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Sawyer Free Library Kicks Off 2023 Annual Appeal “Create the Future” to fund critical programming, resources and services

~ Sawyer Free Library

The SAWYER FREE LIBRARY has kicked off its 2023 Annual Appeal campaign, “Create the Future.”

Operating in its temporary location at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester, the Sawyer Free Library is a vibrant hub where the future comes alive through education and cultural enrichment and where knowledge is accessible to all, free of charge. From early literacy programs nurturing the youngest minds to cutting-edge STEM after-school programming for students to assisting digital learners in finding their way in the online world to a plethora of local community events for every age, the Library plays an integral role in shaping Gloucester’s educational, cultural, and social fabric.

The Sawyer Free Library relies on this important yearly fundraising effort to provide a wide range of new collections and resources, technology, innovative programming, and critical services to respond to the changing needs of the greater Gloucester community.

“The Library enriches, informs, and strengthens every corner of our city,” said Mern Sibley, President of the Library’s Board of Trustees. “We hope the community will carefully consider our appeal and join us in supporting the vital work of the Sawyer Free Library. Every contribution ensures that the Library can be exceptionally agile, relevant, and inventive while remaining completely accessible and free of charge.

“We provide library services that make a significant difference in the lives of our patrons and our community,” said Sawyer Free Library’s Director Jenny Benedict. “Every contribution to the Annual Appeal is a direct investment in the Library’s meaningful programming, diverse resources, and crucial services that create opportunities for individuals of all ages to connect, learn, grow and thrive throughout Gloucester and beyond.”

Contributions to the year-end Annual Appeal can be made online at www.sawyerfreelibrary.org or by check to the Sawyer Free Library, Annual Appeal, P.O. Box 415, Gloucester, MA 01930.

Local Author Katherine Babson & her dog Pippi at SFL at 21 Main Street on Saturday, 11/4

~ Sawyer Free Library

Pippi Rocks! More Stories from the Dog Blog!

This Saturday, November 4 from 10:30 to 11:15 am join local author Katherine (Gig) Babson and Pippi her black Labrador retriever at Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street as they share their newest picture book.  Hear stories from their many outdoor adventures at Dogtown, a favorite local spot of theirs on Cape Ann. The 26 Babson Boulders, which are engraved with inspirational inscriptions such as Kindness, Courage, & Never Try, Never Win are featured in their outdoor Dogtown adventures as well as Pippi’s training!

Pippi Rocks, More Stores from the Dog Blog is a charming tale of a curious, exceedingly clever Young Dog’s exploits. The antics of Pippi are non-stop in these tales of her mischievous adventures by Katherine (Gig) Babson. The book is a warm and inspiring affirmation of how a dog’s and its owner’s reciprocal love brings deep and unique meaning to their lives.

Registration is not required. All are welcome! For more information visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

‘THE HAUNTED HOUSE’ AND ‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA,’ HALLOWEEN SILENT MOVIES WITH THE PIPE ORGAN IN THE MEETINGHOUSE!!!

~ chasnaz

PETER KRASINSKI, WORLD-FAMOUS SONIC ARTIST AND MAESTRO OF THE PIPE ORGAN, IMPROVISES MUSIC FOR TWO GREAT SILENT MOVIE CLASSICS ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 AT 7:30PM IN THE HISTORIC GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE!

$15 GENERAL ADMISSION, $ 5 STUDENTS, UNDER 12 FREE. COME EARLY FOR THE BEST SEATS. MAIN ENTRANCE ON THE GREEN, CORNER OF CHURCH AND MIDDLE STREETS; ACCESSIBLE SIDE ENTRANCE AT 10 CHURCH STREET. COSTUMES OPTIONAL BUT ENCOURAGED. FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

PROGRAM: the famous and exciting PRELUDE AND FUGUE IN D-MINOR BY J.S. BACH; the hilarious slapstick comedy ‘THE HAUNTED HOUSE’ STARRING BUSTER KEATON; and the spooky, Halloween classic that takes you deep below the street level of Paris, France in ‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’ STARRING LON CHANEY.

ADVANCE TICKETS AND MORE INFO AT: http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

Sawyer Free Library’s BRICK BY BRICK Community LEGO Celebration – this Saturday, 9/16!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the Sawyer Free Library for a fun LEGO-filled community event THIS Saturday, September 16, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at 20 Main Street in downtown Gloucester, right across from the Sawyer Free Library temporary location. 

Build your own library-inspired LEGO creation with the help of a certified LEGO Master from the LEGO Discovery Center Boston. Check out the specially commissioned LEGO model replica of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library. Have fun creating with LEGOs along with face painting, prizes, music, and more! 

All are invited to this FREE community celebration of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library’s upcoming community groundbreaking which is taking place on Friday, September 29th!

For more information on the LEGO event or the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Groundbreaking visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org

The SawyerFree2025.org campaign depends on the generosity of supporters like you. 

We still need your help. Make the new Sawyer Free Library a reality- donate now!

Sawyer Free Library to Host LEGO Event for Community “LET’S BUILD TOGETHER: 2025 Sawyer Free Library”

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is hosting an exciting LEGO community event in advance of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library’s upcoming groundbreaking celebration. LET’S BUILD TOGETHER: 2025 Sawyer Free Library will take place on Saturday, September 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 20 Main Street in downtown Gloucester, directly across from the Sawyer Free Library temporary location.

Co-hosted with the LEGO Discovery Center Boston, the free event, LET’S BUILD TOGETHER: 2025 Sawyer Free Library Brick by Brick LEGO Celebration, will bring together families, enthusiasts, and Lego lovers of all ages for a morning filled with boundless creativity, fun, and community spirit as they share their excitement for the future of the Sawyer Free Library.

Whether you’re a seasoned Lego enthusiast or new to the world of building blocks, this free event is open to individuals of all ages and skill levels. Event highlights include:

  • The opportunity to build “library” inspired creations with an Official Lego Master Model Builder from the LEGO Discovery Center Boston.
  • The official unveiling of the specially commissioned 2025 Sawyer Free Library Lego model, created using over 1,000 Lego blocks and made possible through the generosity of Dore + Whittier | Oudens Ello Architecture.
  • Extraordinary Lego masterpieces courtesy of the Boston LEGO Discovery Center.
  • Participants of all ages can showcase their construction skills through imaginative Lego challenges designed to inspire creativity and teamwork and win fun prizes.
  • Explore, build, and play freely with Legos, enjoy a musical performance by Gloucester’s own youth rock band, “Kicked off the Bus,” photo-ops with LEGO Minifigure characters, face painting, prizes and more!

In addition to the Lego festivities, attendees will also get a peek into the exciting plans for the 2025 Sawyer Free Public Library which promises to be a welcoming and inclusive environment, offering cutting-edge technology, diverse collections, engaging programs, and dedicated spaces for collaboration, learning, and relaxation. There will be information on how people can get involved and support this once-in-50-year opportunity to secure the future of this vital public institution.

The 2025 Sawyer Free Library Groundbreaking Celebration is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 29, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester, taking place rain or shine in the tented parking lot. The ceremony will mark the exciting beginning of the Sawyer Free Library’s comprehensive renovation, modernization, and expansion, and Gloucester realizing its vision of the 21st-century Library it so deserves – a dynamic and modernized community space that will inspire generations of lifelong learners in Gloucester and beyond. This exciting local history making event will be open to all.

To learn more about the Sawyer Free Library’s Community Lego Event or the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Groundbreaking Celebration, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

The Sawyer Free 2025 campaign is grateful for the tremendous engagement and investment at every level from all parts of the community but we still need the community’s help. To learn how you can be a part of making the new Sawyer Free Library a reality, visit www.2025SawyerFree.org.

The Young Gloucester Scientist’s Club Presents: Community Scavenger Hunt – Friday 8/25

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Young Gloucester Scientist’s Club Presents:  Community Garden Scavenger Hunt on Friday, August 25 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Join the Sawyer Free Library for an afternoon of garden bed exploring, scavenger hunting and a little bit of dirt-based science! In this hour long field trip to the Burnham Field Community Garden the Library’s friends at Backyard Growers will share some of the science behind growing and harvesting your own food.

This program is suitable for 4th-8th graders. Registration is required. Click HERE or go to SawyerFreeLibrary.org

Mass Audubon Tree Walk and Talk – Young Gloucester Scientist Club Field Trip

~ Sawyer Free Library

Tweens & Teens – – join the Sawyer Free Library Young Gloucester Scientists Club on a 2-hour nature walk in Historic Dogtown with some experts from Mass Audubon. Learn all about Cape Ann’s native plant life and the importance of trees in our ecosystem while observing and collecting data in our own YGSC nature journals! This is a great opportunity to connect with the natural world and practice vital science skills. This program is suitable for 4th-8th graders.

Registration & Permission Slips are Required. To Register Click: HERE.

For more information, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or email:  jllaurie@sawyerfreelibrary.org

The Young Gloucester Scientist’s Club is supported by federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The YGSC is a monthly club for 4th through 8th graders that introduces them to Gloucester Community members with careers across a variety of STEM fields.

SFL’s Young Gloucester Scientists Club: Field Trip to Maritime Gloucester 

~ Sawyer Free Library

Register now for a day of sea-side learning at Maritime Gloucester on Thursday, August 11th! The Sawyer Free Library Young Gloucester Scientists will help raise the sails on the Schooner Ardelle as they learn what it takes to be a sailor. Then they’ll spend some time on land learning about invasive crab species and rotate through stations all about the unassuming oyster, emphasizing its unique internal anatomy with a hands on dissection.

This program is suitable for 4th-8th graders. Registration is required for this free day long program!

All participants are asked to arrive at 32 Harbor Loop by 9:20a.m. and pick up will be at 1:30p.m. Permission slips required. All attendees should bring a bag lunch and water, no glass containers please.

For questions, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

The Young Gloucester Scientist’s Club is supported by federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The YGSC is a monthly club for 4th through 8th graders that introduces them to Gloucester Community members with careers across a variety of STEM fields.

Professor Bugman Entomology Adventures on Tuesday morning, 8/8

~ Sawyer Free Library

Sawyer Free Library is exited to present Professor Bugman Entomology Adventures on Tuesday, August 8 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Space is limited and registration is required for each child.

Meet & greet a variety of insects, bugs and more as Professor Bugman presents an engaging and memorable experience that inspires children and families.

This event will be held at Captain Lester S. Wass American Legion Post 3, (8 Washington Street.) Register HERE.

For more information on the this event and the complete schedule of summer happenings at the Library, please visit www.sawyerfreelibrary.org, call 978-325-5500, or 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester.