education

Culture Splash Spotlight: “Fishermen’s Ballads and Songs of Sea 150 Years On” at Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Sawyer Free Library is thrilled host Discover Gloucester’s Culture Splash spotlight event on Thursday, August 22, 5:00 to 6:30 pm. Gloucester singer and song-searcher Michael O’Leary will share a talk and performance based on pieces in the book Fishermen’s Ballads and Songs of the Sea, published in 1874 by the Procter Bros. of Gloucester. It is a collection of 120 pieces by a wide array of authors, both women and men, a few known widely, many known only locally or not at all, and some anonymous or pseudonymous. It’s a literary, musical, and folkloric time capsule of Gloucester, and 2024 is the 150th anniversary of its publication.  Registration for this special event is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org

This program is supported in part by grants from the Gloucester and Manchester Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

The event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. Registration for this special event is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Space is limited. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org, call 978-325-5500 or email jtravers@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Digging into Gardening at the Library with Cheryl Rafuse of Plant Magic Gardens

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Wednesday, August 21 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm join the Sawyer Free Library for “Digging into Gardening with Cheryl Rafuse of Plant Magic Gardens” at 21 Main Street in Gloucester.

Are you interested in planting native plants to support local ecosystems? Would you like insight into what’s a weed and what you should leave and not pull? North Shore native plant gardener Cheryl Rafuse will share all about the bees and butterflies, flowers and shrubs, and the easiest ways to start incorporating keystone species into your gardens during this hands on presentation.

Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. The first 20 attendees will receive free gardening supplies. 

If you have questions, contact: moneill@sawyerfreelibrary.org, call 978-325-5500 or visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

“Snakes of New England and the World” presented by Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Family Fun Event on Saturday, August 10 at 11:15 am 

Come learn about, meet & handle (if you’d like!) many types of snakes, some of which are from our local area. Rick Roth and his Cape Ann Vernal Pond team will share their knowledge and enthusiasm as they present science in a unique and fun way and help the Sawyer Free Library celebrate the summer reading theme of Read, Renew, Repeat which strives to bring attention to our natural world.

All ages are welcome at this family-friendly event which will be held on Saturday, August 10 at 11:15am at the Trinity Congregational Church, lower level, 70 Middle Street in Gloucester.

No registration required. For more information visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or call 978-325-5500. This special event is made possible in part through the generosity of the the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.

A Librarian Falls for Niagara Falls: Travel Presentation at the Sawyer Free

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the Sawyer Free Library Assistant Director Lisa Ryan on Thursday, August 8 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for an engaging presentation on Niagara Falls feature breathtaking photos and videos captured throughout the seasons. Explore this majestic natural wonder’s formation, cultural impact, hydroelectric development, and ecological considerations. For fun, Lisa will also delve into tales of famous daredevils and offer travel tips.

The presentation will take place at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in Downtown Gloucester. Open to all to attend. No registration needed. If you have questions, email Lisa at lryan@sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Tech Tuesday: Artificial Intelligence

~ Sawyer Free Library

Tuesday, August 6 at 2pm at Sawyer Free Library

On Tuesday, August 6th, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, the Sawyer Free Library will host “Tech Tuesday: Artificial Intelligence.” Led by the library’s Technology Assistant, Joe Wilkins, this introductory session will cover the basics of artificial intelligence. Attendees will learn about the history of AI, understand what AI entails, and explore common applications, including those in everyday use. The presentation will also address ethical and environmental concerns, as well as the benefits and risks associated with AI. Additionally, participants will be introduced to a few simple and free ways to use AI.

Tech Tuesday will take place in the Library’s Meeting Room at 21 Main Street.

Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Space is limited. For questions, call 978-325-5500.

Special Opportunity: Gloucester Reads: Community Leader Dialogue at 1623 Studios – Limited space for Audience Members

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Monday, July 29 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, 1623 Studios will be hosting a taped facilitated dialogue among five community leaders as they discuss race equity in Gloucester inspired by the community-wide book club selection, How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith.  

For those interested, there is space for a limited audience to observe the taping.  Please note that the audience will only be observing the discussion; they will not have the chance to participate or to appear as a part of the taped program.  Registration is required. Space is limited.

The panel, facilitated by Gloucester Racial Justice Co-Chair Michea McCaffrey and Dawn Pratson, of the Gloucester Reads team will include:

Jenny Benedict, Director, Sawyer Free Library
Bob Gillis, Tri-Chair, Gloucester 400+
Karen Ristuben, President, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
Ben Lummis, Superintendent of Schools
Peggy Hegarty-Stack, Director, Action, Inc.

