Reading

MAKE A SPLASH THIS SUMMER AT THE SAWYER FREE LIBRARY

~ Sawyer Free Library

The SAWYER FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY is excited to announce that its adventure-filled “Summer at the Library” program has officially kicked off. The theme is “Tails and Tales,” and it’s overflowing with opportunities to read great books, enjoy unique experiences and win prizes. 

The Children’s Library Staff have begun distributing “Welcome to Summer Reading Packets” to young people and their families, which have program information, the event calendar, activities, and fun summer treats. Children can stay on top of their summer reading with their own “Tails and Tales” time-tracking reading logs. After reading for 500 minutes (or are read to), they win prizes.

The packets are available in the Library or through curbside pick-up. People can register in-person or online for the program. “Tails and Tales” themed curbside crafts for families will also be available for pick-up over the summer. 

The summertime programs for children will officially begin on Tuesday, July 6 at 10:30 am with a virtual celebration and an up-close look at exotic and native animals on zoom presented by Wildlife Encounters Ecology Center. 

Throughout the summer, the Library will host both outside in-person events and virtual programs for children of all ages and their families, including:

  • Discover your inner Picasso with Stories and Art with Cape Ann Museum on July 8 and August 5 at 3 pm
  • Move your body with Creative Movement in the Library’s Amphitheater on July 13 and Adventures in Wellness Kids Outdoor Yoga at Stage Fort Park on July 22 and 29. 

Children can learn virtually about snakes of the world with Rick Roth on July 26 to 31, the wonders of Monarch Butterflies with Kim Smith August 3 to 7, insight on insects with Ms. Frizzle’s Magic School Bus on August 10, and so much more. 

SFL has big plans for teens this summer too. Students entering grades 6-12 are encouraged to track their Summer Reading on the custom form available on the Library’s website to qualify for weekly prize drawings and the grand prize drawing of two whale watch tickets, courtesy of Cape Ann Whale Watch.

SFL is giving adults the chance to get in on the summer fun with Adult Book Bingo 2021. From now until September 1, 2021, those 18 and older can keep track of the books they read on the Library’s downloadable custom bingo card by writing the title and author in the matching square. Each completed horizontal, vertical or diagonal line enters you into a raffle to win $25, $50, or $75 Cape Ann Gift Certificates.

Thanks to the generous support of The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library, program participation is free, and registration is now open for all children, teens, and adult programs.

Sawyer Free Library’s summer operating hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday 12 – 7:00 pm, and Saturday 10:00 am to 1 pm and 24/7 at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

For more information about the “Summer at the Sawyer Free Library,” or to register for programs, visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5501.

Boston Red Sox’s Wally Making Books Come Alive with Sawyer Free Library on Wednesday, June 30 at 2pm

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the Sawyer Free Library for a virtual story time with Wally & Tessie from the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, June 30 at 2:00 pm and explore stories in a new and exciting way!

The mascots of the Boston Red Sox, Wally and Tessie the Green Monsters, will encourage and inspire us to get reading and have fun! Register here and a zoom link will be sent out prior to the program.

For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Wally and Tessie from the Boston Red Sox

Sawyer Free Library Welcomes Clawdia the Library Lobster

~ Sawyer Free Library

It is a big cause for a shellabration at the Sawyer Free Library as they announce their newest staff member, CLAWDIA THE LIBRARY LOBSTER!

Patrons should be on the lookout for Clawdia sharing the latest Library news and program updates and even helping out at the service desk! So swing by the Sawyer Free Library and give her a wave one day soon!


For more information about the Sawyer Free Library and its programs, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org

Calling All Teens !! There is still time to be a part of SFL’s TEEN SUMMER READING PROGRAM

~ Sawyer Free Library

The summer may be winding down BUT it is not too late for local teens and tweens to participate in the Sawyer Free Library’s TEEN SUMMER READING PROGRAM!

Just read ANY type of book, magazine, graphic novel, or audiobook – they all count! Then just complete and submit a form on the Library website https://sawyerfreelibrary.org/teen-services/  to be entered into a weekly prize drawing. 5 local gift cards are drawn weekly on Fridays. At the August 30, 2020 conclusion, all entries will be eligible to win the grand prize a Hydroflask! There will be 3 Grand Prize winners!

The more you read and participate, the better your odd not to mention the more fun you will have!

Summer ☀️ Reading Bags for Kids at Sawyer Free Library!

~ Sawyer Free Library

“Welcome to Summer” Reading Bags for kids are available at Sawyer Free Library Curbside Pick-up!  The library can add one to your curbside order or just call us and we can send one out for you! While supplies last!☀️ Happy Summer! 🌈.

“Welcome to Summer” Reading Bags are filled with Imagine Your Story program information including the event calendar, activities, and fun summer treats.

For more information about the Sawyer Free Library’s “Imagine Your Story” Summer Programs, to register, or request books and materials for curbside pickup visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5501. 🏖

Sawyer Free Library’s Fun Filled Summer Reading Program for Kids and Teens Kicks off Thursday, June 25

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library (SFL) is excited to kick off its 2020 Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is “Imagine Your Story,” and while it may feel slightly different from previous years due to COVID-19, the library is planning to make this year’s Summer Reading one to remember with an emphasis on fantasy, fairy tales, and folk tales.

This annual program aims to combat summer learning loss in children by encouraging patrons of all ages to read during the summer months and participate in library activities. Due to SFL’s current closure, this year’s children and teen program will take place solely online until it is safe to gather in person. The summer fun will officially begin on Thursday, June 25, at 10:00 am on Zoom with Wildlife Encounters, where everyone can meet virtually amazing live animals in this exciting show presented by the Wildlife Encounters Ecology Center and Farm School. Register online to receive the Zoom link.  

“We are so excited to start our Summer Reading Program,” Christy Rosso said SFL’s children’s librarian. “Although our format is different this year, our goal remains the same – – to connect our community with educational, fun, and literacy-based activities. Reading, doing projects, telling stories, and learning are great ways for families to spend time together this summer.”

The Children’s Library Staff have begun distributing to its younger patrons and their families “Welcome to Summer Reading Packets” filled with program information including the event calendar, activities, and fun summer treats. The packets will be available through SFL’s curbside pick up or home delivery services. People can register for the program online.

SFL will also be hosting many events and activities throughout the summer. This year, these activities will all take place online via videos on the Sawyer Free Library Children’s Services Facebook page and YouTube Channel or live via Zoom Meeting links.  Activities include “Summer Storytime with Christy” every Wednesday morning, author presentations, Family STEAM activities, Lego Challenge contests with fun prizes, Summer Crafts Take and Make, and more. The library will have materials available for many of the activities and be available before each event using the curbside pickup service.

Along with the Wildlife Encounters Virtual Program on Thursday, June 25 families of the library’s younger patrons should mark their calendar for the following special events:

  • Jungle Jim Wild About Balloons Magic Show the week of July 6-11 (registration required)
  • Imagination Blast Off and Virtual Storytelling with Rona Leventhal the week of July 12-19
  • Musical Storytime ZOOM with Ruthanne Paulson on Fridays July 24 & August 14 at 10 am (registration required)
  • Snakes of New England & the World with Rick Roth & Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team Virtual Program on Saturday, July 25 at 10 am
  • Creative Movement for Kids with Sarah Slifer of MAGMA on ZOOM Saturday, August 8 at 11 am (registration required)

SFL also has big plans for its Teen Patrons this summer. Students entering grades 6-12 are encouraged to track their summer reading on a custom form available on the library’s website to qualify for weekly prize drawings. From mid-July to mid-August, the library will also be offering weekly virtual gaming programs and creating interactive craft and self-care projects.  

Thanks to the generous support of The Friends of the Sawyer Free Library, program participation is free, and registration is now open for the children’s and teen programs.

For more information about the Sawyer Free Library’s “Imagine Your Story” Summer Programs, to register, or request books and materials for curbside pickup visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5501.

Sawyer Free Library launches GLOUCESTER READS: Many Readers, One Conversation Addressing Our Climate Crisis with the Hope of Building a Better Future

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is inviting readers of all ages to be a part of something big this summer as it officially launches the first annual Gloucester Reads: Many Readers, One Conversation. This citywide collaborative reading program aims to unite and energize the community around the important issue of climate change through reading, discussion, and action.  

From Monday, June 22 through Tuesday, September 15, 2020, Gloucester Reads will explore the topic of Addressing Our Climate Crisis with the Hope of Building a Better Future. The inaugural reading program will feature two award-winning books, Falter by Bill McKibben and The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline.

Presented by the Sawyer Free Library as a part of The Civic Hub, and in partnership with Backyard Growers, Gloucester Education Fund, Manship Artist Residency + Studios, Maritime Gloucester, Ocean Alliance and TownGreen 2025, Gloucester Reads offers residents the opportunity to read about and discuss this important issue with local experts and learn more about what they can do to help combat climate change. Discussion groups will be held online during the month of July.

Gloucester Reads will culminate on Tuesday, September 15 with a live stream public presentation and Q&A with Bill McKibben, the award-winning author, and founder of 350.org, a global grassroots climate change movement. This event will be open to the public, with details forthcoming.

From June through September, copies of the books will be available at the Sawyer Free Library in print, ebook, and audiobook formats. For a complete list of Gloucester Reads programs, and for more information on climate change, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org.