holiday

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.

Hot Cocoa Party at the Library for Teens & Tweens

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Friday, December 13 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm enjoy a sweet treat at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. Stop by for free hot cocoa with fun add-ons like candy canes, whipped cream, and gingerbread cookies. Grab a cup to go or stay and chat with the YA Librarian.

For students in grades 6–12 (ages 11–19).

No registration required. Questions? Contact: anakoneczny@sawyerfreelibrary.org

THIS WEEKEND: HOLIDAY MARKET AT SECOND GLANCE

~ todtheopendoor

SHOP for boutique winter clothing, classic and quirky holiday décor, one-of-a-kind gifts (jewelry, art, books), and so much more!

WHEN: Saturday December 7 from 9 am to 5 pm AND Sunday December 8 from 11 am to 5 pm

WHERE: Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door, at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA

NOTE: PLEASE help us be good neighbors and do not park in our neighbor’s lots!

WHAT: SHOP the Holiday Market at Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door, for high-quality, second-hand goods and one-of-a-kind finds for the holidays. Revenue at Second Glance supports hunger-relief programs of The Open Door.

Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org.

Stop by SFL@21 Main Street this Thursday evening during Downtown Gloucester: Men’s Night

~ Sawyer Free Library

It is Downtown Gloucester’s Men’s Night this Thursday evening, December 14! Come visit downtown businesses and shops, including the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street. The first 20 men who come to the Library between 4:00 -6:00 pm will receive a swag bag with a free book! While there, be sure to browse the shelves, including our Season’s Readings selections, Festive Films on DVD, and holiday music albums. 

For more information, or to learn more about the fun happenings, services and more at the Sawyer Free Library check out sawyerfreelibrary.org!

Beauport Cruiselines New Year’s Eve Cruise!

~ bhgmarketing2023

Cruise into 2024 amidst the waves and beneath the stars aboard Beauport Cruiselines!

Our can’t-miss New Year’s Eve Cruise will feature a sparkling Champagne Toast, Lively DJ Entertainment, delectable Passed Hors D’oevres, a delicious Mac & Cheese Martini Bar a Chinese Food Feast, and more! What better way to sail into the New Year?

Cash bar available.

Tickets are $96.00 per person. Guests 21+ only.

Reserve your spot today: https://beauportcruiselines.com/cruise-schedule/

Annual Gloucester Ladies Night at SFL@21 Main

~ Sawyer Free Library

Gloucester ladies, Thursday, December 7th is your day… and night! It is the 50th Annual Ladies Night and to celebrate, the first 20 ladies to come to the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street between 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. will receive a swag bag including a holiday romance novel or a cozy holiday mystery! So be sure to stop by and happy holidays from Sawyer Free Library!

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

Ladies Night In: The Holiday Edition

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join us for LADIES NIGHT IN: The Holiday Edition on Thursday, December 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester.

The Sawyer Free Library is creating a Romance Book Club and the first book we are reading is The Great Christmas Knit-Off by Alexandra Brown. The fun festive evening will be complete with cocoa, cookies, a holiday book discussion and perhaps a few knitting projects. 

Those interested should register HERE and come by SFL@21 Main Street to pick up a copy of the book!

For more information or if you have questions, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or call 978-325-5501. 

Reading and Book Signing by Local Author at Sawyer Free Library on Saturday, December 3

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Saturday, December 3, from 10:00- 11:30 am, the SAWYER FREE LIBRARY will host a reading and book signing of The Tree in Dock Square. Written by author Jean Woodbury and illustrated by Bonnie Sylvester, the book was the Cape Ann Reads’ First Prize Winner.

Inspired by a true story in Rockport, this charming children’s book about a town’s holiday tradition and a child’s love for her grandfather has been described as “rich in the warmth of family and community connections.” 

The author, Jean Woodbury, will read from her book followed by the illustrator, Bonnie L. Sylvester, leading a craft activity based on themes from the holiday story. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase, or people are welcome to bring their own book to be signed. 

The Sawyer Free Library’s new downtown location is 21 Main Street in Gloucester.  

The family friendly event is free and open to the public. For questions, please visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or call 978-350-5500. 

Cape Ann Reads: The art of children’s literature is strong throughout Cape Ann and is part of its rich cultural history. To mark the 75th anniversary of author and illustrator Virginia Lee Burton winning the Caldecott Medal for her book, The Little House, the four Cape Ann’s libraries (Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester, Manchester by the Sea Public Library, TOHP Burnham Public Library in Essex, and Rockport Public Library) launched Cape Ann Reads. The joint library project with community partners and the Cape Ann Museum aimed to highlight Cape Ann artists and writers and strengthen community connections and family literacy. Special events included a picture book contest for Cape Ann residents, with the Grand Prize being a first-edition hardcover publication by Cape Ann Reads.

The Gloucester Lyceum presents WINTER TALES: Stories for all ages

~ Sawyer Free Library

HOW TO VIEW THE STORIES: Stories will be posted at 6pm on the date listed. To access the stories, visit our Facebook page or YouTube channel on or after that date. 
Click to view Winter Tales on Facebook
Click to view Winter Tales on YouTube

Please note: Sawyer Free Library’s Holiday Hours

  • December 23 10am – 5pm
  • December 24 – 27 Closed
  • December 28 10am – 5pm
  • December 29 10am – 5pm
  • December 30 10am – 5pm
  • December 31 10am – 5pm
  • January 1 Closed
  • January 2 10am – 5pm

For more information visit sawyerfreelibrary.org

Virtual Workshop: DIY Edible Gifts

~ backyardgrowersgloucester

Join Backyard Growers on Zoom for a hands-on demo of a seasonal simple syrup and festive snacks that are perfect for last-minute foodie holiday gifts, or just a tasty treat for you!

When: Thursday, December 17, 5:30-6:15pm
Where: Zoom
Tickets: $15 general admission / $7.50 for 2019 & 2020 participants in Backyard Growers’ backyard and community garden programs

Click here to purchase tickets

At this interactive virtual workshop, attendees will learn how to whip up:

🍹 a cranberry-spiced syrup for use in a festive margarita, seasonal cider, or a holiday limeade,

✨ cinnamon citrus sugar salt for a margarita or mocktail glass rim, or a topping for popcorn,

🎁 delicious savory homemade cheese crackers

Ticket purchasers will receive ingredient lists, recipes, and gift-wrap recommendations ahead of time in case they want to prepare gifts and cook together during the workshop – or, just join us to be merry and enjoy a fun evening together, with the chance to ask questions.

Proceeds support Backyard Growers’ work connecting kids, seniors, and families to the resources they need to grow their own food at schools, in backyards, and at community gardens.

The workshop will be led by Cecily McAndrews, editor and food writer with experience writing for outlets including Food Network Magazine, Rachael Ray In Season, and Pioneer Woman Magazine. She has degrees from the Institute for Culinary Education and Mount Holyoke College. Currently, she edits cookbooks at Callisto Media, bakes whenever she can, and contemplates what to make for dinner.