MBLC

Annual Meeting of the Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library Corporation

~ Sawyer Free Library

Save the Date: Wednesday evening, November 12th

The Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library Corporation will host its first Annual Meeting in the state-of-the-art Community Room of the newly expanded and modernized Library on Wednesday, November 12. The evening will feature remarks from Board President Mern Sibley, Mayor Greg Verga, and MBLC Commissioner Joyce Linehan, who will speak on standing up for libraries and intellectual freedom. Library Director Jenny Benedict will share highlights from this milestone year and a look ahead to the Library’s next chapter.

Open to the public (only corporators may vote), the meeting offers an opportunity to celebrate the Library’s achievements, learn about its progress and finances, and engage with trustees and staff. Refreshments will be served. No registration required.

When: Wednesday, November 12, 6:30 p.m. with corporator sign-in beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester
Questions: 978-325-5500 | sawyerfreelibrary.org

Sawyer Free Library Announces Grand Reopening of Transformed Historic Building

~ Sawyer Free Library

Celebrations to Kick Off with Public Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, September 5

After nearly two years of renovation, expansion, and modernization, the Sawyer Free Library is proud to announce the grand reopening of its historic home at 2 Dale Avenue. To celebrate this major milestone, the Library will host a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Friday, September 5, followed by a Community Open House on Saturday, September 6. 

All are warmly invited to attend and explore the newly revitalized space.

This once-in-a-generation transformation marks a bold new chapter in the Library’s nearly 200-year legacy as a pillar of civic and cultural life in Gloucester. The result is a vibrant and inclusive public space designed to support 21st-century learning, creativity, and community connection.

“The new Sawyer Free Library reflects the spirit of our city: rooted in tradition, driven by creativity, and focused on building an inclusive, dynamic future”, said Mern Sibley, President of the Library’s Board of Trustees.

“This represents one of the most significant civic investments in Gloucester in a generation,” said Gloucester MayorGreg Verga. “It reflects what’s possible when we invest in public spaces that serve everyone.”

“We are incredibly proud to welcome everyone back into a new Sawyer Free Library that is reimagined, renewed and ready to inspire,” added Library Director Jenny Benedict. “This Library will serve our community as a launchpad for lifelong learning, innovation, and connection for decades to come.”

A Space Revitalized for All

Designed by Oudens Ello Architecture and Dore + Whittier Architects and built by W.T. Rich Company, the $28million construction project seamlessly blends the original 1913 structure and 1976 addition with a striking new 14,000-square-foot expansion. The project was guided by extensive community input and completed on time and within budget.

The transformed Library offers an expansive array of amenities and technologies to serve Gloucester’s evolving needs:

  • A light-filled Children’s Room and Early Learning Center
  • A vibrant Teen Room featuring a STEAM-focused Creation Space, gaming consoles, and study nooks.
  • A state-of-the-art Digital Learning Lab and Podcast Studios with media creation tools, digitization equipment, and soundproof recording rooms
  • A 100-seat Community Room with adjacent public-use kitchen
  • New study rooms, conference spaces, and quiet reading lounges
  • A dedicated Local History Research Center with an extensive collection of books and manuscripts, a robust digital archive, and an interactive 85” Gloucester History Timeline, alongside the preserved writing desk of historian Joseph Garland

In addition, visitors can enjoy a refreshed Matz Gallery for local art exhibitions and the soaring three-story Cape Ann Quarries mural by artist Leslie Bartlett. Outdoors, the grounds feature expanded outdoor gathering spaces, including the Fountain Plaza, covered Dale Avenue Porch and the Library Greenway with raised garden beds, as well as EV charging stations and bike/e-bike parking.

With over 66,000 items—including books, media, digital devices and book club kits—sections of the Library’s collection have grown alongside its physical footprint. New conveniences like after-hours pickup lockers extend access for all.

Built for the Future

The Library sets a new standard for sustainable public building design in the region. Built to Net Zero Ready standards and LEED Gold certification, the building features an all-electric HVAC system, smart energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and climate-resilient landscaping—demonstrating a strong commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.

“The long and challenging journey to restore, expand, and revitalize one of Cape Ann’s greatest public resources has reached a successful ending through the tireless work of dedicated trustees, donors, and a community that cherishes the tradition of a free public library,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Now, its doors will open wide again to allow us all to begin our own countless journeys in the future, made possible by the resources and the inspiration inside its incredible new spaces.”

