The future of the Sawyer Free Libraryis rising on Dale Avenue—and it’s breathtaking. On schedule and on budget, our modernized library is nearly complete and set to open its doors to the Gloucester community this fall!
This transformation is about more than a building. It’s about what happens inside, and every floor tells a story of inclusion and innovation.
On the Ground Floor
A cutting-edge Digital Learning Lab 💻
A Local History Research Center with an 85” interactive display and digital archive
A 100-seat Community Room for performances, workshops, and forums
On the First Floor
A warm, inviting Reading Lounge and expanded collection 📚
On the Second Floor – 9,500 square feet devoted to Young Minds
A Light-Filled Children’s Room
An Early Learning Center supporting literacy from the start
A Creative Program Room for hands-on exploration
Gloucester’s only dedicated Teen Space and Creation Studio
We’re building more than a library—we’re creating a future where knowledge, equity, and opportunity can thrive. This is a library for everyone: every age, every voice, every dreamer. But we’re not quite there yet.
To everyone who has supported the Sawyer Free Library project—thank you. Your generosity has brought us this far, and we’re proud of what we’ve built together. Now, as we prepare to open the doors, we invite you to help us complete this transformational project by donating to the 2025 Sawyer Free Library 🌸 Spring Appeal.
💛 Let’s Finish This Together Your gift will help turn this shared vision into reality. It’s an investment in Gloucester’s wellbeing, culture, and future. Please consider donating today at 2025.sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Whether you’ve already contributed, are considering an additional gift, or are giving for the first time—your support matters.
REMINDER – this Wednesday, April 30th is the last day for all local youth poets to submit entries for this year’s Poetry without Paper contest! Enter today HERE!
Any questions, email Tricia at tbalsan@sawyerfreelibrary.org, call 978-325-5555 or stop by the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street!
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
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation presents Charles Tompkins and son Gregory Tompkins in concert on Saturday evening, May 17th. Charles Tompkins (organ and piano) and Gregory Tompkins (violin) will perform in the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church. They are a dynamic and talented father and son duo who have performed in venues such as Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, Harvard Memorial Church in Cambridge, MA, and at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC.
Dr. Charles Boyd Tompkins is the Distinguished University Organist and Professor of Music Emeritus at Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina, where as a member of the music faculty he taught organ, harpsichord, church music, and music theory from 1986 until his retirement in December 2022. He currently serves as the accompanist for the University’s outstanding choral ensembles (the Furman Singers, Furman Chamber Choir, and Belle Voci Women’s Chorale), directs Furman’s Hartness Organ Recital Series, and plays for academic convocations and weddings. Charles was central to the commission of a Fisk concert organ, completed in 2003, for the Charles E. Daniel Memorial Chapel.
Gregory Tompkins is a versatile violinist who regularly performs in solo, chamber and orchestral settings throughout the United States. Gregory is a member of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra, and serves as principal second violin Opera Theater of Connecticut and Orchestra New England. He is a member of the faculty of Gateway Community College and the Hopkins School in New Haven, CT.
The Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church is located at the corner of Church and Middle Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street) where parking is available on the green. An elevator is available from the side door at 10 Church Street. Admission for the event is $30 General, $10 Students (all ages), under 12 free. For advance ticket purchases and more information please visit: www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
Find out at the Sawyer Free Library on Tuesday, April 29, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM!
Local tweens and teens are invited to design and plant their very own mini garden with the help of Backyard Growers. All materials will be provided—including everything you need to start growing your own garden at home.
This special event will be held at Sawyer Free Library, 21 Main Street, Gloucester.
Open to students in grades 6–12 (ages 11–19). Space is limited, so registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Step into the pawprints of local predators—think coyotes, fisher cats, and bobcats—in this wild and wildly fun outdoor adventure with Kestrel Educational Adventures and Sawyer Free Library on Friday, April 11 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester – meet at the gazebo!
