kids

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.

Family Fun at The Cut this Sunday afternoon with live music, beach games, and summer vibes

~ Sawyer Free Library

“Making Waves For the 2025 Sawyer Free ”

Come shake off the last of winter and soak up the warmth of community spirit at this free family-friendly event featuring a performance by “Moonraker” and “Dis n’ Dat Reggae Band”

Get ready to make a splash as Sawyer Free Library invites you to a community-wide celebration, “Making a Splash for the 2025 Sawyer Free,“ at The Cut. Dive into the fun THIS Sunday, April 28, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and usher in summer early with an afternoon of live music, beach games, and summer vibes for all ages. 

Headlining the afternoon festivities will be a performance by Gloucester’s very own Mayor’s band “MOONRAKER,” featuring Amy Prichard on lead vocals and guitar, Adam Quinn on drums, Missy Sponagle lending her vocal talents, Nate Kidder on lead guitar, Mayor Greg Verga on bass, and a special guest appearance by Millie Manning from “Millie and the Half Nelsons” on vocals and keyboard.

Adding to the summertime vibe, local reggae sensation the “Dis n’ Dat band will kick off the party, setting the stage for an afternoon filled with family-friendly beach games, prizes, auction, raffle, and other surprises. Plus, expect insightful remarks about the 2025 Sawyer Free Library.

Family friendly celebration free and open to all, although donations welcomed to 2025 Sawyer Free Library  In addition, anyone staying for dinner after the festivities, The Cut will donate 10% of their bill to the 2025 Sawyer Free Library! 

 RSVP HERE to let us know you are coming!  It is going to be a great time! 

Auction Highlights :

•2 Red Sox Tickets vs Toronto Blue Jays Monday, June 24 at 7:10 pm (Value: $400)  Seats just above Red Sox Dugout – Donated by Caruso and McGovern Construction Co.

•Yeti Roadie Cooler with Beach Gear– Ace Hardware/Red Lantern/ Applied Materials

•Winning Solutions Family Chess Game with Surfside Pizza and Ice Cream

Raffle Highlights: 

• Family Sail – The Schooner Thomas E. Lannon ( $99 value)

• Cape Ann Lanes ($150 Gift Card)

• Family Dinner Causeway Gift Certificate ($150.00)

• Gloucester Maritime for a Museum + Family Annual Membership  ($150 Value)

• Mark Adrian Shoes Gift Certificate 

All proceeds benefit the 2025 Sawyer Free Library 

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

“Making a Splash for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library” at THE CUT on Sunday, April 28th!

~ Sawyer Free Library

A family-friendly afternoon of live music, beach games and summer vibes featuring Mayor Verga’s band “Moonraker” – all to celebrate the 2025 Sawyer Free Library!

Get ready to make a splash at this community-wide celebration for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library at The Cut at 177 Main Street in downtown Gloucester on Sunday, April 28 from 3:00 -5:00 p.m. Dive into the fun and usher in summer early with live music, beach games and summer vibes – for all ages!

Headlining the event will be “Moonraker,” Gloucester’s very own Mayor’s band featuring Amy Prichard on lead vocals and guitar, Adam Quinn on drums, Missy Sponagle lending her vocal talents, Nate Kidder on lead guitar, Mayor Greg Verga on bass, and a special guest appearance by Millie Manning from Millie and the Half Nelsons on vocals and keyboard.

Adding to the summertime vibe, local reggae sensation the “Dis n’ Dat band” will kick off the party, setting the stage for an afternoon filled with beach games, prizes, and other surprises. Plus, a sneak peek into the exciting developments ahead with the 2025 Sawyer Free Library!

The Library is grateful to The Cut for generously donating their space for this event. And for those who choose to have dinner after the festivities, The Cut will also donate 10% of your final bill to the 2025 Sawyer Free Library.

The family-friendly event is open to all ages; admission is free, but donations to the 2025 Sawyer Free Library are welcomed.  To register or for more details, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Grab a Spoon and Enjoy a Delicious Collaboration in celebration of Earth Month!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Grab a spoon and satisfy your sweet tooth. In case you haven’t seen, the Sawyer Free Library has partnered with Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe to make Cocoa Berry Chip, a raspberry-infused chocolate ice cream loaded with chocolate chips! Award winning Holy Cow Ice Cream created a new flavor celebrating Earth Month in partnership with the Sawyer Free Library and Cape Ann Climate Coalition.

This delicious special chocolate and raspberry-flavored all-natural ice cream 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. This delicious ice cream be available in pints only at the Gloucester and Peabody locations, so get some while you can!

For more information visit, 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. 

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

Let The Good Times Roll

Image ~ ~ michaeldekoster

January 14th Fundraiser for Maritime Gloucester

Get your friends and family together and join us for a some strings of bowling, raffle prizes, and more — all for a great cause! Reserve a lane for up to six players ($120 per lane, teams of up to six people, includes 3 strings of bowling and shoe rental for all). Don’t forget to bring some extra spending money for raffles, games, food and drinks! Cape Ann Lanes has a great selection of food and beverages!

**If you want to participate but don’t have enough players to reserve a full lane, please choose the individual ticket to reserve your spot ($25/person) and we’ll place you on a team at the event (while space is available).**

Please email info@maritimegloucester.org with questions.