“As the daughter of a school librarian, I’ve always understood the power of libraries to open doors and bring communities together. The reopening of the Sawyer Free Library reflects Gloucester’s deep commitment to knowledge, creativity, and civic life,” said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester). “The facilities in the expanded library will serve every generation — supporting early literacy, digital access, lifelong learning, and community gathering in one space. Thank you to the many partners who helped make this transformative project a reality.”

A Community Effort, A Shared Legacy

The $28 million construction transformation was made possible through generous public and private support, including over $10 million from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, $6 million from individual donors, $1.85 million from corporate donors, and $200,000 in local government and community partner grants. In addition, the Library Corporation contributed $2 million to the project during the design phase from trust funds. The capital project has reached completion on time and within budget.

To date, 65% of the Library’s capital campaign goal has been raised. Fundraising continues to fully cover construction costs and support the Library’s long-term vision. To contribute, visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org.

For nearly two centuries, the Sawyer Free Library has served as a trusted source of knowledge, creativity, and connection. The 2025 Library honors that legacy while boldly embracing the future—with a mission grounded in inclusion, sustainability, and lifelong learning.

“This is Gloucester’s library,” said Sibley. “And it belongs to everyone.” 

To celebrate this milestone, the Library will host two public events:

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Friday, September 5, from 3:00–4:30 PM
Featuring remarks, guided tours, a Cape Ann Youth Chorus performance, and light refreshments.
Free and open to all. Rain or Shine.

Community Celebration & Open House
Saturday, September 6, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
A day of family-friendly activities and opportunities to explore the transformed space.

Sawyer Free Library Kicks Off Summer with Reading Program and Exciting Lineup of Free Events

~ Sawyer Free Library

Summer is a time for discovery—and at Sawyer Free Library, the adventure is just beginning.

Sawyer Free Library invites the community to celebrate summer with the launch of its 2025 Summer Reading Program: Level Up at Your Library. This year’s theme is all about playful learning—spotlighting puzzles, games, and hands-on fun designed to spark curiosity and creativity in readers of all ages.

With a vibrant lineup of free events–from live animal visits and magic shows to garden story times and interactive challenges–Level Up encourages young readers to power up their imaginations and discover new worlds. 

The Summer Reading Program is open to children and teens who can register in person at any Summer Reading Program event or online through August 1. Participants are encouraged to read (or be read to) for at least 500 minutes over the summer. With their “Level Up at the Library” reading logs, kids can earn prizes including Topsfield Fair tickets and a chance to win a signed Boston Bruins hockey jersey courtesy of the Boston Bruins Foundation. 

The summer fun kicks off on Friday, July 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Gloucester City Hall with a live animal presentation by Wildlife Encounters Ecology Center. Children and families will meet exotic creatures and learn about their habitats, adaptations, and roles in the ecosystem.

Beginning July 10, Thursday mornings bring gardening and story-sharing with Backyard Growers in the library’s raised beds on the Saunders House Lawn. 

A summer highlight comes on Monday, July 28 at 10:00 a.m., when The Poop Museum arrives at City Hall. This interactive science program, led by “poop expert” Susie Maguire, is packed with fun facts, hands-on learning, and plenty of laughs as kids explore the surprising world of human, animal, and insect poop.

The library will also host Ed the Wizard and his Reading is Magic Alchemy Laboratory on Friday, August 8, an interactive magic show that uses storytelling and everyday objects to demonstrate the transformative power of reading. Then, on Tuesday, August 12 at 10:30 a.m., Rick Roth and the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team will introduce kids to real snakes and share fascinating facts about their habitats and behavior.

Tweens and teens have a summer program of their own to look forward to at Sawyer Free. Students entering grades 6–12 can earn a free half pint of Holy Cow Ice Cream just by reading one book and filling out online form. They’re also invited to special events like the Teen & Tween Whale Watch on July 10 and Henna Tattoos on August 11. Youth are encouraged to get involved in the Teen/Tween Advisory Board (TAB), where they can help shape library programs, earn volunteer hours, and connect with friends and community.

