news

Wellspring House Celebrates 18 Recipients at Annual Scholarship Award Celebration

~ Wellspring House

Wellspring House Marks Historic Milestone as First Scholarship Cohort Graduates College

Wellspring House celebrated 18 scholarship recipients, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, at its 2026 Scholarship Award Celebration last Thursday, June 11, 2026, marking a significant milestone for one of the organization’s signature education programs. For the first time, students from the inaugural cohort of the Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund graduated from college. 

2026 Cape Ann High School Graduate Fund Awardees

The celebration brought together scholarship recipients with their family and friends, Gloucester Public Schools representatives including Superintendent Ben Lummis, GHS Principal Dr. John Perella, Wellspring Staff, Board members and supporters, and community members to recognize students pursuing higher education, workforce training, and career advancement. The event also featured remarks from two alumni of the Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund, who reflected on their educational journeys and the support that helped them persist through college and into their careers. 

2026 Robert Clark Rogers Opportunity Fund Awardees

“Looking back, I realize success was never about having all the answers,” said scholarship alumnus Yahir Vasquez. “It came from community, being willing to make mistakes, and continuing to show up even when things felt difficult.” 

Recipients of two scholarships were honored during the event. The Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund awards up to $10,000 per academic year, and up to $40,000 per student, with the option to carry funding into a fifth year, to Gloucester residents graduating from Cape Ann high schools and pursuing a higher education degree. To be considered, students must be actively working with Wellspring or referred by a guidance counselor. The Robert Clark Rogers Opportunity Fund supports Wellspring program participants by covering education expenses that many scholarships overlook, including transportation, supplies, books, online resources, and computers. Together, the two scholarships help remove the financial barriers that can prevent students from achieving their educational and career goals. 

2022 Cape Ann High School Scholarship Fund recipient Yahir Vasquez and 2026 Scholarship recipient Anas Yousif

“Watching the first cohort of Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund students graduate from college is a moment we have worked toward for years, and it speaks to something deeper about how Wellspring works,” said Melissa Dimond, the organization’s President and Executive Director. “We meet people where they are, whether that’s a student who needs extra support navigating in their first semester or someone moving forward from a major family setback losing their housing, and we stay with them as they work toward stability and success. The long-term commitment is what makes the difference.” 

Scholarship Review Panel Members Krystal Williams, Katie O’Leary and Kristin Michel

The scholarship selection process is led by a special advisory committee made up of members of Wellspring’s staff and board of directors, and community partners. This year the committee reviewed over 35 applications, conducted interviews, and nominated the recipients based on a variety of factors, ranging but not limited to education and career goals, essays, personal statements, and financial need.  

“As a first-year Board Member at Wellspring House, I was honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Scholarship Committee. Meeting and interviewing the candidates was one of the most rewarding experiences of my time with Wellspring. Each student shared their unique passions, goals, and determination to further their education, and I was inspired by their drive and commitment to their future. “Knowing that I played a small part in helping support their educational journey is incredibly meaningful. Investing in students and their potential is truly an investment in our community’s future, and I am grateful to be involved in such an impactful program,” shared Krystal Williams, Wellspring House Board Member and AVP, Branch Manager Cape Ann Saving Bank.  

“At Wellspring, our commitment to students extends far beyond graduation. We are dedicated to supporting our participants throughout their educational journey and as they take their next steps toward career and personal success. This graduating class represents not only an important milestone, but also the beginning of new opportunities and achievements ahead. Through continued mentorship, resources, and community connections, we remain invested in helping each student reach their full potential,” said Andy Allen, Director of Education and Career Pathways, Wellspring House. 

Wellspring’s President Melissa Dimond

These scholarships are part of Wellspring’s broader Education and Career Pathways programs, which equip adults and young adults with the credentials, skills, and confidence needed to pursue education, employment, and long-term economic mobility. For many recipients, particularly those who are the first in their families to attend college, the scholarships represent more than financial assistance. Through career advising, mentorship, scholarship support, and ongoing guidance, Wellspring helps students navigate the transition from high school to college and from college into careers, creating pathways to opportunity that extend well beyond graduation day. 

