Library’s footprint with a 14,000-square-foot addition.

The 2025 Sawyer Free Library will offer current and emerging public technology, diverse collections, engaging programs, and new dedicated spaces for collaboration, learning, and relaxation. It will feature a digital learning lab, a 100-seat community room with state-of-the-science media presentation equipment, a local history research center, a dedicated teen room, a beautiful expanded children’s room with an early learning center for toddlers, study rooms for individual and group study, a 16-seat conference room, and much more. With its modern and sustainable design, the Library will provide an inspiring environment for library patrons, staff, the community, and beyond.

W.T. Rich Company of Beverly, MA, is leading the construction of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library. The comprehensive project was designed by a team composed of Oudens Ello Architecture and Dore + Whittier Architecture, Construction Management Firm W.T. Rich, and Library project leaders, along with the vital input of the citizens of Gloucester.

The Sawyer Free Library is temporarily located at 21 Main Street and online 24/7 during construction. The Library remains committed to providing a dynamic and enriching environment for all. For more information about the 2025 Sawyer Free Library, please visit us in person at 21 Main Street, online at sawyerfreelibrary.org, or 978-325-5500.

rendering of 2025 Sawyer Free Library

COMMUNITY INVITED TO SIGN THE BEAM FOR THE 2025 SAWYER FREE LIBRARY

The 2025 Sawyer Free Library is taking shape, and the community is invited to make their name part of it from February 1-3 on the lawn of the Library’s Saunders House

The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to be a part of history by signing the commemorative steel beam that will be a cornerstone of the renovated, modernized and expanded 2025 Sawyer Free Library. The public beam signing event will take place daily from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm on Thursday, February 1 through Saturday, February 3, on the front lawn of the Library’s Saunders House located on Middle Street at Dale Avenue.

“As we reach this pivotal moment in our Library’s evolution, we are so pleased to extend an invitation to everyone to share in the excitement and pride of leaving their mark on the 2025 Sawyer Free Library,” said President of the Library’s Board of Trustees Mern Sibley. “This act of signing the last beam is symbolic, reflecting our collective commitment to knowledge, growth, and community engagement. We look forward to seeing the beam adorned with the signatures of those who make our Sawyer Free Library truly special.” 

From Thursday, February 1 through Saturday, February 3, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, the entire community can sign their names and express their support and excitement about the 2025 Sawyer Free Library. The beam will be set up under a tent on the front lawn of the Library’s Saunders House on Middle Street. Permanent markers will be available on-site, and the Library asks everyone planning to sign the beam to ensure their lasting messages are community-friendly. The Library also encourages people to document this historic moment by taking a picture as they add their signature to the beam, and then tag Sawyer Free Library on Facebook or @SawyerFreeLibrary on Instagram with the hashtag #signthebeam. 

This unique opportunity allows residents, patrons, and supporters to leave their mark on the future of the Sawyer Free Library. The signed beam will crown the newly expanded 2025 Sawyer Free structure in the symbolic beam-topping ceremony scheduled for Friday, February 9, at 10 am, marking the next exciting stage in the construction of this historic project. Due to limited space on the site, the area for the ceremony will accommodate speakers and key stakeholders and the public is welcome to witness the historic moment outside the safety fencing.

“We’re excited about the construction progress and appreciate the outstanding work completed by WT Rich Construction and our subcontractors,” said Library Director Jenny Benedict.  “We hope that everyone from our incredible Gloucester community and beyond joins us in celebrating this milestone by signing their name to the last beam of this historic project and becoming a part of its lasting legacy. The 2025 Sawyer Free Library is a community project in every sense. It is through the support and participation of our residents and visitors that our Library truly reflects and serves our vibrant Gloucester community.”

The Sawyer Free Library is grateful for the tremendous engagement and investment at every level from all parts of the community. The capital campaign is continuing during construction to raise $11M toward our $29M goal. There are still naming opportunities available for donors who may be interested in leaving their legacy, honoring a family member, or aligning their company’s mission and values while supporting the Library, Gloucester and the Cape Ann community. To learn how you can invest in this historic project and make the 2025 Sawyer Free Library a reality, please visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

The comprehensive renovation, modernization, and expansion of Gloucester’s public Library officially broke ground this past September. The project, which remains on schedule and budget, will take approximately eighteen months and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.   

When its doors open, the 2025 Sawyer Free Library will exemplify what a 21st-century public library can and should be in terms of architecture, sustainability, accessibility, use of natural resources and light, wayfinding, lines of sight, air quality, and public safety. The 2025 Sawyer Free Library project will preserve the original exterior, housing an entirely redesigned interior, and will also double the size of the existing Library’s footprint with a 14,000-square-foot addition. 

