Community

PAGE 2 STAGE Book Club: a Sawyer Free Library and Gloucester Stage Collaboration

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library and Gloucester Stage Company have teamed up once again to offer the Page2Stage Book Club. This innovative collaboration is a unique take on the traditional book club that focuses on literary works associated with performances from Gloucester Stage Company’s exciting 2021 season. The summer’s theatrical performances will be taking place outside at the beautiful and historic Windhover Performing Arts Center in Rockport from June through September.

Page2Stage gives participants opportunities to deepen and expand their experience as audience members through pre-show facilitated discussions about each play’s subject and related content, including biographies, novels, and timely periodicals. 

The four selected literary works for this season’s Page2Stage series are available now at the Sawyer Free Library located at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. 

The program begins on Thursday, June 17 at 5:45 pm, discussing Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar by New York Times best-selling author Cheryl Strayed, before Gloucester Stage’s production of Tiny Beautiful Things at 7:30pm.

Page2Stage Book Club: June 17

Then on Thursday, July 8, the book club will discuss the book, The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Doyle prior to seeing the production of Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery.

On Thursday, August 12, the Book Club will discuss Anthony Bourdain’s memoir, Medium Raw, then will enjoy the regional premier of the play, Seared. 

To bring the summer series to a close on Thursday, September 9, the group will discuss an article from The Atlantic, “The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehesi Coates prior to seeing the New England premiere of Reparations, a poignant new play by James Sheldon where personal revelations lead to laughs, tears, and coming to terms with racial injustice and personal betrayal. 

This year with Page2Stage Book Club, discussions will happen before the show at Windhover Performing Art Center located at 257R Granite Street in Rockport.

The book group is free to join with discount theater tickets for registered members. There is no charge to participate in the group, but registration is required. Register for one or more groups at www.sawyerfreelibrary.org. Discounted show tickets of $25 will be available to participants by calling the Gloucester Stage Box Office 978 281-4433.

For more information about Page2Stage visit:  sawyerfreelibrary.org or gloucesterstage.com/community-events/.

Sawyer Free Library Launches New Resources for Job Seekers

~ Sawyer Free Library


The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to announce the launch of their new Job Seekers Resource Program to assist job seekers throughout the Cape Ann community gain a competitive edge. Targeted to the needs of today’s job hunter – the new program supports people in discovering a new career path, gain new job skills, find job opportunities, and more. 

The program features expert-led virtual workshops, one-on-one resume sessions, and a new dedicated webpage, available in over 100 world languages, with extensive resources specially curated by Library staff.  All resources are free and accessible to those in the Gloucester community and beyond. 


“Our goal with this new Job Seekers program is to provide a combination of programs, informational resources and knowledge about local opportunities so that everyone in our community, regardless of income, age, education, or language, can acquire new skills and have the support they need for their job search. We want the public to know that we have their backs and we are here to help them successfully get back to work,” said Library Director Jenny Benedict. 

Job Seekers Summer Workshop Series 

Job seekers attending the virtual workshops will learn effective job search strategies, interviewing best practices, networking, how best to craft resumes and cover letters, and tips on changing careers, stress management, and more. Each week career counseling experts will share their insight and knowledge to help attendees plan and achieve their goals. The series runs from June – August. 

The first workshop, A Guide to Interviewing for Graduating Students and their Families, is scheduled for June 8 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Click here to register.

This skills-based workshop is geared toward high school students embarking on college interviews and college graduates facing employment interviews.  Employment specialist and career coach, Gary Gekow, will share a variety of strategies to help students navigate through this challenging experience. 

All programs are free, open to everyone, and no library card is needed, although registration is required.   The full schedule is available at sawyerfreelibrary.org/job-seekers-resources/. 

Job Seeker Resources Web Page 

The Sawyer Free Library has launched a web page for job seekers that is easy to navigate, multilingual, accessible, and comprehensive, containing self-assessment, job search and networking tools, resume and cover letter assistance, and live interview prep and practice. These job search resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for free, on any device, anywhere with an internet connection at sawyerfreelibrary.org/job-seeker-resources/.  

Job Seeker One-on-One Services 

Those needing help with their resume and cover letters can make an appointment for a one-on-one resume review session.  In addition, the Library has available free WiFi and computer access with printing and scanning capability. Computers, Chromebooks, and tablets are also available for public use. 

For more information about the Resources for Job Seeker program, call 978-325-5500 or email: jobseeker@sawyerfreelibrary.org. To register for a workshop session or to reserve a resume review session, go to sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Through its hundreds of free programs, it offers each year the Sawyer Free Library is committed to strengthening the fabric of the community they serve and helping Gloucester create and maintain a healthy, vibrant workforce so that individuals and families who live here can thrive. For more information on the Sawyer Free Library and “Resources for Jobs Seekers” programming, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org


Gloucester Education Foundation’s Annual Arts Festival on display at Sawyer Free Library – come see the community’s young artists’ talent and creativity!

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library has partnered with the Gloucester Education Foundation for the Gloucester Public School Arts Festival 2021 which showcases the artwork of local students from kindergarten through high school.

The community’s young artists’ talent and creativity is front and center for all to enjoy at the Library located at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester now through June 5, 2021.

Gloucester Education Foundation’s Annual Arts Festival has kicked off in the Library’s Matz Gallery with a display of works by Gloucester High School seniors and Honors Art students, Advanced classes in Sculpture and Clay Work, and Advanced Photography.

Photo by Kyle Clifford, GHS Senior on display in Matz Gallery at Sawyer Free Library

Then, Wednesday, June 2 – Saturday, June 5, 2021, the community is invited to enjoy a special video compilation produced by the Gloucester Education featuring artwork by students of all ages, kindergarten through high school.

The video, which local filmmaker Stephen Brock generously produced, will be shown Library’s big screen on the first floor as well as in the Children’s room through the day during regular Library hours. The video will also be available to view on GEF’s website, thinkthebest.org beginning on June 6th.

Hearts created by students at Beeman Elementary School

For more information about the Gloucester Education Foundation Art’s Festival, visit thinkthebest.org and for information on the Library, go to sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Slice of Cake by GHS Senior, Aryana Moreno on display at Matz Gallery at Sawyer Free Library

Sawyer Free Library Welcomes Clawdia the Library Lobster

~ Sawyer Free Library

It is a big cause for a shellabration at the Sawyer Free Library as they announce their newest staff member, CLAWDIA THE LIBRARY LOBSTER!

Patrons should be on the lookout for Clawdia sharing the latest Library news and program updates and even helping out at the service desk! So swing by the Sawyer Free Library and give her a wave one day soon!


For more information about the Sawyer Free Library and its programs, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org

Finding Practical Solutions to Ending Food Waste: A Panel Discussion hosted by Sawyer Free Libary and Backyard Growers

~ Sawyer Free Library

Did you know 33% of all food produced globally is lost or wasted? Food waste is central to some of the key challenges facing the world today, including hunger and poverty, climate change, health and wellbeing, and the sustainability of agriculture and oceans.

To bring attention to this growing global problem, the Sawyer Free Library and Backyard Growers are co-hosting a virtual panel discussion around the topic of food waste on Thursday, April 28, from 6-7 pm.  The live virtual presentation is free and open to the public. Click here to register.

Moderated by Lara Lepionka, Founder & Executive Director, Backyard Growers, the program will provide both broad knowledge and a local perspective of the issues of food waste, along with some actionable steps individuals can take to help make a difference in its reduction. 

The program panelists include Andrew Brousseau, Partner, Compost Manager, Black Earth Compost, Brittany Peats, Program Manager, MA Food System Collaborative, and Gary Sprague, Food Acquisition and Distribution Manager, The Open Door.  Each panelist will have the opportunity to talk about their community organization’s focus and practical recommendations to address the critical issue of food waste in our community.

Following their remarks, there will be a moderated Q&A session.  For more information on the Finding Practical Solutions to End Food Waste Panel Discussion and the Library’s other programs and offerings, please visit sawyerfreelibray.org. 

Sawyer Free Library presents Digital Photography Basics with Skip Montello on Saturday, April 17

Skip Montello
~ Sawyer Free Library

Do you have a digital camera and need to learn how to use it? Do you already use your camera but want to know how to take better pictures? The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to offer a digital photography basics class with professional award-winning photographer SKIP MONTELLO on Saturday, April 17, from 2-4 pm.  The virtual presentation is free and open to all. Register here for Zoom link.

During the presentation, Skip will introduce the different camera controls and what they do. He will share his knowledge of digital photography basics, including equipment, components of light exposure, elements of composition, and more.

Skip Montello is a photographer working and living in Rockport, Massachusetts. He is an exhibiting member of the Rocky Neck Art Colony, Rocky Neck Gallery, Rockport Art Association, Newburyport Art Association, and the Griffin Museum of Photography.

His passion for photography developed during his career at the Polaroid Corporation, where he spent more than 30 years as a photographic scientist, engineer, and technology leader.

Over the years, Skip has moved from film-based media to digital. He has a deep love for the area in which he lives and finds himself inspired by the ocean. When not photographing, he is a sport fishing charter captain, sailing instructor, and outdoor writer.

Skip’s photography has earned numerous awards at Rockport and Newburyport’s art associations and the worldwide Nikon Small Wonders Competition. He has exhibited in several solo exhibits, and his work is held in private collections in the United States and Europe.