Many of this year’s scholarship recipients will continue their educational journeys at institutions including North Shore Community College and Salem State University, longstanding Wellspring partners that provide accessible paths to degree attainment for North Shore students.  

The celebration reflects the scale of Wellspring’s broader reach across Cape Ann, where demand for these programs continues to grow. During the past year, 135 adults enrolled in Wellspring’s ESOL program, 100 adults prepared for the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), and 87 high school seniors and recent graduates received career advising and scholarship support services. Wellspring remains the only HiSET testing site on Cape Ann and recently expanded its ESOL programming to include digital literacy and career advising. 

2022 Cape Ann High School Scholarship Fund recipient Kaelyn Battle, and 2026 Scholarship recipient Kiara Olson

These outcomes are made possible by donors, partners, and advocates who believe that financial security should be within reach for every North Shore resident.  For more information or to support these critical programs, visit wellspringhouse.org.

2026 Scholarship Awardees with special guests GHS Principal Dr. Perella and Superintendent Lummis

2026 Robert Clark Rogers Opportunity Fund Recipients: Britney Aguilar, Yaira Baez, Lizy Erazo Jesika Gutierrez, Auraylia Lord, Kiara Olson, Evan Porter, Jazmin Saloj, Molly Taormina, Julia Tremblay

2026 Cape Ann Graduate Fund Recipients: Sean Abell, Jamani Belle, Ayden Curley, Alyssa Estime, Shyia-Rose Goodrich, Jennifer Magalhaes, Jaylen Severino, Anas Yousif

All Photo Credits: Kendra Dott Photography | Sharon’s Studio of Gloucester

Wellspring House Celebrates Strongest Healthcare Training Outcomes in Program History at May 28th Graduation

~ Wellspring House

31 Graduates – 9 from Gloucester – Complete Intensive Program

Wellspring House celebrated the graduation of 31 adults from its Healthcare Office Support Training (HOST) program at a ceremony held at MGB Salem Hospital on Thursday morning. In a milestone first, 100% of enrolled students, across both the full-time day and part-time evening program, received their diplomas, the highest graduation rate for a class this size in program history. The results reflect a banner year for the program overall: over the past year, Wellspring achieved an 89% graduation rate across all HOST cohorts, the highest in a decade, with 85% of graduates securing new employment with higher wages within nine months of completing the program.

The graduates, North Shore adults committed to building better futures for themselves and their families, completed either Wellspring’s 15-week day program or 32-week evening job training program that prepares residents for careers in healthcare office support. As healthcare employers across Massachusetts continue to face significant staffing pressures, Wellspring’s HOST program is helping connect local residents to real career pathways in one of the region’s most in-demand sectors. Graduates have secured positions across a broad range of local employers, from community health centers to major hospital networks.

“Every person who received their certificate today demonstrated something extraordinary, not just completing a rigorous program, but choosing to invest in themselves and their futures while navigating the very real pressures of daily life on the North Shore. That takes courage. What we’ve built here, together with our partners at Salem Hospital and across the region, is proof that when the right support meets the right moment, incredible things happen,” said Melissa Dimond, President and Executive Director, Wellspring House.

A Program With Deep North Shore Roots

What began in 2002 as a single class at Salem Hospital has grown over more than two decades into a comprehensive workforce pipeline. Salem Hospital has been a cornerstone partner throughout, hosting and helping train participants in a model that works for both students and employers alike.

Today, Wellspring’s Job Training team serves 100 adult students and advises each year, with 658 HOST graduates placed in careers across the North Shore and beyond. Licensed as an Occupational Educational School by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, HOST also offers students the opportunity to earn college credits through an articulation agreement with North Shore Community College, providing a recognized credential and a pathway toward continued education.