The 2025 Sawyer Free Library will offer current and emerging public technology, diverse collections, engaging programs, and new dedicated spaces for collaboration, learning, and relaxation. It will feature a digital learning lab, a 100-seat community room with state-of-the-science media presentation equipment, a local history research center, a dedicated teen room, a beautiful expanded children’s room with an early learning center for toddlers, study rooms for individual and group study, a 16-seat conference room, and much more. With its modern and sustainable design, the Library will provide an inspiring environment for library patrons, staff, the community, and beyond. 

W.T. Rich Company of Beverly, MA, is leading the construction of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library. The comprehensive project was designed by a team composed of Oudens Ello Architecture and Dore + Whittier Architecture, Construction Management Firm W.T. Rich, and Library project leaders, along with the vital input of the citizens of Gloucester.

The Sawyer Free Library is temporarily located at 21 Main Street and online 24/7 during construction. The Library remains committed to providing a dynamic and enriching environment for all.  For more information about the Public Beam Signing Event please visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500. 

Rendering of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library from Dale Avenue

Sawyer Free Library Shares Most Popular Books of the Year

Library’s most-borrowed books give a glimpse into what Gloucester was reading in 2023

Have you ever wondered what everyone around the community has been reading? Look no further as Sawyer Free Library has dug into its data and compiled a list of some of the most popular books from 2023, sharing its top checkouts for adults, teens, and children.

With SFL’s total circulation last year close to 170,000, new authors and familiar favorites, including Geraldine Brooks, Jodi Picoult, and Barbara Kingsolver, were among the most read books, eBooks, and audiobooks. Royalty graced the list with Prince Harry Duke of Sussex’s memoir Spare, which became a must-read for many library users. Bonnie Garmus’ debut novel Lessons in Chemistry was another favorite, along with Pulitzer Prize–winning science journalist Ed Yong’s New York Times bestseller An Immense World, a multisensory exploration of the many ways in which animals perceive their environment. 

Of the thousands print, digital, and audiobooks borrowed from the Sawyer Free Library, these were Gloucester’s favorites in 2023:

Top Adult Fiction:

  1. Horse by Geraldine Brooks
  2. Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult
  3. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
  4. Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
  5. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
  6. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
  7. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
  8. Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
  9. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
  10. Verity by Colleen Hoover

Top Adult Nonfiction:

  1. Spare by Prince Harry Duke of Sussex
  2. An Immense World by Ed Yong
  3. Downshiftology: Healthy Meal Prep by Lisa Bryan
  4. The Healthy, Happy Gut Cookbook by Dr. Heather Finley
  5. Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World, by Pádraig Ó Tuama
  6. Dinners with Ruth by Nina Totenberg

The top checkouts for children’s books featured titles from popular series, including Dog Man by Dav Pilkey, Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, and The Babysitter Club based on the novel by Ann M. Martin.

The Young Adult titles with the highest circulation were The Tryout, a graphic novel about courage and friendship by Christina Soontornvat, Throne of Glass, the first in Sarah J. Maas’s popular fantasy book series along with the classic novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and the powerful nonfiction book, Killers of the Flower Moon by journalist David Grann.

Top Teen Fiction:

  1. The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat
  2. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
  3. The Great Gatsby by Scott F. Fitzgerald
  4. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
  5. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Top Children’s:

  1. Dog Man and Cat Kid by Dav Pilkey
  2. Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild by Dav Pilkey
  3. Dog Man: Fetch-22 by Dav Pilkey
  4. The Babysitter Club: Karen’s Worst Day by Katy Farina
  5. The Babysitter Club: Kristy and the Snobs by Chan Chau
  6. Diary of the Wimpy Kid Greg Heffley’s Journal by Jeff Kinney

Find these and millions of other books through the Sawyer Free Library. Visit the Library at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester or sawyerfreelibrary.org where Librarians are always there to help you find a new book to read and much more.

Approximately 14,000 people currently possess Sawyer Free Library cards. Anyone who resides or attends school in Gloucester can obtain a Library card for free by applying in person, online, or by mail. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

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. For details on the 2025 Sawyer Free Library and the many ways to support this historic project, visit sawyerfree2025.org. 

Reminder: Sawyer Free Library Annual Meeting this Wednesday evening, Nov 15! All invited!

The Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library Corporation will be hosting its Annual Meeting on THIS Wednesday evening, November 15 at the Gloucester Stage located at 267 East Main Street in Gloucester from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. with corporators sign-in beginning at 6:00 p.m.  The meeting will kick off at 6:30 p.m. with a welcome by the President of the Library’s Board of Trustees, Mern Sibley, followed by remarks by Mayor Greg Verga. A construction update of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library renovation, modernization, and expansion project will be provided by Jon Rich, president of the construction management firm W.T. Rich. In addition, new members of the Library Corporation and Board of Trustees will be elected, and the Mary M. Weissblum Volunteer Award will be presented to Kecia German. The evening will also pay tribute to Beth Pocock, who recently retired after a decade of exceptional service as the Assistant Library Director.

Refreshments will be served. The meeting is open to the public, but only corporators can vote. For more information, please visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.