kids

Walk on the Wild Side: Predator Ecology with Kestrel Educational Adventures!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Do you have what it takes to survive the wild? 🐾

Step into the pawprints of local predators—think coyotes, fisher cats, and bobcats—in this wild and wildly fun outdoor adventure with Kestrel Educational Adventures and Sawyer Free Library on Friday, April 11 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester – meet at the gazebo!

Designed for curious minds in grades 6–12 (that’s ages 11–19), this hands-on program brings the science of predator ecology to life through games, crafts, and energetic discussions. You’ll track, play, and learn your way through the habits and habitats of some of New England’s most elusive carnivores.

Whether you’re a future wildlife biologist, a nature lover, or just ready to get outside and do something cool, this event is your ticket to adventure.

The program will take place at Stage Fort Park located at 24 Hough Avenue in Gloucester.

No experience necessary—just bring your sense of curiosity and maybe a friend or two! Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Questions? Contact: anakoneczny@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Sawyer Free Library Invites Young Poets to Enter the 2025 Poetry Without Paper Contest

~ Sawyer Free Library

New Chapter, New Stories, New Beginnings

Calling all young poets and aspiring writers! The Sawyer Free Library is thrilled to launch the 2025 Poetry Without Paper contest, continuing its decades-long tradition of inspiring creativity in Gloucester’s youth. Running through April 30, 2025, the competition aligns with the culmination of National Poetry Month—an ideal time for young voices to share their poetry and perspectives. This year’s theme, New Chapter, New Stories, New Beginnings, invites students to reflect on fresh starts and new possibilities. The theme also echoes an exciting milestone for the Library itself as it prepares to reopen in September in a newly renovated, expanded, and modernized space.

Coordinated by Sawyer Free Library’s Children’s staff in collaboration with renowned poet and former Gloucester Poet Laureate John Ronan and Library Board member Dawn Sarrouf, this beloved annual competition provides a creative platform for students to showcase their talent in a supportive community of writers.

The contest welcomes submissions from children and teens living in Gloucester or attending its schools in three age groups: elementary, middle, and high school. While participants are encouraged to explore the theme “New Chapter, New Stories, New Beginnings,” poems on any topic are welcome. Poetry submissions may be enhanced with video, images, or music but should be 30 lines or fewer, original, and previously unpublished.

Winners will be selected from three age groups: high school, middle school, and elementary school. First-place winners in all categories will receive $150 Cape Ann gift certificates, second-place winners will receive $100 gift certificates, and third-place winners a $50 gift certificate with Honorable Mention winners presented with a poetry book. All winning poets will receive a certificate, be able to present their poems at an awards ceremony in June, and be invited to appear on an episode of 1623 Studio’s production, The Writer’s Block with John Ronan. Additionally, all winning entries will be on display at and published online by the Library.

Poems must be submitted through the Library website at SawyerFreeLibrary.org from March 1 to April 30. For more information, contact the Children’s Librarian at tbalsan@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Students do not need to be library cardholders to enter the contest, but for those interested, the Sawyer Free Library offers library cards for children of all ages. Starting from birth, anyone who resides or attends school in Gloucester can obtain a Library card for free by applying in person, online, or by mail. For more information, visit the Library at 21 Main Street, online at sawyerfreelibrary.org, or call 978-325-5551.

Family Bingo at the Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of FAMILY BINGO at the Sawyer Free Library on Monday, March 10 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Whether you’re a bingo pro or a first-time player, we want you to join us for an afternoon of friendly competition, great prizes, and maybe even some bingo puns! Bring the whole family and see if you can be the lucky winner.

Families with children of all ages are welcome, but this program is best enjoyed by children 5 and up. All children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Space is limited, please register at sawyerfreelibrary.org to save your spot!

Please note that registration priority will be given to families who have not previously attended Family Bingo. So if you missed out last time, make sure to register now!

The event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. Please reach out to tbalsan@sawyerfreelibrary.org with any questions or call 978-325-5500.

Fancypants Friday: Cheese, Cookies, and Collaging for Teens and Tweens

~ Sawyer Free Library

Teens and tweens, start your weekend off with a fancy flair! Join the Sawyer Free Library on Friday, February 7 from 3:00 to 4:15 pm for an afternoon of collage-making and cheese and cookie pairings from The Cave.

All materials will be provided. No registration is required, so stop by with a friend. Grades 6-12 (ages 11-19) welcome. Questions? Email Annalise at anakoneczny@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Minute to Win It: Sawyer Free Library Edition at Cape Ann YMCA on Wed, Jan. 1/29

~ Sawyer Free Library

Calling all tweens and teens—it’s your time to shine! Join the Sawyer Free Library at the Cape Ann YMCA on Wednesday, January 29, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm for an afternoon of snacks, mini-games, and friendly competition. We’ll test your skills and smarts, and you could walk away with prizes—so be sure to bring your A-game and a friend! No registration is required, and all materials will be provided. This event is open to anyone in grades 6–12 (ages 11–19). For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500. Don’t let the winter blues slow you down—come get active, have fun, and win big!

Get Salty with the Sawyer Free Library and The Open Door!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join us on Saturday, January 25 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Sawyer Free Library (21 Main Street) for a fun, family-friendly popcorn party. While your popcorn pops, decorate a festive snowman bag and then create your own custom salty seasoning blend. It’s the perfect winter snack!

This popcorn extravaganza with the Library and The Open Door is part of the 4th Annual Gloucester’s So Salty Festival—a city-wide celebration of Gloucester’s famously salty character. Hosted by the Cape Ann Museum in partnership with local cultural institutions and businesses, this exciting weekend features ice sculptures, live music, salty treats, free art activities for kids, and much more. You won’t want to miss it!

While you’re at the Library, don’t forget to learn how you can save money and energy this winter. Home Works Energy will be on-site from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM to help you sign up for a no-cost home energy assessment through the Mass Save Program.

These events—and the whole So Salty festival—is free and open to the public, so bring your friends and family for a taste of Gloucester’s saltiest delights!

For questions about these or any Library community program and events visit sawyerfreelibrary.org, call 978-325-5500 or stop by the Sawyer Free’s temporary Library space at 21 Main Street in Gloucester.

Family Author Talk with Mark Parisi!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Come to the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, November 21 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm for an engaging evening with award-winning cartoonist, author, and Gloucester native Mark Parisi.

Mark will share insights into his creative process, discussing his new book The Truth About 5th Grade, his Marty Pants middle-grade series, and his long-running Off the Mark comic panel. The event will also feature a live drawing demonstration by Mark himself. 

Be sure to register for this fun family event at sawyerfreelibrary.org! Questions? 978-325-5500.

SILENT MOVE EVENT FEATURING ‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’ and ‘TOLL OF THE SEA’ on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024 WITH PIPE-ORGAN MAESTRO PETER KRASINSKI

~ chasnaz

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation presents sonic artist and maestro of the pipe-organ Peter Krasinski accompanying two silent film classics, ALICE IN WONDERLAND (filmed on Cape Ann in 1915!) and the TOLL OF THE SEA (1922) on Saturday, November 2 at 7:30pm at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church on Middle Street. Accessible side entrance at 10 Church Street.

This annual classic silent movie event is great fun for the whole family, presented in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema.  Maestro Krasinski is world-famous for his brilliant, improvised accompaniment of silent films and will perform on the mighty 1893 Hutchings/Fisk pipe organ in our historic Meetinghouse.

Admission:  $15 General, $5 Students, Under 12 free.  Tickets at the door or online with more info at:  www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Bring your family, friends and neighbors!

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSORS OF OUR AUTUMN-WINTER-SPRING SERIES!

Author Talk with Amanda Greaves: The Chameleon Diaries

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Thursday, September 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm the Sawyer Free Library is pleased to welcome local author Amanda Greaves, who will be discussing her book The Chameleon Diaries: Designing a Life Worth Changing For, an inspiring memoir and guide to self-discovery, challenging self-doubt and limiting beliefs.  No registration needed. The event will be located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester.

About the Author: Amanda Greaves is a dynamic and entertaining speaker, author, interior designer, and coach.

Amanda’s mission is to guide women and men past their own limiting beliefs and feelings of unworthiness, feeling stuck, and perceptions of not being enough through inspirational keynotes, panel discussions, workshops and personalized coaching. Her own life’s journey and experiences are the basis of her research and she utilizes the lessons learned as fuel for her positive forward momentum and intentional focus on communication strategies, empowerment, and discovering one’s superpower.

With over 20 years in the construction industry, Amanda owned and operated an award-winning design firm for over 13 years, and recently shifted her focus, embraced the power of change in which she speaks about, and is now mastering the art and science of deeper connections and more meaningful relationships through consulting and motivational speaking.

Amanda’s leadership and educational style capture the heart and souls of her clients and friends both near and far and have you taking action on your intentional journey with clarity and passion.

No registration required. For questions? Contact: lsvensson@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.