“At Salem Hospital, we’re truly grateful for partnering with Wellspring and the HOST program. Programs like this not only strengthen the hospital but our entire community. They create opportunity and help create a workforce filled with compassionate people who want to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Katherine E. Belategui, Nurse Director, Salem Hospital Neuroscience and Orthopedic.

Training That Goes Beyond the Classroom

A unique strength of the HOST program is the depth of its employer partnerships. Wellspring works closely with the Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Lahey health systems, Lynn Community Health Center, Cape Ann Medical Center, Pediatric Associates of Greater Salem, and others, who not only provide internship opportunities but often become direct hiring partners for graduates, allowing students to build professional networks, gain real-world experience, and transition into meaningful healthcare careers with confidence.

The HOST program’s success is further rooted in Wellspring’s integrated approach, combining workforce training and education programs with wraparound housing stability and support services that help participants overcome the barriers that often derail educational progress. For many graduates, the program represents the first realistic pathway to financial security in a region where a family of four must earn more than $121,000 a year just to cover basic needs.

“Our support does not end at graduation. We maintain a strong alumni network and continue helping graduates navigate career growth, continuing education, job transitions, and new opportunities long after they complete the program. Alumni become part of the Wellspring community, “said Mary Beth Tobin, Director of Job Training, Wellspring House.

Wellspring’s Broader Impact

HOST graduation is one milestone in a broader year of impact. Last year, Wellspring served more than 2,000 individuals and families across 20 North Shore cities and towns, with an emphasis on Lynn, Salem, Peabody, Beverly, and Gloucester, with more than 580 receiving intensive, individualized support tailored to their goals. 95% of families in Wellspring’s homelessness prevention program remained stably housed at the 12-month mark.

These outcomes are made possible by donors, partners, and advocates who believe that financial security should be within reach for every North Shore resident.

For more information or to support visit wellspringhouse.org.

CELESONG 2026: A night of music and song in support of Wellspring House

~ Wellspring House

A Nashville-Style Songwriters’ Round Featuring Darrell Scott, Beth Nielsen Chapman & Marcus Hummon

Wellspring House will present Celesong 2026—its most important annual fundraising event—on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. Doors open at 6:15 pm for an unforgettable evening that brings together music lovers, community champions, and supporters of Wellspring’s mission for a Nashville-style songwriters’ round featuring extraordinary talent and storytelling.

Wellspring creates opportunity for families and young adults across the North Shore through stable housing, education, job training, and career readiness. Each year, more than 2,000 people turn to Wellspring for support to overcome barriers, build skills, and move toward stability and financial independence, one family, one job, and one home at a time.

Returning to the Celesong stage is nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Darrell Scott, joined by Beth Nielsen Chapman and Marcus Hummon. Between them, these legendary artists have earned inductions to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Grammy Awards, and Lifetime Achievement honors. Their music and storytelling have shaped generations, and together they bring uncommon depth, heart, and connection to every stage they share.

The evening will also feature an intimate live auction with a handful of carefully chosen items, including an exclusive Tim McGraw at Fenway Park package and a custom guitar signed by the night’s featured artists. Billy Costa will once again serve as emcee and bring his signature energy to the auction block, making it one of the most exciting moments of the evening.

Tickets are available to purchase at wellspringhouse.org/celesong2026. Early purchase is encouraged as space is limited. Tickets range from $100–$150. 

Wellspring is grateful to the sponsors who have committed their support, including Legacy Sponsor Institution for Savings; Resiliency Sponsors: EBSCO and Quantum Surfer; Determination Sponsors: Albrecht Auto Group, Cape Ann Savings Bank, and New England Biolab; Strength Sponsors: Annisquam Landcare, Beacon Pointe Advisors, Beauport Financial Services, Brian Orr Pediatrics, Coldwell Banker, Corporate Legal Partners, F.L. Putnam Investment Management Co, Gorton’s, Salem Five Charitable Foundation, Sawyer Free Library, The Housewright Co., and W.T. Rich; and Community Sponsors: Elaine Quinn Interiors, Kristin Francoeur & Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, and Community Credit Union, along with a number of individual and family sponsors.

Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 | Location: Shalin Liu Performance Center (37 Main St, Rockport, MA) | Time: 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM, Doors open at 6:15PM | Tickets: wellspringhouse.org/celesong2026/

This special night sells out fast, so don’t miss your chance to be a part of it.

Photo from Celesong 2025 at Shalin Liu Performance Center

One magical night for a powerful purpose — bringing our community together through song and storytelling to support Wellspring House’s work of opening doors to opportunity, one family, one job, and one home at a time. 

City of Gloucester Named One of Nation’s Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazers for 2025 

~ Sawyer Free Library

City of Gloucester Recognized for Second Time

GLOUCESTER, MA – The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named the City of Gloucester as a 2025 Digital Inclusion Visionary Trailblazer, recognizing the City’s  efforts to close the digital divide. 

Digital inclusion – access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training – is essential to participating and thriving in today’s world. Recognizing the ongoing needs of the community, the City continues in its efforts towards digital equity.

“Access to technology is essential for education, work, and community engagement. The City of Gloucester is proud to be recognized as a Visionary Trailblazer for our commitment to ensuring all residents can fully engage in today’s connected world,” said Mayor Paul Lundberg. “We are grateful to Library Director Jenny Benedict and the staff at Sawyer Free Library for their leadership in advancing these efforts and making our Digital Equity initiatives a success.”

This year, Gloucester joins 58 other Digital Inclusion Trailblazers paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the U.S.  Visionary Trailblazer is the highest honor awarded for communities that have achieved 18 points or higher out of a possible 23. Visionary Trailblazers are communities that have deeply integrated digital inclusion throughout their local government. They are leading the way in digital inclusion innovation.

“Nonprofits, libraries, churches, and other community organizations can’t reach digital equity on their own. For everyone to thrive in today’s digital world, we need all hands-on deck,” said Angela Siefer, NDIA executive director. “NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazer program exemplifies the key role of local governments in building digital opportunities for all of their residents.”

Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion ecosystems.Last year, the designation recognized the work of the Sawyer Free Library and municipal IT Department with consultants from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on Gloucester’s first Digital Equity Plan. This plan is a roadmap for how the community can address the digital divide by helping under connected residents better access the Internet and obtain the devices and digital skills needed to fully participate in digital and everyday life.

This year, the City of Gloucester achieved Visionary Trailblazer status through the implementation of the Digital Equity Plan’s recommendations. Notably, the following Digital Equity initiatives launched in 2025:

  • Gloucester’s Digital Equity Steering Committee was formed with 9 community partners, establishing Gloucester’s Digital Inclusion Ecosystem and engaging the community in ongoing conversation about increasing under connected residents’ access to the Internet, reliable devices and digital skills training;
  • Sawyer Free Library’s Digital Learning Lab opened and hosted a Computer Basics Course funded in partnership with the Essex County Community Foundation;
  • Gloucester Public School students with interests in technology were employed as Digital Tutor interns by Sawyer Free Library.

In addition, grant funds through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute have been secured for the implementation of initiatives in 2026, including new public outdoor Wi-Fi access networks downtown; the continuation of the Computer Basics Course at Sawyer Free Library; and free public Wi-Fi access in affordable housing sites. 

“The progress that has been made in a short period of time is simply outstanding,” said Library Director and Gloucester Digital Equity Steering Committee Chair Jenny Benedict. “In the first year, eight of the Digital Equity Plan’s thirteen short term recommendations are well underway. We are so proud that NDIA has recognized the City of Gloucester as a Visionary in leading the way with innovative practices in digital inclusion efforts.”

The Trailblazer program identifies seven categories of current best practices. Each applicant’s materials are verified for accuracy, assessed for community impact, and posted in an interactive map and searchable database on NDIA’s website. By sharing materials with open-sourcing, NDIA provides community advocates and local governments ways to continue learning, connect with trailblazing peers, and plan their own digital inclusion solutions.

