Family

Sawyer Free Library Reveals Most Checked-Out Books of 2025

~ Sawyer Free Library

What did the greater Gloucester community read in 2025? According to annual circulation data from the Sawyer Free Library, readers once again gravitated toward powerful storytelling, beloved series, and nationally celebrated bestsellers – across all ages and formats.

Topping the adult fiction list for the second year in a row is Kristin Hannah’s deeply moving novel The Women, which continues to resonate strongly with Sawyer Free Library patrons. Readers also followed national reading trends, checking out popular titles such as We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes and Three Days in June by Anne Tyler.

As in years past, graphic novels and favorite series dominated youth reading. Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man titles once again proved wildly popular with younger readers, alongside cherished picture books by Mo Willems.

“The books our community borrowed in 2025 reflect a shared curiosity and a love of reading that spans generations,” said Sawyer Free Library Director Jenny Benedict. “With the exciting opening of our newly reimagined library, we’re seeing renewed energy and engagement from readers of all ages, as people return to discover new stories, connect with one another, and make the Library a part of their everyday lives.”

Sawyer Free Library’s Most Checked-Out Books of 2025

Top 5 Adult Fiction

  1. The Women by Kristin Hannah
  2. We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes
  3. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
  4. Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
  5. Three Days in June by Anne Tyler

Top 5 Adult Nonfiction

  1. The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
  2. Gloucester’s Own: Stories From America’s First Fishing Village by Andrew Joyce
  3. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
  4. The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson
  5. The Forever Young Cookbook: More Than 100 Delicious Recipes for Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life by Mark Hyman

Top Teen Fiction

  1. Surprisingly Sarah by Terri Libenson
  2. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
  3. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
  4. Betting on You by Lynn Painter
  5. The Squad by Christina Soontornvat

Top 5 Children’s Books

  1. Dog Man: The Scarlet Shredder by Dav Pilkey
  2. The Thank You Book by Mo Willems
  3. Dog Man: Fetch 22 by Dav Pilkey
  4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot by Jeff Kinney
  5. Five-Way Tie:
    • Can I Play Too? by Mo Willems
    • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diaper Overload by Jeff Kinney
    • Dog Man: Grime and Punishment by Dav Pilkey
    • I Will Surprise My Friend by Mo Willems
    • Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems

While top checkouts offer a snapshot of reading trends, they represent only a small portion of the wide range of materials borrowed by the community in 2025. Sawyer Free Library offers thousands of books, e-books, and audiobooks; materials in many world languages; and accessible formats – ensuring there is something for everyone.

With approximately 14,000 cardholders, Sawyer Free Library continues to serve as a cornerstone for education, connection, and cultural enrichment in Gloucester. Residents and students can obtain a Sawyer Free Library card by applying in person, or apply online for a NOBLE eCard, which provides access to Libby, Hoopla, and other digital resources from home, as well as the ability to place holds on print materials.

Readers are invited to explore these popular titles – and discover countless others – by visiting the Library’s newly renovated, modernized and expanded spaces at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester, or online at sawyerfreelibrary.org, where librarians are always ready to help patrons find their next great read.

A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Saturday, January 17 from 2:00 to 3:15pm take a journey through the roots of American popular music at the Sawyer Free Library in the Community Room.

A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music is a program of songs and stories about the origins of the blues, rock, and country music presented by singer and songwriter Jon Waterman. In the show, Jon is joined by Li Waterman on bass. The program, which also features an accompanying slideshow, explores some of the fascinating characters and events that are part of the history and the role of music in our lives. Register at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

The program has been described as, “a unique performance experience combining music history, storytelling, and original songs inspired by his research.” And “A must see for anyone interested in American history or American music!”

Musician and songwriter Jon Waterman has been performing his original songs along with blues, rock and country standards throughout his life. His music is influenced by intriguing characters and stories from history, the roots of the music he loves, and the diversity of the human experience. His song “Sultana” which tells the story of the Civil War steamboat disaster was selected to be featured at the Sultana museum in Marion, AR. Waterman has presented his programs “A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music” and “Cro-Magnon Blues: History and Legends Through Song” in venues around the country, both in person and virtually. He has an M.A. in Popular Music History from Prescott College. Li is a classically trained guitarist and singer who formerly fronted the Rhode Island band Alien Tesh. She is also an artist and graduate of Museum School in Boston.

For more information or to register for this exciting program go to sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Traveling Mystery Room at Sawyer Free Library!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Traveling Mystery Room with Big Ryan
Saturday, December 27 | 1:00–2:30 PM
Children’s Program Room | Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester

The Sawyer Free Library is calling all young detectives and adventure-seekers! Kids ages 7–16 are invited to join Big Ryan for an exciting Traveling Mystery Room experience — an interactive adventure filled with teamwork, creativity, and fast-paced problem-solving.

