21 Main Street

Sawyer Free Library is on the Move —Here’s What You Need to Know

~ Sawyer Free Library

The wait is almost over! Final touches are underway on the newly renovated and expanded Sawyer Free Library, and we’re getting ready to return to our historic home at 2 Dale Avenue.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Our temporary location at 21 Main Street will be closed as of 6 PM on Monday, June 9. 
  • In-person services will pause as we move 70,000 items, install new technology and furnishings, and complete final walkthroughs.
  • The announcement for when the newly renovated library at 2 Dale Avenue will re-open will be made in mid-July—stay tuned for the exact date!

During the Transition:
🌐 Online resources and virtual programs remain available at sawyerfreelibrary.org
📆 Due dates will be extended—no late fees
📬 Holds can be picked up at other NOBLE libraries
📪 Book drops will be closed—please hold onto items until we reopen
📴 Staff will be unavailable by phone or email during the closure

Need something in the meantime? Visit a neighboring NOBLE library to meet your borrowing and research needs.

All news, events, and service updates will be shared at sawyerfreelibrary.org and on our social media. Be sure to follow us.

Help Us Celebrate
Mark your calendars as everyone is invited to the:
🎉 Official Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting: Friday, September 5
🎉 Community Celebration & Open House: Saturday, September 6

Support the Final Phase
We are deeply grateful to all who have contributed to the project and proud of what your generosity has built so far.  But we are not done yet. If you can, please share the news of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library with others, increase your support of the project or make your very first gift. We need your help to fully fund this transformational project and bring it across the finish line. To donate: 2025.sawyerfreelibrary.org

See you soon!
We can’t wait to welcome you back to the reimagined 2025 Sawyer Free Library at 2 Dale Avenue.  Thank you for being part of this exciting new chapter for Sawyer Free Library and our great community!

“A Decade in Gloucester” with local author Laura Plummer at Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday evening March 20 at 5:30 p.m. for an engaging evening with award-winning local writer and poet Laura Plummer as she discusses her debut chapbook, A Decade in Gloucester: Reflections on History and Home. Through heartfelt poetry and prose, Plummer explores the unexpected discovery of her Finnish ancestors’ deep ties to Gloucester—connections she uncovered after moving to the city in 2014.

This beautifully crafted collection offers a unique perspective on Gloucester’s history and its profound influence on Plummer’s sense of place and belonging. Through her writing, she paints a rich literary portrait of the seafaring city that captured her heart.

All are invited. No registration is required for this event. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Cozy Up with Knitting & Crochet for Teens & Tweens on Monday, Feb 24

~ Sawyer Free Library

When: Monday, February 24, 4:00–5:30 PM Where: Sawyer Free Library

Beat the winter chill by creating something soft and huggable! Whether you’re new to knitting and crochet or an experienced crafter, the Sawyer Free Library wants to invite local teens and tweens (students in grades 6-12, ages 11 -19) join Young Adult Librarian Annalise for a relaxing afternoon of learning basic stitches and exploring fun project ideas. The repetitive nature of these crafts is known to reduce stress—so come unwind, try something new, and leave with a skill you can enjoy all year long.

   •   Materials Provided: Yarn, knitting needles, and crochet hooks

   •   Feel Free to Bring: Your own yarn, needles, hooks, or work-in-progress

   •   Questions? Email Annalise at anakoneczny@sawyerfreelibrary.org

Registration required at SawyerFreeLibrary.org. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!

Author Talk with Alice Markham-Cantor: The Once & Future Witch Hunt

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join author Alice Markham-Cantor at the Sawyer Free Library on Tuesday, October 29 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm as she discusses her book, The Once & Future Witch Hunt, which investigates the Salem witch trials and their lasting impact.

Past and present collide in this page-turner investigation of Salem’s irrepressible question: How could this have happened?

In 1692, Martha Allen Carrier was hanged as the “Queen of Hell.” Three hundred years later, her nine-times-great-granddaughter, Alice Markham-Cantor, set out to discover why Martha died. As she chased her ancestor through the archives, graveyards, and haunted places of New England, grappling with what we owe the past, Alice’s connection to Martha led her to a shocking truth: witch hunts didn’t end in Salem.

Extensively researched and and compulsively readable, told through alternating fiction and non-fiction chapters, The Once & Future Witch Hunt does not treat Salem as a cautionary tale. It treats Salem as an instruction manual—not on how to perform witch hunts, but how to stop them.

The author talk is taking place at Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street. Registration is not required. All welcome. Questions? Contact: lsvensson@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Boston Light with Lighthouse Keeper Sally Snowman at SFL on Thursday, October 10

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join us at the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, October 10, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for an engaging presentation on Boston Light, America’s first established light station, which has been guiding ships since 1716. Located on Little Brewster Island at the entrance to Boston Harbor, Boston Light remains an active Coast Guard-maintained aid to navigation. However, its distinction as the “last manned Coast Guard light station” in the country is coming to an end with the upcoming retirement of its 70th keeper, Sally Snowman.

The event will feature a PowerPoint presentation showcasing photos from Boston Light’s remarkable 307-year history, along with personal anecdotes from Sally’s tenure as a 21st-century keeper. Sally Snowman, Ph.D., an educator, author, and the official USCG historian for Boston Light, has co-authored two books with her husband, Jay Thomson: Boston Light: A Historical Perspective (1999) and Boston Light: Arcadia Images of America (2016). Sally is also the author of the children’s book Sammy the Boston Lighthouse Dog (2005).

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about Boston Light’s rich history and hear firsthand accounts from its last keeper before this chapter in maritime history closes.

The event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street, Downtown Gloucester. Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

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.

A Librarian Falls for Niagara Falls: Travel Presentation at the Sawyer Free

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the Sawyer Free Library Assistant Director Lisa Ryan on Thursday, August 8 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for an engaging presentation on Niagara Falls feature breathtaking photos and videos captured throughout the seasons. Explore this majestic natural wonder’s formation, cultural impact, hydroelectric development, and ecological considerations. For fun, Lisa will also delve into tales of famous daredevils and offer travel tips.

The presentation will take place at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in Downtown Gloucester. Open to all to attend. No registration needed. If you have questions, email Lisa at lryan@sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

SFL to host Wellspring Inc.’s presentation of History Lives Here: The Freeman Family of West Gloucester

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to host its community partner Wellspring, Inc. on Thursday, June 13 at 5:30 pm as they present HISTORY LIVES HERE and share the information they uncovered about the Freemans of West Gloucester, a prominent Black American family. 

Born in 1731, Robin was enslaved to Captain Charles Byles, a mariner whose property was located across the street from Wellspring House. In his struggle to self-emancipate, Robin paid Capt. Byles 1# and 12 schillings in 1769 to secure his freedom. This was 21 years before there would be no recorded enslaved people in Massachusetts. When he died , Capt. Byles left Robin 40 schillings in his will.

In 1826, Robin’s son, Robert purchased this house and land and made it his family home. We will share with you the Freeman family stories of opportunity and resilience and learn more about their contributions to the Greater Cape Ann community. Your presence and interest honors Robin Freeman his family and their legacy.

All are welcome. No registration required. For more information, visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org

Where: Sawyer Free Library, 21 Main Street, downtown Gloucester

When: Thursday, June 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Dungeons & Dragons at Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Embark on a grand adventure with Dungeons & Dragons at the Sawyer Free Library this Saturday, February 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Create your character and venture on an epic quest with Dungeon Master Ephraim Weaver. Free pizza lunch will be provided.

Program designed for 5th-12th graders. All experience levels are welcome. Space is limited. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

For more information visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Author Talk with Eric Lessinger: Stethoscope on Reality

~ Sawyer Free Library

Please join the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street this Thursday, February 8 at 5:30 p.m. for an author talk with Gloucester resident, Eric Lessinger, who will be discussing his book Stethoscope on Reality: how my journey as a working-class Jew from Brooklyn informed my 50 years of medical practice, opening my heart and mind.

In his book, Dr. Lessinger documents his education as a striving, intelligent, upwardly mobile student in New York City public schools who went to Harvard College and NYU Medical School. He exposes the oppressive nature of medical training, from medical school through the years as an intern and resident. Overwork, exhaustion, humiliation in front of one’s peers, and competition rather than cooperation were routine parts of his daily experience. Still, he refused to relinquish his full humanity in the process. Working as a family doctor, utilizing both science and deep caring, he is not defensive about his mistakes, but rather, honest and remarkably willing to show us his vulnerability.

Eric Lessinger, MD grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He is a family doctor who graduated from NYU Medical School in 1972 and did his internship at Lincoln Hospital in Bronx, New York. He completed his residency in Rochester, New York. He practiced Family Medicine and Hospice and Palliative care in Trumansburg, New York, near Ithaca, for many years. He is now happily retired and lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with his wife Meredith and two cats. 

No registration required for the event. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Details: Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 5:30-6:30pm at Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street.