###

About National Digital Inclusion Alliance: NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with over 2000 affiliates, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.

A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Saturday, January 17 from 2:00 to 3:15pm take a journey through the roots of American popular music at the Sawyer Free Library in the Community Room.

A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music is a program of songs and stories about the origins of the blues, rock, and country music presented by singer and songwriter Jon Waterman. In the show, Jon is joined by Li Waterman on bass. The program, which also features an accompanying slideshow, explores some of the fascinating characters and events that are part of the history and the role of music in our lives. Register at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

The program has been described as, “a unique performance experience combining music history, storytelling, and original songs inspired by his research.” And “A must see for anyone interested in American history or American music!”

Musician and songwriter Jon Waterman has been performing his original songs along with blues, rock and country standards throughout his life. His music is influenced by intriguing characters and stories from history, the roots of the music he loves, and the diversity of the human experience. His song “Sultana” which tells the story of the Civil War steamboat disaster was selected to be featured at the Sultana museum in Marion, AR. Waterman has presented his programs “A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music” and “Cro-Magnon Blues: History and Legends Through Song” in venues around the country, both in person and virtually. He has an M.A. in Popular Music History from Prescott College. Li is a classically trained guitarist and singer who formerly fronted the Rhode Island band Alien Tesh. She is also an artist and graduate of Museum School in Boston.

For more information or to register for this exciting program go to sawyerfreelibrary.org.

SAWYER FREE LIBRARY ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD LEADERSHIP

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library is pleased to announce the election of Geoff Bradford as President of its Board of Trustees. Bradford succeeds Mern Sibley, who has skillfully led the Board for the past five years and will continue to serve as a trustee for one additional year, completing her six-year term.

Bradford joined the Sawyer Free Library Board of Trustees in 2023 and most recently served as Chair of the Saunders House Stewardship Committee. The committee oversees the preservation and restoration of the historic Saunders House, built in 1764, ensuring it remains a vibrant and accessible part of the Library campus for generations to come. Under his leadership, the committee finalized construction drawings for the ongoing building restoration projects and guided essential infrastructure upgrades, including the modernization of the HVAC system.

As a member of the Board, Bradford also played an active role in the Library’s Sawyer Free 2025 revitalization and modernization project, contributing his expertise from a successful career in technology to advise on the integration of cutting-edge systems, digital infrastructure, and technology policy development.

Raised in Gloucester, Bradford brings both deep community roots and a forward-looking perspective to his new role. “As a technologist and pragmatist, I’m passionate about bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone—regardless of age or background—can access the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the modern world,” said Bradford. “I’m guided by purpose, not precedent, when it comes to ensuring that our Library remains vibrant, relevant, and accessible for generations to come. I’m committed to leading with both realism and optimism about what it takes to keep the doors—and minds—open.”

Bradford assumes leadership at a defining moment in the Library’s 168-year history. The newly transformed Sawyer Free Library— with its expanded children’s and teen spaces, state-of-the-art Digital Learning Lab, Local History Center, and welcoming areas for gathering and collaboration—sets a new standard for public libraries in Massachusetts and beyond. The Library stands as a testament to what can be achieved when history, architecture, and community vision come together to create a civic space built for the next century. 

In his new role, Bradford will also focus on closing out the Library’s capital campaign to fully fund the renovation and expansion project. While the ribbon has been cut, the work is not yet done. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the support of city leaders, community partners, and friends, the Sawyer Free Library has reached 65% of its $28 million fundraising goal. The Library Corporation remains committed to raising the remaining $8 million needed to cover the full project costs and ensure that every aspect of the new Library reaches its greatest potential for the community.  For more information or to donate to the capital campaign visit sawyerfreelibrary.org. 

As Bradford leads the Board into this new chapter, he will serve alongside returning officers Fran Aliberte, Vice President; Joe Grella, Treasurer and Chair of the Budget, Finance, and Investment Committee; and John Day, Secretary. Newly elected trustees Peter Lawrence, Jeremy Melvin, and Leora Ulrich also join the Board this year, bringing valuable expertise in business, education, sustainability practices, and community engagement.

SFL Board members serve staggered three-year terms and volunteer their time, energy, and professional skills to ensure that the Library continues to thrive as Gloucester’s cornerstone for learning, creativity, and connection.

For more about the library programming, offerings, and ways to donate to the Library’s Building Campaign, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Sawyer Free Library to Host Film Screening and Panel Discussion: “Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library”

~ Sawyer Free Library

Ever wonder how Gloucester’s public library came to be? The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to a special evening celebrating nearly two centuries of local history, innovation, and civic spirit. On Thursday, November 20 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, the Library will present a film screening and panel discussion of Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library in its Community Room.

Produced by Kory Curcuru of 1623 Studios, Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library traces the remarkable story of Gloucester’s public library—from its 19th-century beginnings in the Gloucester Lyceum to its role today as a vibrant civic and cultural hub. The short documentary explores how a small-town vision grew into a cornerstone of learning, access, and community connection.

The film situates the Sawyer Free Library within the broader story of American public libraries—beginning with Benjamin Franklin’s 1731 subscription library, which sparked a movement for shared knowledge and free access to books. By the early 1800s, the “Lyceum movement” swept New England, bringing citizens together for lectures, debate, and education. Gloucester quickly joined in. In 1830, residents established the Gloucester Lyceum, which merged Franklin’s ideals with this new spirit of civic learning.

The Library’s evolution accelerated under the leadership and generosity of Samuel Elwell Sawyer, a Gloucester native and philanthropist who made access to books free for all. His lasting legacy includes the donation of the Saunders House, which remains part of the Library campus today, and the 1872 incorporation of the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library, with a charter promising it would remain free forever.

Timeline Cape Ann also highlights the Library’s continued resilience and innovation—surviving fires, embracing technology, and expanding services through the 20th and 21st centuries. From WPA murals and children’s programs to its newly completed, state-of-the-art renovation and expansion, the Sawyer Free Library remains a living institution shaped by generations of readers, learners, and citizens.

Following the screening, Curcuru will be joined by Sawyer Free Library Local History Librarian Julie Travers and local historian and author Wayne Soini for a panel discussion and audience Q&A exploring the Library’s enduring role in Gloucester’s civic life.

This free public event offers a fascinating look at how one man’s generosity and a community’s shared commitment helped shape the heart of Gloucester.

Space is limited; registration is requested at SawyerFreeLibrary.org.

Film Screening and Panel Discussion:
Thursday, November 20, 2025
5:00–6:30 PM
Sawyer Free Library, Community Room (Ground Floor), 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA

Sawyer Free Library Launches Monthly Artist Program with Exhibit by Artists Erin Luman and Laureen Maher Bowie “Volume One”

~ Sawyer Free Library

Artist Reception on Thursday, November 6th, 5:00pm in the Library’s Matz Gallery

The Sawyer Free Library proudly presents Volume One, the inaugural exhibition in its new Monthly Artist Program—marking a vibrant beginning for the Library’s reimagined Matz Gallery and its renewed commitment to the arts. Featuring Gloucester artists Erin Luman and Laureen Maher Bowie, Volume One will be on view November 2 through December 29, 2025.

There will be an Artist Reception on Thursday, November 6, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Matz Gallery at the Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. The public is invited to attend this special event. No registration is needed.

Volume One celebrates both the creative spirit of the community and the innovative transformation of the Sawyer Free Library itself, which has just reopened following a two-year, $28 million renovation and expansion.

Both artists began their creative journeys years ago by exhibiting in the Library’s Monthly Artist Program. Returning now to inaugurate the revitalized Matz Gallery, they reexamine their art through a fresh lens—bridging past and present in this inspiring debut show.