Summer reading isn’t just for kids. Adults can join in by submitting book ratings, earning entries into prize draws for $25, $50, or $75 Cape Ann Gift Certificates. Submissions can be made online or at the library. In addition, the library will host a full schedule of virtual author talks throughout the summer. All adult library programming, in-person services, programs, and special events will resume in September. Library cardholders can also continue to enjoy free or discounted passes to local cultural attractions. 

All summer programming is free, thanks to the support of the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and the Gloucester Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council. 

The Sawyer Free Library is excited to officially open its newly renovated, expanded, and modernized space this September. In the meantime, the Library’s digital resources are available 24/7 at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

To learn more about Summer at the Sawyer Free Library and to register for programs, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

COMMUNITY INVITED TO SIGN THE BEAM FOR THE 2025 SAWYER FREE LIBRARY

~ Sawyer Free Library

The 2025 Sawyer Free Library is taking shape, and the community is invited to make their name part of it from February 1-3 on the lawn of the Library’s Saunders House

The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to be a part of history by signing the commemorative steel beam that will be a cornerstone of the renovated, modernized and expanded 2025 Sawyer Free Library. The public beam signing event will take place daily from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm on Thursday, February 1 through Saturday, February 3, on the front lawn of the Library’s Saunders House located on Middle Street at Dale Avenue.

“As we reach this pivotal moment in our Library’s evolution, we are so pleased to extend an invitation to everyone to share in the excitement and pride of leaving their mark on the 2025 Sawyer Free Library,” said President of the Library’s Board of Trustees Mern Sibley. “This act of signing the last beam is symbolic, reflecting our collective commitment to knowledge, growth, and community engagement. We look forward to seeing the beam adorned with the signatures of those who make our Sawyer Free Library truly special.” 

From Thursday, February 1 through Saturday, February 3, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, the entire community can sign their names and express their support and excitement about the 2025 Sawyer Free Library. The beam will be set up under a tent on the front lawn of the Library’s Saunders House on Middle Street. Permanent markers will be available on-site, and the Library asks everyone planning to sign the beam to ensure their lasting messages are community-friendly. The Library also encourages people to document this historic moment by taking a picture as they add their signature to the beam, and then tag Sawyer Free Library on Facebook or @SawyerFreeLibrary on Instagram with the hashtag #signthebeam. 

This unique opportunity allows residents, patrons, and supporters to leave their mark on the future of the Sawyer Free Library. The signed beam will crown the newly expanded 2025 Sawyer Free structure in the symbolic beam-topping ceremony scheduled for Friday, February 9, at 10 am, marking the next exciting stage in the construction of this historic project. Due to limited space on the site, the area for the ceremony will accommodate speakers and key stakeholders and the public is welcome to witness the historic moment outside the safety fencing.

“We’re excited about the construction progress and appreciate the outstanding work completed by WT Rich Construction and our subcontractors,” said Library Director Jenny Benedict.  “We hope that everyone from our incredible Gloucester community and beyond joins us in celebrating this milestone by signing their name to the last beam of this historic project and becoming a part of its lasting legacy. The 2025 Sawyer Free Library is a community project in every sense. It is through the support and participation of our residents and visitors that our Library truly reflects and serves our vibrant Gloucester community.”

The Sawyer Free Library is grateful for the tremendous engagement and investment at every level from all parts of the community. The capital campaign is continuing during construction to raise $11M toward our $29M goal. There are still naming opportunities available for donors who may be interested in leaving their legacy, honoring a family member, or aligning their company’s mission and values while supporting the Library, Gloucester and the Cape Ann community. To learn how you can invest in this historic project and make the 2025 Sawyer Free Library a reality, please visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

The comprehensive renovation, modernization, and expansion of Gloucester’s public Library officially broke ground this past September. The project, which remains on schedule and budget, will take approximately eighteen months and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.   

When its doors open, the 2025 Sawyer Free Library will exemplify what a 21st-century public library can and should be in terms of architecture, sustainability, accessibility, use of natural resources and light, wayfinding, lines of sight, air quality, and public safety. The 2025 Sawyer Free Library project will preserve the original exterior, housing an entirely redesigned interior, and will also double the size of the existing Library’s footprint with a 14,000-square-foot addition. 