Designed for curious minds in grades 6–12 (that’s ages 11–19), this hands-on program brings the science of predator ecology to life through games, crafts, and energetic discussions. You’ll track, play, and learn your way through the habits and habitats of some of New England’s most elusive carnivores.
Whether you’re a future wildlife biologist, a nature lover, or just ready to get outside and do something cool, this event is your ticket to adventure.
The program will take place at Stage Fort Park located at 24 Hough Avenue in Gloucester.
No experience necessary—just bring your sense of curiosity and maybe a friend or two! Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Questions? Contact: anakoneczny@sawyerfreelibrary.org.
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation presents Miranda Aisling in concert on April 5th in the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church
Local interdisciplinary artist Miranda Aisling (ash-lean) will perform a folk concert at the Gloucester Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 5th at 7:30pm. Aisling will be joined by musicians Matt Lefebvre on bass and Phil Benjamin on guitar, adding rich layers to her evocative folk sound.
Aisling’s original folk songs blend frank vulnerability with insightful social commentary. A classically trained pianist who shifted from Bach to the Indigo Girls, she brings the lively spirit of a folk festival to her performances, engaging audiences with a mix of sung and spoken storytelling.
Since moving to Gloucester in 2019, Aisling has performed to enthusiastic full houses at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center, the Manship Artists Retreat, and MAGMA (Movement Arts, Gloucester, MA). As a member of the Treehouse Charlatans, she has performed at the Lanesville Music Festival, the Cape Ann Museum, and Art in the Barn.
The Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church is located at the corner of Church and Middle Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). Parking is available on the green. The admission for the event is $20 General, $5 Students (all ages), under 12 free. An elevator is available from the side door at 10 Church Street. For advance ticket purchases and more information please visit: www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
ABOUT THE GMF: The mission of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is to preserve the historic 1806 Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, as a civic hub, entertainment venue and community gathering center. The GMF is a 501(c)(3) corporation modeled on a similar nonprofit that preserves Boston’s famous Old North Church.
Four Libraries to host Community-Wide Celebration of Earth Day
As the world gets ready to celebrate Earth Day 2025, Cape Ann’s public libraries are joining forces to inspire environmental action and education. This year, four public libraries of Cape Ann—Gloucester,Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex – are proud to present bestselling author Sy Montgomery and renowned wildlife illustrator Matt Patterson for a special event exploring the wonders of turtles and the natural world.
On Saturday, April 19, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, the libraries will welcome Montgomery and Patterson to the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, MA, for an engaging discussion of their acclaimed book, Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell. The event will feature a 60-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. Attendees can submit questions in advance through their library’s website.
This free event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from two of the most passionate voices in nature writing and wildlife illustration. Tickets are available online through each participating library’s website—space is limited.
“A library is a portal not just to our own world, but to worlds unknown–worlds that have never been–worlds of imagination. A library holds the keys to every kingdom. And just think: all of us can step through this magical door right in our own neighborhood! For me, the library is an entryway, a refuge, a space rocket. Libraries show us we can dream anything, do anything, be anything. They are more essential today than ever before,” shares author Sy Montgomery about the importance of public libraries.
Cape Ann’s libraries are thrilled to bring this Earth Day program to the community as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental education. Montgomery and Patterson will share their experiences working with injured turtles, discuss their creative collaboration, and inspire audiences to see the world—and its wildlife—through a fresh, more compassionate lens.
As coastal communities, Cape Ann’s libraries recognize the critical importance of protecting the environment for future generations. With this special event, the libraries hope to encourage people of all ages to deepen their connection to nature and take meaningful action. In addition, each Cape Ann library will offer a variety of Earth Day programs throughout March and April, encouraging individuals of all ages to take meaningful steps to protect our environment – because every day is Earth Day.
Sy Montgomery is an internationally acclaimed author and naturalist, celebrated for her remarkable ability to bring the lives of animals and their ecosystems to readers of all ages. She has written over 30 books, including the National Book Award finalist The Soul of an Octopus, and has traveled the world researching rare and extraordinary creatures. Her latest work, Of Time and Turtles, explores the resilience and wonder of these ancient beings while offering profound insights into the mysteries of time itself.