About the Artists
Gloucester-based contemporary artist Erin Luman weaves memory and daily life into evocative scenes that invite viewers to pause and reflect. What began as a fascination with the weathered cottages of Long Beach has evolved into a body of work capturing small, intimate moments—a century-old bathroom sink, beach towels drying in the sun, or glimpses of lived spaces both personal and universal. While her upcoming winter exhibition at Endicott College will spotlight the studios of local makers, Volume One offers a deeply personal collection drawn from the in-between moments that inspire her.

Laureen Maher Bowie, an award-winning local painter and celebrated colorist, captures the beauty and grit of Gloucester in richly layered oils. Her iconic painting, We Dive at Five, depicting local youth jumping off from the Good Harbor Beach footbridge at high tide, will be displayed publicly for the first time at this exhibition. Maher Bowie’s work has been featured in Exhibit Art New England and will appear in the upcoming Rockport Art Association & Museum National Juried Show.

As part of the Library’s renewed commitment to supporting local arts and culture, the Monthly Artist Program will feature rotating exhibitions that highlight both emerging and established regional artists. The newly formed Matz Committee will help guide future exhibitions, ensuring that the space remains a vibrant showcase for creativity and connection. Local and regional artists interested in exhibiting may submit expressions of interest to matzgallery@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Volume One serves as an exciting kickoff to this initiative—and to the holiday season—with 25% of all sales benefiting the Sawyer Free Library. The exhibition has already drawn enthusiastic community response and stands as a fitting tribute to the Library’s long-standing role as a cultural cornerstone of Gloucester.

Visitors are invited to experience Volume One and explore the beautifully expanded Sawyer Free Library at 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester—a welcoming, inspiring space designed to serve generations to come.

For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Join the Sawyer Free Library for the Relaunch of the Gloucester Lyceum

~ Sawyer Free Library

Placemaking: Our Library In Our Community with Ethan Kent

The Sawyer Free Library will officially relaunch the Gloucester Lyceum with a special event, Placemaking: Our Library In Our Community, featuring internationally renowned placemaking leader Ethan Kent, Executive Director of PlacemakingX.

The program will be held Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Sawyer Free Library’s Community Room, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester. Free and open to the public, registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Space is limited.

The program will begin with remarks by Mr. Kent, followed by interactive conversations with fellow attendees throughout the various spaces of the newly renovated, expanded, and modernized Sawyer Free Library. The perspectives shared in these dialogues will inspire closing insights from Mr. Kent, allowing participants to reflect on how Gloucester can continue to build meaningful, inclusive spaces—starting with its newly reimagined Library.

“Placemaking is about strengthening the connection between people and the places they share,” said Ethan Kent. “It’s about making the spaces we live, the places we love.”

The Gloucester Lyceum: A Tradition Renewed

Founded in 1830, the Gloucester Lyceum once brought thought leaders such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau to Cape Ann. Today, the Sawyer Free Library’s relaunch builds on this proud tradition, offering marquee programs that bring contemporary voices into dialogue with the community.

“The relaunch of the Gloucester Lyceum is about renewing a proud tradition of bringing people together for public discourse within a collaborative forum. True to the notion that a lyceum is “where the city comes to think,” we are honored to welcome Ethan Kent as our first speaker in this new chapter. His work around the world embodies the very spirit of community dialogue and imagination that we hope to cultivate right here in Gloucester,” said Laura Ventimiglia, Chair of the Gloucester Lyceum. 

“Welcoming Ethan Kent to Gloucester to help relaunch our historic Lyceum is both timely and inspiring,” added Mern Sibley, President of the Board of Trustees of the Sawyer Free Library. “Our newly reimagined Library is the hub of the community—offering so much to so many. Ethan’s work demonstrates how meaningful public spaces can bring people together, foster belonging, and strengthen communities.”

About the Sawyer Free Library

For nearly 200 years, the Sawyer Free Library has served Gloucester as a hub of culture, learning, and civic life. Its newly renovated and expanded building continues this mission, providing equal access to resources and programs that support the community’s evolving needs.

For more information and to register for this special evening, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org. Space is limited, so register today!

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.