To register or for more information about this and other programs at the Sawyer Free Library visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Sawyer Free Library and Wellspring House Launch “Gloucester Connection” Website

~ Sawyer Free Library

The SAWYER FREE LIBRARY and WELLSPRING HOUSE are pleased to announce the launch of GLOUCESTER CONNECTION. This innovative multi-lingual website (gloucesterconnection.org) connects the greater community to Gloucester’s vast social services for education, health care, housing, and much more. The new free-to-use web platform is an easy-to-navigate centralized online directory and calendar that consolidates information from local organizations, services, and events for residents, visitors, and service providers, prioritizing accessibility by making it available in over 100 world languages.

Recognizing the need to streamline access to critical local resources, the Sawyer Free Library and Wellspring House, with contributions from Action Inc., Gloucester Housing Authority and Gloucester Public Schools, came together to align their efforts —and created the Gloucester Connection. Social Capital, Inc. was hired to develop the site.

The group identified and enlisted over fifty Cape Ann social service organizations, both public and private, to participate, organizing their information into six categories: Basic Needs, Youth Education and Programs, Adult Education and Job Training, Housing, Transportation, and Health and Wellness. The Gloucester Connection resource partners collectively provide access to a wide variety of direct services from how to register kids for public school, sign up for MassHealth, find information and applications for housing, and information about Cape Ann transportation, where to find English classes, and more.

Through Gloucester Connection, users can directly contact the resource for assistance. Participating organizations can also access similar information and look up individual organizations’ pages to determine their services and update their own offerings, programs, and events. Lastly, the website features a community calendar where all Gloucester Connects’ resource partners can share events, programs, and new initiatives with the public.

“Every day, at the Sawyer Free Library, we aim to improve the lives of people in our community with the power of information. Gloucester Connection is a direct expansion of our core mission,” said Library Director Jenny Benedict. “There is a wide range of social services available throughout Cape Ann, but trying to find what exactly you are looking for can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to Gloucester or English is not your primary language. With Gloucester Connection, we hope to change this with a welcoming platform that easily connects people to the resources and social services they need in a language they understand. From legal services, shelters, school and library services to mental health resources and more listed on the site, each organization acts as a lifeline for those in need on Cape Ann. We are proud to be a part of and sponsor such an important collaboration that directly supports our community.”

“We want community members to have easy access to the resources and services they need, whether they have just arrived or have lifelong family ties in Gloucester,” said Melissa Dimond, President and CEO of Wellspring House. “Gloucester Connection helps people get clear and current information for any number of life circumstances. For example, we see firsthand at Wellspring House the manychallenges immigrants face as they adapt and get acclimated in their new community. Our collective hope is that the Gloucester Connection will help make this transition easier. It is part of what it means to be a welcoming community.”

Cape Ann based non-profit organizations or resource-focused agencies are invited to join Gloucester Connection to help strengthen the resource network for Gloucester residents. Those interested in registering with the platform may contact Sawyer Free Library Community Librarian Julie Travers, jtravers@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Gloucester Connection is sponsored by Sawyer Free Library with key support from Wellspring House. To access services or to learn more, visit www.GloucesterConnection.org. 

MARCH Drive-Thru Food Pantry!

~ theopendoorma

Let food be one less thing to worry about. The Open Door is hosting a Special Drive-Thru Food Pantry on Saturday, March 13, at The Open Door on Emerson Avenue in Gloucester from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Bags include all the basics and milk, eggs, meat, fruits and veggies, coffee, olive oil, baking mixes and more.

The Drive-Thru Food Pantry is open to anyone who registers–it might be your first time, or you may have already used the pantry. We are asking for a registration so we know how many people are coming. https://bit.ly/3i0wqrI (FOODPANTRY.org) 978-283-6776

Don’t forget to register for GLOUCESTER TRIVIA NIGHT this Thursday, March 11 at 6:30pm

~ Sawyer Free Library

How much do you really know about Gloucester? Join the Sawyer Free Library’s Local History Librarian as she hosts a fun competitive evening of GLOUCESTER TRIVIA, this Thursday, March 11 from 6:30-7:30pm and find out!

Register here as a team or by yourself, all are welcomed.  Zoom link will be provided. Community teams are encouraged. Winners are entitled to indefinite bragging rights!

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

Register TODAY for Gloucester Trivia Night hosted by the Sawyer Free Library

Sawyer Free Library presents Self Care in Uncertain Times: Hiking Cape Ann on 3/8 at 7pm

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the Sawyer Free Library on Monday, March 8 from 7-8pm when Taylor Ann Bradford, local reporter, certified backpacking guide and author of the weekly column: Woods to Writing Desk, will share her favorite hiking trails throughout Cape Ann, give tips on best practices and share some of her favorite tales from the trails.  Registration is required for this fun and engaging live Zoom program, space is limited. Register here.

For more information on the many programs offered by the Library, free to the community, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org