Calling all tweens and teens—it’s your time to shine! Join the Sawyer Free Library at the Cape Ann YMCA on Wednesday, January 29, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm for an afternoon of snacks, mini-games, and friendly competition. We’ll test your skills and smarts, and you could walk away with prizes—so be sure to bring your A-game and a friend! No registration is required, and all materials will be provided. This event is open to anyone in grades 6–12 (ages 11–19). For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500. Don’t let the winter blues slow you down—come get active, have fun, and win big!
Happy Pride Month! You’re invited to a watch party this Thursday, June 20, 6:00 to 8:00 pm hosted by the Sawyer Free Libraryand the Cape Ann YMCA.
Teens and tweens, join us at the Cape Ann YMCA for an evening of tie dye, snacks, and a virtual author talk with author and TikToker Mercury Stardust who will discuss her new book, Safe and Sound: A Renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair, followed by a moderated Q&A session. Be sure to bring a white article of clothing that you’d like to dye.
Register here to let us know you are attending, 6th to 12th grader welcome. For more information, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.
If you prefer to watch the virtual talk at home you can register to receive a link from the Rowley Public LibraryHERE.
Mercury Stardust, the Trans Handy Ma’am, is a professional home maintenance technician and award-winning activist. Mercury credits her TikTok success to her experience teaching burlesque, where she learned to communicate and create a safe space for students who had frequently experienced trauma. She’s been featured in stories by NBC, NPR, Buzzfeed, Newsweek, Washington Post, and Pink News. Her leadership within the trans community has led to collaborations with such brands as Dolby, Lowe’s, and Point of Pride.
Whether you’re getting ready for prom or you just like flowers, enjoy this crafty program with the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, May 30 from 2:30 to 4:00 pm at the Cape Ann YMCA.
Together we’ll be making flower crowns and boutonnieres using fresh flowers. All materials will be provided. The fun event is open to students in 6th through 12th grade. You do not need to be headed to a prom to attend this program – everyone is welcome.
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
The SAWYER FREE LIBRARYis excited to be kicking off the community consultation for its new STRATEGIC PLAN: OUR LIBRARY. OUR FUTURE.
As part of the planning process, Sawyer Free Library wants to hear from the community and gather its valuable input. The 2025-2029 strategic planning process is especially important due to new opportunities that will be possible with the opening of the renovated, modernized and expanded 2025 Sawyer Free Library.
The Library will be hosting a series of 4 PUBLIC COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS, and an ONLINE SURVEYand wants to hear from YOU! The Library encourages individuals from all backgrounds and age groups, community organizations, local businesses, and other stakeholders, to participate and provide their unique perspectives.
Community Conversations will be held IN PERSON on:
Monday, May 22, at Cape Ann YMCA from 6:00 -7:30 p.m.
Monday, June 5, at the Sawyer Free Library’s temporary space at 21 Main Street from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Community Conversations take place VIRTUALLY over Zoom:
Friday, June 2, from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 13, from 10-11:30 a.m.
Gloucester Conversations will moderate these public forums, which are open to everyone to attend, and share their thoughts, ideas, and insights about how the 2025 Sawyer Free Library can best serve them and the greater community.
All Gloucester residents and visitors are also encouraged to fill out the Sawyer Free Library‘s new COMMUNITY SURVEY. The online survey is available online at SawyerFreeLibrary.org and will be open through July 1, 2023.
Regardless of how much or how little individuals use its services, everyone’s perspectives are welcome and encouraged to participate! This survey is the first piece of research that will help to inform the new strategic plan and will be critical in influencing the Library’s priorities for the next five years.
The Sawyer Free Library expects to analyze the results this summer and compile a summary report, which will be shared with the community when the Library Board of Trustees finalizes the new 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. The Library’s most recent five-year strategic plan was completed in 2020, which runs through 2024.
Community members can visit sawyerfreelibrary.org for more information and updates on ways to participate in the strategic planning process. The Library will also provide regular updates to keep community members informed and engaged throughout the process.
Cape Ann Community 