Matt Patterson is an award-winning wildlife illustrator whose detailed, captivating artwork brings the beauty of nature to life. His illustrations in The Book of Turtles, a Robert F. Sibert Honor Award recipient, showcase the stunning diversity of turtles and highlight their crucial role in ecosystems worldwide.
The community is invited to celebrate Earth Day with an unforgettable conversation about wildlife, conservation, and the timeless lessons turtles can teach us. This special program is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Cape Ann’s public libraries —Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex – and their shared commitment to fostering a love of nature, literature, and lifelong learning.
For those interested, Susie’s Stories in Rockport will be offering to purchase signed copies of Sy Montgomery’s book Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell through their website.
Calling all young poets and aspiring writers! The Sawyer Free Libraryis thrilled to launch the 2025 Poetry Without Paper contest, continuing its decades-long tradition of inspiring creativity in Gloucester’s youth. Running through April 30, 2025, the competition aligns with the culmination of National Poetry Month—an ideal time for young voices to share their poetry and perspectives. This year’s theme, New Chapter, New Stories, New Beginnings, invites students to reflect on fresh starts and new possibilities. The theme also echoes an exciting milestone for the Library itself as it prepares to reopen in September in a newly renovated, expanded, and modernized space.
Coordinated by Sawyer Free Library’s Children’s staff in collaboration with renowned poet and former Gloucester Poet Laureate John Ronan and Library Board member Dawn Sarrouf, this beloved annual competition provides a creative platform for students to showcase their talent in a supportive community of writers.
The contest welcomes submissions from children and teens living in Gloucester or attending its schools in three age groups: elementary, middle, and high school. While participants are encouraged to explore the theme “New Chapter, New Stories, New Beginnings,” poems on any topic are welcome. Poetry submissions may be enhanced with video, images, or music but should be 30 lines or fewer, original, and previously unpublished.
Winners will be selected from three age groups: high school, middle school, and elementary school. First-place winners in all categories will receive $150 Cape Ann gift certificates, second-place winners will receive $100 gift certificates, and third-place winners a $50 gift certificate with Honorable Mention winners presented with a poetry book. All winning poets will receive a certificate, be able to present their poems at an awards ceremony in June, and be invited to appear on an episode of 1623 Studio’s production, The Writer’s Block with John Ronan. Additionally, all winning entries will be on display at and published online by the Library.
Poems must be submitted through the Library website at SawyerFreeLibrary.orgfrom March 1 to April 30. For more information, contact the Children’s Librarian at tbalsan@sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Students do not need to be library cardholders to enter the contest, but for those interested, the Sawyer Free Library offers library cards for children of all ages. Starting from birth, anyone who resides or attends school in Gloucester can obtain a Library card for free by applying in person, online, or by mail. For more information, visit the Library at 21 Main Street, online at sawyerfreelibrary.org, or call 978-325-5551.
Join local authors Robert Fitzgibbons and Wayne Soini at the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, March 27 at 5:30 pm for a riveting discussion on their book, Murder in Rockport, Massachusetts: Terror in a Small Town, which sheds new light on two chilling unsolved murders that shook the small seaside town in the 1930s.
On May 21, 1932, Finnish tailor Arthur Oker was brutally murdered in his shop in Rockport, sending shockwaves through the community. Just over a year later, on Halloween night in 1933, Swedish immigrant and fellow churchgoer Augusta Johnson was slain in her home, deepening the town’s fear and sparking an exhaustive investigation. Authorities searched every house, interviewed 2,500 households, and even enlisted the help of a mystic—yet the crimes remained unsolved.
Through newly uncovered state police archives, Fitzgibbons and Soini reveal long-lost details about the murders, the extensive efforts to solve them, and a surprising suspect who emerged decades later.
Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.For more information,contact jtravers@sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Cape Ann Community 