On Thursday, October 30 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm the Sawyer Free Library welcomes Andrew DeFranza, Executive Director, and Nancy Sanchez, Advocacy & Education Manager at Harborlight Homes to discuss their role in the Dirty Deeds Project.
The Dirty Deeds Project is a collaboration between Harborlight Homes, the NAACP North Shore Branch, and the Mapping Prejudice Project at the University of Minnesota Libraries. Together, the partners examined property records in Southern Essex County and identified 407 deeds containing racially restrictive covenants, later confirmed as 390 after duplicates were removed.
Racial covenants were once a widespread practice used to exclude people from homeownership based on race, ethnicity, or religion. These clauses were written directly into property deeds and included language such as:
“The granted premises shall not be sold, mortgaged or leased to or occupied by persons of negro blood.” — Marblehead
“Said premises shall not be conveyed to or occupied by a colored person.” — Beverly
“The premises … shall not be owned or occupied by any person of Negro, Jewish, Italian, Greek, Polish or Armenian blood.” — Nahant
Although no longer enforceable, the presence of these covenants in the historical record continues to send a harmful message to those they targeted.
The project not only documents this discriminatory history but also advances solutions. Harborlight Homes and its partners are supporting Senator Lydia Edwards’ bill (HD.4087/SD.720, An Act Providing for the Removal of Void Restrictive Covenants), which seeks to remove such language from property records across Massachusetts.
By uncovering and addressing this history, The Dirty Deeds Project works toward building more inclusive and equitable communities.
Join us October 23 as global placemaking leader Ethan Kent and 20 Cape Ann Creatives spark new conversations about community, creativity, and connection.
Be part of something inspiring! Join us for the official relaunch of the historic Gloucester Lyceum as we welcome Ethan Kent, Executive Director of PlacemakingX, one of the world’s foremost leaders in creating inclusive, thriving public spaces.
This engaging evening invites attendees to explore the newly reimaginedSawyer Free Library and take part in lively small-group dialogues alongside 20 Cape Ann Community Creatives and members of the Gloucester Lyceum Committee. Together, we’ll consider how great public places—like our Library—can connect, strengthen, and inspire the community we share.
“Placemaking is about strengthening the connection between people and the places they share,” says Ethan Kent. “It’s about making the spaces we live—the places we love.”
Sawyer Free Library | 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA Thursday, October 23 | 7:00–8:30 p.m. Free and open to the public | Space is limited | Registration required
September is Hunger Action Month™, an annual, nationwide campaign by the Feeding America network to raise awareness and encourage action to reduce food insecurity.
The Open Door has partnered with several groups to raise awareness about hunger, and share information on how to help support its mission.
The Open Door distributed 2.35 million pounds of food to 11,893 people through its Food Pantries in 2024, meeting a 30% increase in requests for food assistance in 2024 (on top of a 30% increase in 2023), through 100,774 visits.
Since August 2024, in addition to clients already receiving services, The Open Door has registered 820 new households for services at its Gloucester and Ipswich food pantry locations: An average of 68 new families per month.
HUNGER ACTION MONTH EVENTS:
The Open Door has partnered with several local organizations to raise hunger-awareness this September:
Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga will issue a proclamation naming September Hunger Action Month in the city on Friday, September 12
Thrift the Runway, a fashion show organized by The Open Door Thrift Store, Second Glance, will raise funds for local food assistance programs of the nonprofit on Sunday, September 14 at The Cut in Gloucester. Tickets are available at FOODPANTRY.org
View Gloucester City Hall and the Beauport Hotel lit up orange all month long (orange is the color used to promote hunger awareness)
Watch out for Hunger Action Month themed coasters at 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar and the Seaport Grille
Several local businesses are offering special promotions and products this month to raise awareness, including:
Brothers Brew in Rockport will offer an orange themed donut
Cake Ann will offer chocolate orange and creamsicle flavored cupcakes
Turtle Alley will offer chocolate bars embossed with the word “LOVE”
A portion of proceeds will support local hunger-relief programs of The Open Door!
