From left: Summer Meals for Meals Associates Erin Cole, Somer O’Brien, and Abby Dawson, with Nutrition Education Coordinator Rachel Orie. (Photo Courtesy of The Open Door)
The Open Door Summer Meals for Kids program is back! Local children and teens up to age 18 can get free breakfast and lunch meals at 16 locations across Cape Ann.
Last year, The Open Door Summer Meals for Kids program distributed 17,389 meals, all prepared in-house. The program has sites in Gloucester, Rockport, and Ipswich, and continues to add new locations each year.
Full schedule below:
Gloucester Walk-Up Locations
The Open Door at 28 Emerson Ave. From June 29-Aug. 28. Meals available for pick-up Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Riverdale Park at 1A Veterans’ Way from June 29-Aug. 28. Meals available Monday-Thursday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and Fridays from 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Willowood Gardens at 40 Willowood Rd. from June 29-Aug. 28. Meals available Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Pond View Village at 23 Lepage Lane from June 29-Aug. 28. Meals available Monday-Friday from 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Field Days at Burnham’s Field (with East Gloucester Community Church) from July 9-Aug. 27 on Thursdays, 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Story Hour at the Sawyer Free Library (with Backyard Growers) at the Saunders House Lawn on 88 Middle St. from July 9-Aug. 27 on Thursdays, 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Enrolled locations in Gloucester include: Gloucester High School, O’Maley Academy, Camp Spindrift, GPS Extended School Year at East Veterans, Literacy and Math Summer Learning at East Veterans, and Gordon STEAM Camp at East Veterans.
Ipswich Walk-Up Locations
Ipswich Community Food Pantry at 00 Southern Heights in Ipswich from July 1-Aug. 27. Meals available Wednesday-Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Three Sisters Garden Project at 2 Washington St. In Ipswich from June 29-Aug. 28. Meals available Monday-Friday from 12 to 1 p.m.
Enrolled location: Winthrop Elementary School.
Rockport Walk-Up Location
Rockport Public Library at 17 School St. In Rockport from June 22-Aug. 28. Meals Available Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The full schedule is also available at FOODPANTRY.org and will continue to be updated through the summer.
For the second year in a row, Summer Meals for Kids is being entirely funded by The Open Door. Previously, the program received federal funding. Today, it continues thanks to donations and sponsors of The Open Door.
About The Open Door
The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security.
Founded in 1978, The Open Door is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit and community food resource center for low-income residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Boxford, Rowley, Topsfield, Wenham, and Georgetown. In 2025, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 12,780 people from 5,718 households through the distribution of 2.48 million pounds of food over 136,851 visits.
June has been a season of celebration at Wellspring House. In a matter of weeks, we marked three milestones: 31 adults graduating from our Healthcare Office Support Training program at MGB Salem Hospital with a historic 100% graduation rate; 18 local Cape Ann high school graduates awarded scholarships, and the first Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund cohort to cross the college graduation stage; and 56 students completing spring English language and computer literacy courses at a joyful evening in Gloucester.
Each celebration is a testament to what becomes possible when opportunity and support come together, and a reflection of what this community has chosen to invest in.
But behind every ceremony is a harder truth. A thriving community depends on people who can afford to live and work locally. When housing becomes unstable and wages fail to keep pace with the cost of living, that foundation erodes. Parents without childcare, residents without reliable transportation, families in unstable housing – these are compounding barriers that, without the right support, make long-term stability feel out of reach.
Financial security is the most powerful lever we have for improving quality of life, health, and opportunity. That belief is at the core of everything Wellspring does.
Since 1981, Wellspring has worked to turn potential into progress across the North Shore, combining housing stability, education, job training, and career readiness under one roof. This year, we worked with more than 2,000 individuals and families across 20 cities and towns. We don’t ask people to choose between stability and advancement. We provide both, simultaneously, for as long as it takes.
Tuesday, June 30th marks the end of our fiscal year. If these stories move you, we invite you to learn more about Wellspring and consider joining the community of supporters who make this work possible. Visit wellspringhouse.org.
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 SuperintendentBen 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 SuperintendentLummis
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
2026Cape 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
31 Graduates – 9 from Gloucester – Complete Intensive Program
Wellspring Housecelebrated 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,” saidKatherine 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, “saidMary 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.
A Nashville-Style Songwriters’ Round Featuring Darrell Scott, Beth Nielsen Chapman & Marcus Hummon
Wellspring Housewill 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.
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.
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.
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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.
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 Musicis 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.
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.
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 of1623 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.
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
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 Onecelebrates 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.
Cape Ann Community 