The 2025 Sawyer Free Library will offer current and emerging public technology, diverse collections, engaging programs, and new dedicated spaces for collaboration, learning, and relaxation. It will feature a digital learning lab, a 100-seat community room with state-of-the-science media presentation equipment, a local history research center, a dedicated teen room, a beautiful expanded children’s room with an early learning center for toddlers, study rooms for individual and group study, a 16-seat conference room, and much more. With its modern and sustainable design, the Library will provide an inspiring environment for library patrons, staff, the community, and beyond. 

W.T. Rich Company of Beverly, MA, is leading the construction of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library. The comprehensive project was designed by a team composed of Oudens Ello Architecture and Dore + Whittier Architecture, Construction Management Firm W.T. Rich, and Library project leaders, along with the vital input of the citizens of Gloucester.

The Sawyer Free Library is temporarily located at 21 Main Street and online 24/7 during construction. The Library remains committed to providing a dynamic and enriching environment for all.  For more information about the Public Beam Signing Event please visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500. 

Rendering of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library from Dale Avenue

SAWYER FREE LIBRARY RECEIVES SUPPLEMENTAL STATE GRANT FOR HISTORIC LIBRARY RENOVATION AND EXPANSIONS

~ Sawyer Free Library

Library grateful to local elected officials for helping to secure critical funding and commitment to 2025 Sawyer Free

The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to announce that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), in collaboration with the Executive Office of Administration and Finance of the State of Massachusetts (A&F), has devised a comprehensive plan to address the escalating costs for current public library construction projects within the confines of its regulations and annual cap. As part of this plan, the MBLC has approved a maximum one-time additional grant payment of up to $999,963 to the Sawyer Free Library to mitigate the impact of cost escalation for its renovation and expansion project. These funds supplement the just over $9 million construction grant awarded by the MBLC Construction Grant program to Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library for its comprehensive renovation, modernization, and expansion. 

“The Sawyer Free Library would like to extend its deep appreciation to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Executive Office of Administration and Finance for recognizing the importance of our historic renovation and expansion project and taking proactive measures to assist us in overcoming the financial challenges associated with cost escalation,” said Mern Sibley, President of the Sawyer Free Library’s Board of Trustees. “We are also especially grateful to our local elected officials including Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante, and Mayor Greg Verga, for advocating on our behalf, leading us to secure this funding and their unwavering support and commitment to our public library. This additional grant payment brings the City of Gloucester closer to realizing its vision of the 21st-century Library it so needs and deserves.”   

The supplemental funding of $999,963 from the MBLC will tremendously help offset the negative impact of pandemic-fueled cost escalation. In fall 2022, the appropriation for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library project was set at a total cost of $29M, including fixtures, furnishings and equipment. Current cost estimates remain on track to be under budget. 

This extraordinary additional one-time grant payment is a crucial boost to the Sawyer Free Library’s fundraising efforts to modernize and expand Gloucester’s Public Library. The Library is obligated to raise the total amount for Gloucester’s revitalized and reimagined Library. Public support for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library continues to be great and grow, evident in the funds it has raised to date. The Sawyer Free 2025 fundraising campaign, now with this grant, has over $17.5 million in committed funds, with more each day. 

The Library is grateful for the tremendous engagement and investment at every level from all parts of the community. While the campaign is now over half way to its goal, the Library project still need everyone’s support. For those interested in learning more or for ways to donate to this historic project, visit www.sawyerfree2025.org

When doors open at the 2025 Sawyer Free Library, the building will exemplify what a 21st-century public library can and should be in terms of architecture, sustainability, accessibility, use of natural resources and light, wayfinding, lines of sight, air quality, and public safety. The 2025 Sawyer Free Library project will preserve the original exterior, housing an entirely redesigned interior, and will also double the size of the existing Library’s footprint with a 14,000-square-foot addition. 

The Library will be designed for collaboration, creativity, and life-long learning featuring a digital makerspace, audio, and video recording studios, a 100-seat community room with state-of-the-science media presentation assets, a climate-controlled center for Gloucester history, a dedicated teen room, a beautiful expanded children’s room, study rooms for individual and group study, a 16-seat conference room, and much more. 

The Sawyer Free Library Board will officially break ground on the 2025 Sawyer Free Library this Fall. The project will take approximately eighteen months. The Library is currently operating at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester.  For more information on the Sawyer Free Library’s services and summer programming, visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Rending of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Dale Street Entrance