The Gloucester City Council will also wear orange to help raise awareness at their Tuesday, Sept. 9 meeting.
SHOP and DONATE at Second Glance year-round. Revenue at the store raises funds for hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. Free referrals are also given to the community for those who need a little extra help.
MORE WAYS TO HELP:
Donations are the most needed form of support as The Open Door doubles down on core programs and strategizes how to best meet increased need with fewer federal resources available. Donations big and small help move the needle, and can be made as one-time gifts, monthly donations, or annual contributions. Make a donation at FOODPANTRY.org. There are a variety of ways to make a donation, including:
Company matches: many companies will also match donations made by their employees—doubling the impact of your gift. Ask your employer today if such a program exists at your workplace.
Donate through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), Individual Retirement Rollover Gifts, and stocks and securities.
Legacy giving
Sponsor a meal
Donations to Second Glance Thrift Store (make an appointment at FOODPANTRY.org/booknow). Items sold at the store create revenue for The Open Door
In kind goods and services also support The Open Door mission
Volunteers are another critical pillar of help at The Open Door, and provided 26,260 hours of support in 2024. There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from packing groceries, to sorting food, to supporting the kitchen, and tagging products for sale at Second Glance. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org/volunteer
Members of the community are also invited to wear orange to raise awareness about local food insecurity this September.
This unique collaborative event brought together four libraries and hundreds of community members to honor the wonders of the natural world. The highlight of the afternoon was a captivating conversation with acclaimed author and naturalist Sy Montgomery and award-winning wildlife illustrator Matt Patterson, who shared insights from their latest book, Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell.
“It was a joy to witness our communities come together to celebrate nature, storytelling, and the enduring power of libraries,” said event organizers. “This Earth Day event reminded us of the vital role libraries play in inspiring imagination, fostering empathy, and encouraging stewardship of our planet.”
Sy Montgomery, author of more than 30 books including The Soul of an Octopus, a National Book Award finalist, is renowned for her ability to bring readers into the heart of the animal world. Her latest work explores the resilience, beauty, and mystery of turtles—and of time itself.
Matt Patterson’s intricate wildlife illustrations, featured in The Book of Turtles—a Robert F. Sibert Honor Award recipient—showcase the rich biodiversity of turtle species and emphasize their importance within global ecosystems.
Sy beautifully captured the spirit of the day when she said, “A library is a portal not just to our own world, but to worlds unknown… a refuge, a space rocket. Libraries show us we can dream anything, do anything, be anything.”
The four Cape Ann libraries are deeply grateful to the nearly 300 attendees who made this Earth Day gathering so memorable. We hope the event sparked a renewed sense of connection—to nature, to community, and to the incredible institutions that are our public libraries.
For those inspired to take further action in support of turtle conservation, Sy and Matt recommend two local organizations doing vital work: Turtle Survival Alliance, dedicated to saving turtles from extinction and Turtle Rescue League, a Massachusetts-based group rescuing and rehabilitating injured turtles, relocating eggs from hazardous areas, and rehoming unwanted pet turtles.
Together, let’s keep celebrating, learning from, and protecting this extraordinary planet we call home.
Left to Right: Essex’s T.O.H.P. Burnhan Public Library Director Carla Christensen, Rockport Public Library Director Cindy Grove, Author Sy Montgomery, Illustrator Matt Patterson, Rockport Library Adult Program Coordinator Osha Rose and Gloucester’s Sawyer Free Community Librarian Meg O’Neill
How many different kinds of Hawks, Owls, and Eagles do you think frequent Cape Ann during the year? Join the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, January 30 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm to find out!
Using interactive maps, photos, and more, David Williams‘ presentation will take a season by season approach to examine the more than 20 hawks, owls, and eagles that frequent our area. Some of these Raptors are common nesters in our area, some are Winter visitors, and some are rarities that cause excitement. Tips on identifying these birds of prey will be shared as well as how to respectfully find and view these special birds.