The challenge:
You’ve been abducted by aliens along with a group of your peers. Your only hope of escape is to work together, follow the clues, and complete each step needed to charge the escape pod. But act quickly — you have just one hour before the aliens discover you’ve broken free!

Important details:

  • Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org, and space is limited — please register each child individually.
  • Designed for kids ages 7–16.
  • Parents of children ages 7–9 are strongly encouraged to stay and lend a hand with the mystery.

Questions? Email tbalsan@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure!

Silent Movie Classic ‘Peter Pan’ narrated by Lindsay Crouse, organ accompaniment by Peter Krasinski, Sunday, December 21st at 3:30pm

~ chasnaz

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is proud to present the original silent movie ‘Peter Pan,’ a 1925 American fantasy-adventure film as part of its Tenth Anniversary Series. It will be narrated by acclaimed actress Lindsay Crouse and accompanied on the pipe organ by maestro Peter Krasinski. This is great entertainment for the whole family during the holidays!
Tickets are available at the door and online (strongly recommended) with more information at: http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org. General admission is $30, students $10, under age 12 free.
The historic 1806 Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, is located on the green at the corner of Middle and Church Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). Parking is available on the green and around the historic district. The side entrance at 10 Church Street has an elevator to the main level, if needed.


For decades the silent movie ‘Peter Pan’ was thought to be lost but in the 1950’s a well preserved copy was discovered in a vault in Rochester, New York. The film is based on a play written by Sir James Barrie and was directed by Herbert Brenon in 1924 and was filmed on Santa Cruz island. The plot explores fantasy, adventure and is a playful film armed with technical ingenuity and classic source material.


The presentation will be narrated by Lindsay Crouse, American actress who made her debut in the 1972 revival of Much Ado About Nothing. She has played many roles in numerous films and received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. Lindsay is a resident of Annisquam and a well-known celebrity on Cape Ann.


The film will also be accompanied by Peter Krasinski, a master of improvised silent movie accompaniment, whose exciting performances delight kids and adults alike. Krasinski will display the diverse power of the 1893 Hutchings/Fisk organ, creating music that adds mystery, intrigue and excitement to this memorable and nostalgic film.


‘Peter Pan’ is presented in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema.

Timeline: Cape Ann Screening – The Flying Santa

~ Sawyer Free Library

Timeline: Cape Ann Screening — The Flying Santa
Friday, December 19 | 3:00–4:00 PM
Community Room | Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Ave., Gloucester

The Sawyer Free Library is delighted to welcome Kory Curcuru of 1623 Studios for a special screening of Timeline: Cape Ann — The Flying Santa.

More than 90 years ago, a Maine pilot began a heartfelt tradition: air-dropping Christmas packages to lighthouse keepers and their families who guided him to safety. Over time, the route expanded to Cape Ann and eventually reached Coast Guard stations and lighthouses across the country. Remarkably, the Flying Santa tradition continues to this day.

This captivating film tells the story of one man’s generosity and the enduring spirit of community that helped shape Gloucester’s identity. A Q&A with Kory Curcuru will follow the screening.

This free public event is open to all. Registration is requested at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Middle Street Walk: Events at Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Middle Street Walk
Saturday, December 13 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Sawyer Free Library · 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA

Celebrate the 27th annual Middle Street Walk, a beloved Gloucester holiday tradition where “the past is present!” Enjoy a festive day filled with music, art, community events, and FREE horse-drawn wagon rides along historic Middle Street. The Sawyer Free Library is excited to be part of the celebration with special programs for all ages.

Festivities at the Sawyer Free Library

10:30–11:30 AM — Holiday Music & Card Making for Kids
Drop in for cheerful music and hands-on card-making fun — perfect for children and families.

12:00–2:00 PM — Walker Creek Saxophone Quartet Performance
Enjoy a live performance from this talented saxophone quartet, filling the Library with seasonal favorites and jazzy flair.

1:00–4:00 PM — Tours of the Saunders House Historic WPA Murals
Professional conservator Lisa Mehlin will lead 15-minute guided tours of the newly restored WPA murals in the historic Saunders House. Learn about their remarkable history and the intricate conservation process. Registration required at SawyerFreeLibrary.org.

1:00–1:30 PM — Gingerbread Creation Contest Winner Announcement
Join members of the Middle Street Walk Committee — including Barbara Catalini of Cakes by Barbara — in the Children’s Room as they announce the winners of the 2025 Gingerbread Creation Contest. All gingerbread entries will be on display!

More details on Middle Street Walk festivities city-wide will be shared soon. We hope you’ll join us for this magical Gloucester tradition!

Staying Healthy Through the Winter: Herbal Program for Health and Wellness

~ Sawyer Free Library

Staying Healthy Through the Winter: Herbal Program for Health and Wellness
Tuesday, December 16 | 1:30–3:00 PM
Community Room | Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester

Discover natural ways to support your health through the cold and flu season at the Sawyer Free Library with Rivka Schwartz of Health and Hearth, a local herbal and wellness practice.

In this informative and practical workshop, you’ll:

  • Explore simple strategies to help strengthen your immune system
  • Learn about herbs with antiviral properties
  • Discover how to make herbal teas and long-lasting herbal tinctures/extracts

The program will include samples, take-home recipes, and an information packet so you can continue your wellness journey at home.

All are welcome. Registration requested at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

“Wildlife Out Your Window with Brad Timm” at the Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Wildlife Out Your Window with Brad Timm
Thursday, December 4 | 5:30–6:30 PM
Community Room | Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester

Discover the extraordinary wildlife hiding in plain sight! Join the Sawyer Free Library for a lively and educational presentation with author Brad Timm, who brings the natural world to life through surprising insights and engaging stories inspired by his book Wildlife Out Your Window.

During this fun, family-friendly talk, Timm will share fascinating wildlife factoids, including:

  • Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue
  • Some foxes can climb trees
  • Certain frogs create their own natural anti-freeze

He’ll also explore simple ways we can support and protect the wildlife that lives all around us — in our yards, neighborhoods, and city green spaces. You’re guaranteed to walk away seeing the natural world with fresh eyes!

After the presentation, Brad will be available to chat with attendees, answer questions, and sign copies of Wildlife Out Your Window, which will be available for purchase.

All are welcome. Registration requested at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Cold Chocolate-Folk, Funk and Bluegrass Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:30pm

~ chasnaz

Cold Chocolate, a Boston-based duo that calls itself  “a genre-bending Americana band,” makes its Cape Ann debut on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s 10th Anniversary series of concerts, lectures, silent movies and more. The location is the landmark 1806 Meetinghouse that is Gloucester’s oldest standing church and the home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church.

With Ethan Robbins on vocals, guitar and mandolin and Ariel Bernstein on vocals, percussion and banjo, Cold Chocolate fuses folk, funk and bluegrass and has released five albums. Simon Waxman of The Boston Review wrote that Cold Chocolate’s high energy and original music “sounds softer than the dew on the mountainside, harder than a Harley pushing back red dust, and sweeter than true love.”

With music for all ages, the band has shared bills with Leftover Salmon, David Grisman and Angelique Kidjo, and performed at festivals across the country. Tickets are available at the door and online with more information at: www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org. General admission is $30, students $10, under age 12 free.

The Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 50 Middle Street in Gloucester. Parking is available on the Green in front of the Meetinghouse and at other locations in the Historic District. The side entrance at 10 Church Street offers elevator access.

The Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church started its history as the first Universalist church in America in 1779, a rebellious congregation that played an important role in the quest for religious freedom as enshrined in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The architecturally significant building predates lighthouses on Cape Ann and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is an independent, secular nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the historic building’s preservation and its use for and by the Cape Ann community.

Fancy Fun with Robin Preiss Glasser: Illustrator of children’s book series Fancy Nancy

~ Sawyer Free Library

Ooh la la! Get ready for a fabulously fancy afternoon at the Sawyer Free Library!

On Wednesday, October 22, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., join Robin Preiss Glasser, the bestselling illustrator of the beloved Fancy Nancy books, for a sparkling celebration of creativity, confidence, and charm.

Attendees of all ages are encouraged to dress in their fanciest outfits (costumes welcome—it’s almost Halloween!) and enjoy an afternoon full of glitter and giggles as Robin greets guests with hand-drawn butterflies, shares her inspiring journey from professional ballet dancer to celebrated illustrator, reads one of her favorite stories on the big screen, and teaches everyone the art of “banana walking.” Afterward, stick around for crafts, book signings, and plenty of fancy fun!

This free program is perfect for all ages. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org 

About the Illustrator: Robin Preiss Glasser
Robin Preiss Glasser wore tiaras and tutus when she danced as a soloist with the Pennsylvania Ballet. Now she happily spends her days in jeans, drawing. She has illustrated many acclaimed picture books, including the now-classic Fancy Nancy series. In 2013, she won the Children’s Choice Book Award for Best Illustrator of the Year for Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet.