The Sawyer Free Library (SFL) has unveiled a new state of the art early literacy computer in the Children’s Room purchased by The Friends of the SFL in memory of beloved longtime children’s librarian assistant, Heather Falk, who passed away earlier this year. 

For almost three decades, Ms. Falk brought her irresistible enthusiasm and joy to the Gloucester community’s children and families through her work at the Sawyer Free Library. Heather joined the staff of the Library shortly after graduating from Gloucester High School. 

The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library, a community of dedicated library users whose fundraising activities support library programming and services, in gratitude and honor of Ms. Falk purchased an AWE early literacy computer for the Children’s Room in her name.

“Heather was a warm, kind, and encouraging person who deeply enjoyed making the lives of people that much larger through her work at the Library, stated Rebecca Aliberte, the President of the Friends of the SFL. “This advanced learning station will help to continue Heather’s legacy by promoting early childhood literacy and prepare Gloucester’s youngest students for success in school and beyond.”

“We are very proud, grateful, and excited to have received the new Awe Learning computer from the Friends of the Library. It is designed for children ages 2-8 and has more than 70 educational software games and activities they will really enjoy. Children can play bilingual games, too,” said Christy Rosso, SFL’s Children’s Librarian. “Heather would be very honored by this gift of the Friends in her name. She was kind and friendly to everyone, touching all of us with her gentle spirit.”

With the Sawyer Free Library now open for select onsite services, children and their families are welcome to use and enjoy the new Awe Station when visiting the Children’s Room. The Library is open to the public six days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm, except for Thursday when it is open from 12 to 7 pm. Visitors are requested to keep their visits to 30 minutes or less.  All visitors must wear masks, practice physical distancing, and all public spaces have limited capacities.  

For detailed information about the Sawyer Free Library’s services, programs, procedures and policies, and COVID-19 updates, please visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

To learn more about the Friends of the Sawyer Free Library, please visit https://sawyerfreelibrary.org/about/about-us/friends-of-the-sawyer-free-library/