The event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. All are welcome. Registration is requested at SawyerFreeLibrary.org For questions email jwilkins@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation presents sonic artist and maestro of the pipe-organ Peter Krasinski accompanying two silent film classics, ALICE IN WONDERLAND (filmed on Cape Ann in 1915!) and the TOLL OF THE SEA (1922) on Saturday, November 2 at 7:30pm at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church on Middle Street. Accessible side entrance at 10 Church Street.
This annual classic silent movie event is great fun for the whole family, presented in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema. Maestro Krasinski is world-famous for his brilliant, improvised accompaniment of silent films and will perform on the mighty 1893 Hutchings/Fisk pipe organ in our historic Meetinghouse.
Admission: $15 General, $5 Students, Under 12 free. Tickets at the door or online with more info at: www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
Bring your family, friends and neighbors!
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSORS OF OUR AUTUMN-WINTER-SPRING SERIES!
Together in partnership, the Sawyer Free Library, Gloucester’s Racial Justice Team and Gloucester Health Department, announce the launch of Gloucester Reads2024, a citywide, intergenerational summer reading initiative. Running through August, this community-wide book club aims to spark conversations, inspire new ideas, and encourage introspection about race equity in our community.
In collaboration with sixteen additional community co-sponsors, Gloucester Reads 2024 will explore books reflecting Black experiences in America. This initiative includes selections for adults, young adults and children. Adults can participate in three ways: reading the book, joining a structured discussion group, and attending the virtual author’s talk. Young children and their families can participate by attending one of the readings being offered by several co-sponsors.
The summer book club’s main selection is How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith. This acclaimed book, which has won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction, the Hillman Prize for Book Journalism, the Stowe Prize, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, focuses on the history and present impact of slavery in the United States. Through eight sites, including New Orleans, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, New York City, and Angola Prison, Smith uses archival research and interviews to offer an intergenerational story of how slavery has shaped our nation’s history and memory.
For teens and tweens participants, the Gloucester Reads selection is The Promise Boys by Nick Brooks. In this murder mystery, the three boys of color accused of murder cunningly work together to discover the truth. For children and families, the picture book, Our Skin, A First Conversation About Race, which explains the range of humanity’s skin colors by Jessica Ralli and Megan Madison and illustrated by Isabel Roxas, will serve as the Family Book Club pick.
“We are honored to spearhead this important citywide reading initiative,” said Sawyer Free Library’s Director Jenny Benedict. “Gloucester Reads 2024 highlights the power of books to ignite empathy and inspire big ideas that promote communication, equity, collaboration, and learning. Bringing our community together helps to create a welcoming Gloucester for everyone.”
“The Gloucester Racial Justice Team is made up of individuals dedicated to fostering an inclusive and thriving city. Our mission—to create a safe and welcoming city where people from all races, ethnicities, and cultures can flourish—sets the stage for this exploration,” added Gloucester Racial Justice Co-Chair Michea McCaffre. “Gloucester Reads 2024 invites the entire community to join this collective endeavor, one that promises not only to enlighten us, but also to spur us to action.”
“Gloucester Reads 2024 intends to draw connections between the past and the present, deepening our understanding of the Black experience in Gloucester and the United States. We also want to cultivate a sense of unity, where every person feels a sense of belonging, in our beloved Gloucester,” said Nancy Goodman, the group’s other Co-Chair.
Moderated discussion groups on How the Word Is Passed will be hosted by different community partners throughout Gloucester between July 28 and August 11. Those interested in participating can find additional information at sawyerfreelibrary.org or by visiting the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street. Participants are asked to pre-register.
Gloucester Reads 2024 will culminate in September with a live-stream panel discussion with Clint Smith, the New York Times bestselling author of the award-winning book How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America. Among his many other accomplishments, Smith is also the author of two poetry books, Above Ground and Counting Descent, both winners of the Literary Award for Best Poetry Book from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and were finalists for NAACP Image Awards. This exciting and engaging event will be open to the public, with more details forthcoming.
The Sawyer Free Library will distribute free copies How the Word Is Passed at select community events, including the Juneteenth Celebration and Festival on Sunday, June 16 at the Cape Ann Museum. The books are also available for “check-out” at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street. Ebooks and Eaudiobooks are available instantly to anyone with a Library card and the Libby app. All Gloucester Reads books are also available for purchase at The Gloucester Bookstore and Suzie’s Stories in Rockport.
To ensure everyone can participate, Gloucester Reads is offering to cover childcare expenses for those attending discussion groups, the author’s talk, or both. Participants can request funds on the discussion group registration form.
For those looking to learn even more, other recommended Gloucester Reads titles include Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, His Name is George Floydby Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa, The Fire This Timeby Jesmyn Ward, The Heaven and Earth Grocery Storeby James McBride and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.
For additional details and a complete list of Gloucester Reads 2024 programs, book suggestions, and learning resources on racial equity, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.
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 LIBRARYis 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 AnnArt Haven and Cape Ann Museumand enjoy aperformance by the Gloucester Student Band. And what’s a festival without some delicious treats? Attendees can indulge in some Holy Cow Ice Creamwhile 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.
SAWYER FREE LIBRARY AND CAPE ANN YMCA LAUNCH INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION:INTRODUCING “SFL AT THE Y” A DIGITAL POP-UP LIBRARY
The Sawyer Free Library(SFL) and the Glen T. MacLeod Cape Ann YMCA are thrilled to announce their dynamic partnership, unveiling an initiative to foster community engagement and provide access to digital reading materials. “SFL at the Y,” a Digital Pop-Up Library, empowers YMCA members to explore and enjoy a wide array of downloadable audiobooks, eBooks, e-newspapers, and e-magazines through an innovative pilot program.
The collaboration leverages the strengths of both institutions, uniting the Cape Ann YMCA’s commitment to promoting healthy living and community connections with the Sawyer Free Library’s dedication to enhancing access to information and enriching minds. This exciting endeavor aligns perfectly with the shared goal of making educational and recreational resources more convenient for families and individuals throughout Gloucester and beyond.
With “SFL at the Y,” anyone with a Sawyer Free Library card can access the Library’s comprehensive digital collection by simply scanning the specially posted QR codes prominently displayed in the Main Lobby of the Cape Ann YMCA. The collection features a curated selection of bestsellers thoughtfully chosen to cater to readers of all ages and preferences. Notably, all materials are available through a convenient per item checkout basis so card holders won’t need to face inordinate wait times for their chosen titles.”
“We are proud to partner with our local library to offer our members additional resources. Collaboration between our Y and the SFL is a natural and promising pairing, given our shared commitment to community development,” said Erina McWilliam-Lopez, the Cape Ann YMCA’s Executive Director.
“We are excited to expand the reach of Sawyer Free Library’s resources to individuals who might not have the chance to visit our Main Street location,” said Beth Pocock, the Library’s Assistant Director. “Through QR codes and digital downloads, every Library cardholder while at the YMCA can now easily tap into our complete digital catalog. Personally, as a frequent visitor to the Y, I often enjoy downloadable audiobooks during my treadmill sessions. It’s amazing how I can breeze through a book within a week or two!”
YMCA members will discover prominently displayed Library Pop-Up posters with QR codes that, when scanned, will transport them to the Digital Library website. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing YMCA members and program participants to explore and check out titles for a two-week duration. Additionally, SFL is committed to expanding its offerings on the platform throughout the year, ensuring a continually enriching experience.
Gloucester residents that do not have a library card can get a provisional card by going to www.sawyerfreelibrary.org, click the “About” link on the homepage, then “Get a Library Card” link. Complete the form, once registered, you can start using all library online resources immediately.
For further information on the Sawyer Free Library and its offerings, please visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500. For the Glen T. MacLeod Cape Ann YMCA visit northshoreymca.org.
Sawyer Free Library’s Assistant Director Beth Pocock and Cape Ann YMCA’s Executive Director Erina McWilliam-Lopez with “SFL at the Y” – Digital Pop Up Library
Cape Ann Community 