Library Storytime at 21 Main with Tricia!

Every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:15 am

The Sawyer Free Library is thrilled to bring storytime back to 21 Main Street! Starting August 28th, join the Library every Wednesday morning from 10:30 to 11:15 am for a fun and interactive experience with the new Children’s Librarian, Tricia Balsan. Children of all ages, along with their caregivers, are welcome to participate in this engaging session where everyone moves, sings, plays, and shares stories together. Tricia, a picturebook enthusiast, will share some of her favorite books and introduce both kids and adults to the unique art and design elements that make these stories special.

No registration is required. If you have questions, call 978-325-5500 or visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.




Family Concert! Fun for All Ages: Ants on a Log

On Monday, August 5 from 11:00 to 11:45 am everyone is invited to enjoy a FUN FAMILY CONCERT featuring the award-winning band Ants on a Long performing music that centers positivity, social justice, and silliness. Full of humor and harmony, Ants concerts are energetic, interactive, and a delight for children and adults.

Presented by the Sawyer Free Library in collaboration Rockport and Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Libraries, the free concert will take place at Masconomo Park, 60 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, with the rain location at the Rockport Public Library. For more information visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org

SAWYER FREE LIBRARY WELCOMES TRICIA BALSAN AS NEW CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN

The Sawyer Free Library is delighted to announce the appointment of Tricia Balsan as Children’s Librarian.

Jenny Benedict, the Library Director, expressed her enthusiasm for Balsan’s appointment, “We are thrilled to welcome Tricia to the Sawyer Free Library. Her expertise in children’s literature and commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning make her an invaluable addition to our talented and dedicated Children’s Services staff. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our community. Tricia’s approachable and friendly nature surely will be embraced by Gloucester’s young people and their families.”

“I am so excited to join the team here at Sawyer Free Library. Everyone has welcomed me so warmly and has such enthusiasm for what they do. I can already tell how vital a part of the community the library is,” shared Tricia Balsan. “Gloucester clearly loves their library, and it’s such a wonderful feeling! I look forward to getting to know the children and families of Gloucester–both at our temporary location at 21 Main Street, and in our brand-new library building when it opens next year!”

Tricia Balsan, who recently graduated Magna Cum Laude with dual degrees—a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature and a Master of Science in Library Science—from Simmons University, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role. She has an impressive background in public libraries, having served in various roles from page to circulation clerk. Balsan’s extensive experience has equipped her with the latest best practices in the library and children’s literature fields, with a special focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation within children’s and young adult literature.

In her most recent position at the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, MA, Balsan provided library services to children, including leading engaging and interactive story times. Additionally, her experience includes positions at the Oceanside Library, Malverne Public Library, Baldwin Public Library, and Hampshire College Library. Triciai holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies from SUNY Empire State College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to come into 21 Main Street and congratulate Tricia on her new role while checking out its exciting summer calendar of fun and free events and programs designed to inspire, educate, and entertain people of all ages.

Sawyer Free Library’s summer operating hours at 21 Main Street are Monday and Wednesday from 8 am to 6 pm, Tuesday from 8 am to 6:15 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm, and 24/7 online at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

For more information about “Summer at the Sawyer Free Library” and to register for programs, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

SFL Children’s Services Team: Jessica Laurie, Tricia Balsan and Justine Vitale