education

Sawyer Free Library Announces 2024 Poetry Without Paper Contest Winners 

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library proudly announced the winners of the 2024 Poetry Without Paper contest during an inspiring awards ceremony held on Tuesday evening, June 11, 2024 at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church. The event was marked by heartfelt readings from the award-winning students before a standing-room-only crowd of friends, family, and community members, all gathered to celebrate their achievements.

Former Poet Laureate of Gloucester, John Ronan, and newly retired Children’s Librarian, Christy Rosso, presented the awards. Christy Rosso, affectionately known as Miss Christy, was also honored for her 29 years of dedicated service at the Sawyer Free Library. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in developing, organizing and growing the annual poetry contest, fostering a love for writing among thousands of young Gloucester residents.

John Ronan, who co-founded the contest 22 years ago and continues to serve as its judge, shared some personal thoughts on Christy Rosso’s involvement in the program and years of service at the Sawyer Free Library, expressing the community’s deep gratitude for her unwavering dedication and nurturing presence. “Christy’s impact on our community’s children is immeasurable. Her passion and commitment have left an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege to know her,” said Ronan.  

Celebrating its 22nd year, Poetry Without Paper has inspired thousands of the community’s young writers to express themselves through poetry and prose. This beloved annual competition encourages local students from kindergarten through high school to share their love of writing and connection to Gloucester’s creative spirit. Each year, the variety and depth of the student poetry range from expected subjects like the beach, school, and family to just as many surprisingly deep, mature poems from these young writers concerned about issues facing the world around them.

From over 500 submissions, winners were selected from each age group: high school, middle school, and elementary school. The talented young poets were awarded certificates and shared over $1,000 in prizes. Additionally, all winning poets received an invitation to appear on 1623 Studio’s production, The Writer’s Block with John Ronan, and their winning work will be published online by the Library.

The Poetry Without Paper contest remains a cornerstone of the Sawyer Free Library’s mission to nurture and celebrate the literary talents of Gloucester’s youth. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding contributions and look forward to their future creative endeavors.

For more information about the Poetry Without Paper contest or other Sawyer Free Library programs, please visit www.SawyerFreeLibrary.org.

2024 Poetry without Paper Winners

Elementary School:

1st:       Helen Larabell, Plum Cove, 4th grade, “Believe”

2nd:      Kat Rowe-Joyce, West Parrish, 5th grade, “Last Time”

3rd:      Sophia Oliveira, West Parrish, 4th grade, “Perfect Life”

HM:    Freja McLanahan, Beeman, 1st grade “The Angry Guardians”

HM:    Adelia Crowell, Plum Cove, 5th grade, “The Cat of Lanesville”

Middle School:

1St:      Vivian Payne, O’Maley, 8th grade, “Regrets”

2nd:      Vivian Davies, O’Maley, 7th grade, “Pen to Paper”

3rd:      Matilda Bruce, O’Maley 7th grade, “Silence”

HM:    Iona Fishburn, Waring School, 6th grade, “My Cold Walk Around the Block”

HM:     Alivia Deyeso, O’Maley, 7th grade, “Silence Poem”

High School:

1St:      Johnny Sheridan, Waring School, 11th grade, “Elegy for the Impermanent”

2nd:      Emma Wilt, Essex North Shore Agr. & Tech, “Not Quite a Dream”

3rd:      Aleena Brown, GHS, 9th grade, “Ambcatcher31”

HM:    Hope Castelucci, GHS, 10th grade, “Yellow”

HM:    Phoebe Hone, GHS, 10th grade “What Redemption Feels Like”

Photo above of 2024 Poetry Without Paper Winners: Back row, left to right: Sawyer Free Library’s Christy Rosso, Vivian Payne, Vivian Davies, Alivia Deyeso, Matilda Bruce, Hope Castelucci, Phoebe Hone, Former Poet Laureate John Rosso; Front row: Freja McLanahan, Kat Rowe-Joyce, Adelia Crowell, Helen Larabell  Missing from photo: Sophia Oliveira, Iona Fishburn, Johnny Sheridan, Emma Wilt,  Aleena Brown

Local Author Talk: Nonna, What is Saint Peter’s Fiesta?

~ Sawyer Free Library

In celebration of the St. Peter’s Fiesta, the Sawyer Free Library is pleased to host a local author talk with Laura Ventimiglia on Thursday, June 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm as she discusses her book, Nonna, What is Saint Peter’s Fiesta? The fiesta is a longstanding tradition in Gloucester, Massachusetts that pays homage to Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen and it celebrates the town’s historic fishing industry

Laura M. Alberghini is a third-generation Italian American and a retired college educator, author, and administrator who established Buttieri press in 2015 to support the preservation of family histories and traditions. She released her first book, A Letter to My Children, An Italian American Family’s Heritage, in 2016 as a dual language book in English and Italian. She lives in Gloucester, Ma with her family.

The event is open to all at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. No registration needed.

For more information or question, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Gloucester Genealogy Group: Genealogy & Deeds

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Saturday, June 15 from 10:30 to 11:30 am the Sawyer Free Library will host the Gloucester Genealogy Group to discuss the topic of Genealogy and Deeds.

Join Nancy Fitzgerald Doherty from the Southern Essex Registry of Deeds for a presentation on how to use and search the records of the Salem Deeds. The Southern Essex District Registry of Deeds maintains and provides access to land records for Southern Essex District and all of Essex County prior to 1869. The Salem Registry has the oldest continuous land records in the country dating back to 1639. Many older documents contain information on the people who owned the land, including professions, family members, and sometimes wills and estate listing. The Registry also maintains the Old Norfolk Deed Books, Ipswich Deed Books, Books of Executions and Depositions, historic city and town atlases, historic assessor maps, city directories and microfilm copies of early probate records. All of which can be helpful when trying to trace history within Essex County.

All interested are welcome to attend. Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

SFL to host Wellspring Inc.’s presentation of History Lives Here: The Freeman Family of West Gloucester

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to host its community partner Wellspring, Inc. on Thursday, June 13 at 5:30 pm as they present HISTORY LIVES HERE and share the information they uncovered about the Freemans of West Gloucester, a prominent Black American family. 

Born in 1731, Robin was enslaved to Captain Charles Byles, a mariner whose property was located across the street from Wellspring House. In his struggle to self-emancipate, Robin paid Capt. Byles 1# and 12 schillings in 1769 to secure his freedom. This was 21 years before there would be no recorded enslaved people in Massachusetts. When he died , Capt. Byles left Robin 40 schillings in his will.

In 1826, Robin’s son, Robert purchased this house and land and made it his family home. We will share with you the Freeman family stories of opportunity and resilience and learn more about their contributions to the Greater Cape Ann community. Your presence and interest honors Robin Freeman his family and their legacy.

All are welcome. No registration required. For more information, visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org

Where: Sawyer Free Library, 21 Main Street, downtown Gloucester

When: Thursday, June 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Gloucester Zine Fest presented by Sawyer Free Library this Saturday, April 27 from 11am-3pm

~ Sawyer Free Library

A day of artistic expression and community fun!

Free and fun for all ages taking place at 20 and 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester!

Gloucester Zine Fest presented by the Sawyer Free Library is taking place this Saturday, April 27, from 11 am to 3 pm at both 20 and 21 Main Street in Gloucester, MA. The festival, in celebration of the Library’s new zine collection, zine- making, and zine culture, promises a day filled with artistic expression, community engagement, and fun for all ages. It is free and open to everyone to attend and enjoy with free giveaways for the first 200 attendees. 

Attendees can look forward to a vibrant and engaging lineup of hands-on activities and workshops for all ages, including inspiring speakers and live music with a special performance by Gloucester Student Band, with the highlight being the Zine Marketplace at 20 Main Street. Participants of all ages can also unleash their creativity by crafting their own zine with local community partners Cape Ann Art Haven and Cape Ann Museum. And what’s a festival without some delicious treats? Attendees can indulge in some Holy Cow Ice Cream while immersing themselves in the world of zines. 

See the full schedule below or visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org.

The Sawyer Free Library would like to thank 20 Main Street, LLC, for the generous use of their space.

If you’re asking, “what’s a zine?” that’s ok. Zines are small-batch, DIY publications that provide a powerful platform of expression for underrepresented perspectives and voices. 

Gloucester Zine Fest is free and open to all. Learn more at sawyerfreelibrary.org

Fun at Sawyer Free: Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals

~ Sawyer Free Library

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 from 11:00 AM—12:00 PM at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Gloucester

The Sawyer Free Library is so excited to be hosting “Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals” event on Saturday. April 13 from 11am to 12 noon. Bring your stuffed animal friends to this fun event and join us as we learn about taking care of animals with the creators of the children’s book “Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals.” Jennifer Welborn & Rozillia Mh will read their book and show us how to give our stuffies a check up with a mini veterinarian kit. Attendees will learn about caring for animals with this author and illustrator team while having some hands-on fun! Each young participant will receive a mini vet kit and diagnostic treatment sheet to bring home. In addition, signed copies of the book will be available for purchase. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

If you have questions please visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

This event has been made possible by the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.

EARTH DAY ALL MONTH AT SAWYER FREE

~ Sawyer Free Library

SAWYER FREE LIBRARY PRESENTS EXCITING MONTH-LONG LINEUP OF ACTIVITIES CELEBRATING EARTH DAY 2024

As the global community gears up to commemorate Earth Day 2024, the Sawyer Free Library proudly presents a month-long extravaganza of activities aimed at celebrating and advocating for environmental consciousness.