Gloucester Reads 2024 is a citywide, intergenerational summer reading initiative. Running through August, this community-wide book club aims to spark conversations, inspire new ideas, and encourage introspection about race equity in our community. Co sponsored by the Sawyer Free Library, Gloucester’s Racial Justice Team and Gloucester Health Department, in collaboration with sixteen additional community partners, the summer reading initiative will explore books reflecting Black experiences in America. For more details visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Garden Storytime with Backyard Growers at Sawyer Free Library’s Garden Bed

~ Sawyer Free Library

Backyard Growers brings a fun outdoor children’s gardening program to the Sawyer Free Library in a series of Thursday morning events at 10:00 am throughout the summer! Children will plan, plant, water, weed, maintain and harvest a garden at the library in July and August.

Children and their caregivers are invited to come learn about gardening as the community partners share books and stories while exploring the process of growing.

As a part of the Library’s summer reading program, “2024: Read, Renew, Repeat,” which focuses on conservation, the Sawyer Free Library encourages participants of all ages to discover the joy and power of reading while developing a sense of environmental consciousness.

The weekly event takes place at the Sawyer Free Library’s raised garden bed on the Middle Street side of the Saunders House (88 Middle Street.)

For questions, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

This summer program has been made possible with support from the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.

Summer at Sawyer Free: Abra-kid-abra! Mike Bent’s Eco-Magic Show

~ Sawyer Free Library

As a part of its exciting summer reading program, Read, Renew, Repeat, the Sawyer Free Library is excited to be presenting Magician Mike Bent Eco-Magic Show on Friday, July 19 at 10:00 am.

Children and their families will be wowed by the environmental-themed magic show with magic, comedy and fun! The conservation focused summer reading theme of Read, Renew, Repeat strives to bring attention to our natural world, and caring for the environment as well as the living creatures that call it home. 

This event will be held in the City Hall auditorium, 9 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. No registration is needed.

This summer’s reading program, titled “2024: Read, Renew, Repeat,” offers a diverse and enriching experience for the entire community. By focusing on conservation, the Sawyer Free Library encourages participants of all ages to discover the joy and power of reading while developing a sense of environmental consciousness. Through engaging activities, interactive workshops, reading challenges, and more, participants will learn about the critical role of conservation in maintaining the health and vitality of our planet. For more information on Summer at Sawyer Free Library visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org.

This summer program has been made possible with support from the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.

Summer at the Sawyer Free Library: Reverse Glass Painting with Pop Up Art School for Teens & Tweens

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Tuesday, July 16 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm Tweens and Teens are invited to unlock their crafty side, learn about the centuries-old art of reverse glass painting and create their own reverse painting with Pop Up Art School at the Sawyer Free Library!

Participants can choose from three images, and paint it using acrylic paint on clear acetate.

Reverse painting techniques have been used since the 16th century. In reverse painting, the details are painted first and then the larger shapes. It’s the reverse order of how one usually paints on paper or canvas where we start with the background, add medium to large shapes and then details. Once the image has been painted, it is viewed from the opposite side through the clear acetate.

Rising 6th graders to graduated 12 graders welcome. Space is limited, please register at SawyerFreeLibrary.org to hold your spot.

“The Irish in the Fort” by Anne Power Parson at Sawyer Free Library  

~ Sawyer Free Library
The Fort and beyond, circa late 1800s. Photo by E.G. Rollins. Collection of the Cape Ann Museum and Archives. 

The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to welcome local author Anne Power Parsons on Thursday, July 18, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm as she presents “The Irish in the Fort,” her contribution to the 400 Stories Project. She will share her family story and research about the vibrant community of Irish fishermen and their families living in the Fort from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s.  The event will occur at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester.  All are welcome. Registration is requested at sawyerfreelibrary.org.  

Anne Power Parson and her father, Donald Power, circ: 1944

Anne Power Parsons grew up in Gloucester and became intrigued with her Irish family history, thanks partly to a collection of letters written by her father, Donald Maurice Power. In addition to describing their family history, the letters revealed glimpses of the vibrant community of Irish fishermen and their families living in the Fort during this period. 

The event is open and free to attend at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in Gloucester.  For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call, 978-325-5500.

To read her contribution to the 400 Stories Project on this subject, click here.