Yes, you can become the envy of your neighbors by becoming the ultimate grill master!
All you have to do is join the Sawyer Free Library on Wednesday, July 21 from 2:30-4:30pm for a fun and informative live and in-person event and learn all you need to know about Summer Grilling from local Farm-to-Table Chef Justus Dunton.
Chef Dunton has worked in premier and starred restaurants from Boston to Costa Rica. He has created his own company, Dagger Board Hospitality that brings farm-fresh, hand forraged, and delicious food to our local community through his pop-up dinners and teaching programs.
Weather permitting, we will meet outside in the Sawyer Free Library amphitheater.
Get in on the summer fun at the Sawyer Free Library with ADULT SUMMER READING 2021: BOOK BINGO!
From now until September 1, 2021, those 18 and older can keep track of the books they read on the Sawyer Free Library’s downloadable custom bingo card by writing the title and author in the matching square.
Each completed horizontal, vertical or diagonal line enters you into a raffle to win $25, $50, or $75 Cape Ann Gift Certificates.
Sawyer Free Library’s summer operating hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday 12 – 7:00 pm, and Saturday 10:00 am to 1 pm and 24/7 at sawyerfreelibrary.org.
For more information about the “Summer at the Sawyer Free Library,” or to register for programs, visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5501.
The Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library is pleased to announce the restoration and conservation of its grand murals by renowned artist Frederick L. Stoddard (1861-1940) with the assistance of Howard Curtis (1906-1989). Located in the Library’s historic Saunders House, the murals were painted in 1934 as part of the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration. Along with Gloucester’s City Hall, the Sawyer Free Library was a local beneficiary of the federal government program designed to create jobs for artists and bring art to public places and communities across the country.
“Restoring these significant WPA murals depicting Gloucester’s origins is not only our responsibility but our great privilege. They are community artistic treasures and historically significant features of the Saunders House,” said Mern Sibley, the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library’s Board of Trustees’ President. “This project will preserve these unique works for historic study and enjoyment by residents and visitors.”
Saunders House WPA Murals
The artists’ work, completed over 80 years ago, was done entirely in oil paint on the bare plaster wall, giving the murals an antique appearance, harmonizing with the age of the Saunders House constructed in 1764. Built by Thomas Saunders, a prosperous merchant and a Representative to the Massachusetts General Court, at the time, it was one of the grandest houses in Gloucester and Boston’s North Shore. It became the permanent home of the Sawyer Free Library in 1884 when Samuel Sawyer generously deeded it for a public Library.
The Library’s murals titled “Scenes of the Region,” depict maritime culture against a backdrop of the agrarian life that supported the early settlement of Gloucester. Filling the great space throughout the main stairway of the Saunders House, the murals capture the activity of the busy working harbor with views of the distant rocky shoreline, the city, Rocky Neck, and Ten Pound Island. They also feature a simplified representation of Dogtown Common and old “Whale’s Jaw,” along with other colorful scenes offering unique glimpses of what life was like in Gloucester’s early days.
“As stewards of our city’s library, we are committed to the Saunders House’s preservation, as it is still the anchor of the Sawyer Free Library, rich with history and purpose,” added Sibley. “It is appropriate that this mural restoration project is the first of many as we move forward in realizing a reimagined, renovated, and expanded Sawyer Free Library, one that is worthy of our heritage and our future.”
The Stoddard mural restoration will be done by local conservator Lisa Mehlin of Essex, MA, who holds a Master of Art Conservation, and has seventeen years of experience in the conservation of oil paintings for government agencies, private institutions, and individual clients in the U.S. and Canada. She most recently completed work on the murals in The Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens for the Trustees of the Reservations in North Andover.
The project will be completed in two phases with the first being consolidation, ensuring that all original mural pigment is still attached to the plaster. Phase two is the visual restoration process. After securing the pigment to the plaster, paints will be used to carefully tone back any white gaps where the paint flaked away, allowing the original design to shine through once again. The project is funded through Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library corporate funds.
The next phase in preserving and restoring Saunders House is anticipated to begin in early 2022, planned under the guidance of the Saunders House Stewardship Committee of the Library Board. The work will include, but not be limited to, stabilization of the building structure and restoration of the murals in the Anderson Room. Further renovation is planned to improve accessibility and upgrade building systems to support contemporary use by Library staff and the public.
For more information about the Saunders House’s mural project and the concept design for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library and Saunders House, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.
The SAWYER FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY is excited to announce that its adventure-filled “Summer at the Library” program has officially kicked off. The theme is “Tails and Tales,” and it’s overflowing with opportunities to read great books, enjoy unique experiences and win prizes.
The Children’s Library Staff have begun distributing “Welcome to Summer Reading Packets” to young people and their families, which have program information, the event calendar, activities, and fun summer treats. Children can stay on top of their summer reading with their own “Tails and Tales” time-tracking reading logs. After reading for 500 minutes (or are read to), they win prizes.
The packets are available in the Library or through curbside pick-up. People can register in-person or online for the program. “Tails and Tales” themed curbside crafts for families will also be available for pick-up over the summer.
The summertime programs for children will officially begin on Tuesday, July 6 at 10:30 am with a virtual celebration and an up-close look at exotic and native animals on zoom presented by Wildlife Encounters Ecology Center.
Throughout the summer, the Library will host both outside in-person events and virtual programs for children of all ages and their families, including:
Discover your inner Picasso with Stories and Art with Cape Ann Museum on July 8 and August 5 at 3 pm
Move your body with Creative Movement in the Library’s Amphitheater on July 13 and Adventures in Wellness Kids Outdoor Yoga at Stage Fort Park on July 22 and 29.
Children can learn virtually about snakes of the world with Rick Roth on July 26 to 31, the wonders of Monarch Butterflies with Kim Smith August 3 to 7, insight on insects with Ms. Frizzle’s Magic School Bus on August 10, and so much more.
SFL has big plans for teens this summer too. Students entering grades 6-12 are encouraged to track their Summer Reading on the custom form available on the Library’s website to qualify for weekly prize drawings and the grand prize drawing of two whale watch tickets, courtesy of Cape Ann Whale Watch.
SFL is giving adults the chance to get in on the summer fun with Adult Book Bingo 2021. From now until September 1, 2021, those 18 and older can keep track of the books they read on the Library’s downloadable custom bingo card by writing the title and author in the matching square. Each completed horizontal, vertical or diagonal line enters you into a raffle to win $25, $50, or $75 Cape Ann Gift Certificates.
Thanks to the generous support of The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library, program participation is free, and registration is now open for all children, teens, and adult programs.
Sawyer Free Library’s summer operating hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday 12 – 7:00 pm, and Saturday 10:00 am to 1 pm and 24/7 at sawyerfreelibrary.org.
For more information about the “Summer at the Sawyer Free Library,” or to register for programs, visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5501.
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.
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.
TheSawyer Free Libraryis 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 SeekerOne-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
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 nowthrough 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
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
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.
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 Libraryis 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.
Cape Ann Community 