In celebration of Earth Day 2024, the Sawyer Free Library is excited to unveil a diverse lineup of events and initiatives throughout April. From educational workshops to reading challenges, the Library endeavors to inspire and empower individuals to embrace sustainable living and make meaningful actions in their own lives to protect our environment.

Throughout April, the community is invited to participate in a variety of events designed to promote environmental awareness and stewardship. Highlights of the Earth Day 2024 lineup include:

Sustainability Reading Challenge: In collaboration with TownGreen, the Library invites community members to participate in a Sustainability Reading Challenge. From March to April, individuals are encouraged to read books aligned with the United Nations Sustainability Goals, with the chance to win a $25 Holy Cow gift card. These goals serve as a blueprint for addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Plant a Garden: Discover the joys of gardening with the Sawyer Seed Library. Select from a diverse array of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds to cultivate your own garden. By nurturing these plants from seed to harvest, participants contribute to a thriving community of gardeners and expand the Seed Library’s offerings for future generations.

Indulge in “Holy Cow Ice Cream“: Grab a spoon and satisfy your sweet tooth. Award winning Holy Cow Ice Cream created a new ice cream flavor celebrating Earth Month in partnership with the Sawyer Free Library and Cape Ann Climate Coalition. Available throughout April at Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafes across the North Shore, this special chocolate and raspberry-flavored all-natural treat embodies the organizations’ commitment to environmental advocacy and the understanding that every day is earth day. A portion of sales of this limited time special flavor will support the Cape Ann Climate Coalition’s educational programs.

In addition to these exciting initiatives, the Sawyer Free Library will host a series of captivating events, including workshops, educational talks, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include “Start Your Own Kitchen Herb Garden” with Backyard Growers, “Tree Talk” with 400 Trees, “Earth Month Musical Storytime” and a “Recycled Art Workshop” led by a local artist.

All events are free and open to the public, with registration required for certain activities. For more information and to view the full schedule of Earth Day events, please visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

As the Sawyer Free Library continues its commitment to sustainability, it looks forward to the official opening of its new and modernized space in the fall of 2025. Designed to achieve LEED Gold Certification and Mass Save Path 1 Net-Zero-Ready Verification, the renovated library will exemplify energy efficiency and renewable practices. 

The Sawyer Free Library knows that every action we take individually and collectively toward making our environment resilient and sustainable is a step toward a net zero-impact future. To learn more about or to invest in the 2025 Sawyer Free Library’s sustainability features and programs, please visit sawyerfreelibrary.org/sustainability. 

Dungeons & Dragons at Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Embark on a grand adventure with Dungeons & Dragons at the Sawyer Free Library this Saturday, February 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Create your character and venture on an epic quest with Dungeon Master Ephraim Weaver. Free pizza lunch will be provided.

Program designed for 5th-12th graders. All experience levels are welcome. Space is limited. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

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

Make Your Own Ice Cream at SFL @ 21 Main Street

~ Sawyer Free Library

Come Celebrate Gloucester’s SO SALTY Festival at the Sawyer Free Library!

Learn about the power of salt as you join the Sawyer Free Library and The Open Door to make your own ice cream on Saturday, January 20th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 21 Main Street in Downtown Gloucester. The event is open to the public to come and enjoy!

Make scientific observations as you add ingredients and watch the power of salt in action. The best part will be enjoying your own homemade ice cream!

This event is part of the 3rd Annual Gloucester’s So Salty Festival which is free and open to the public.

Celebrate the fish city’s recognizably salty character with local cultural institutions and businesses during the 3rd Annual Gloucester’s So Salty festival led by the Cape Ann Museum in partnership with area cultural institutions and businesses. Inspired by the annual Salem’s So Sweet event, this two-day event will include ice sculptures, live music, salty treats, free kids’ art activities, and much more.

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

GLOUCESTER’S MLK DAY CELEBRATION IN THE MEETINGHOUSE!!!

~ chasnaz

On Monday January 15th at 2:00pm, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation will present its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration in the sanctuary of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, located on the green at the corner of Middle and Church Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). There is an elevator available at the 10 Church Street side entrance for persons with disabilities. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available. Parking is allowed on the green.

Each year we strive to create a singular, thought-provoking and inspiring event to honor Dr. King’s legacy and vision.  Please join us for an exciting afternoon of presentations, music and audience participation.

Program

Mayor Greg Verga, opening address

Renée Graham, Boston Globe associate editor and columnist, keynote speaker with audience Q&A

Michea McCaffery, Gloucester Racial Justice Team Chair, Gloucester survey presentation, conversation with Renée Graham, and audience Q&A

Gordon Michaels vocalist & ensemble, diverse music based on the Black experience

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his own voice via audio recording

Paul Revere bell-ringing in commemoration as we depart the Meetinghouse

For those who cannot attend in person the event will be simulcast on the Gloucester Meetinghouse YouTube channel and will be available there afterwards. More information is available at: http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org