Saturday at Sawyer Free

Help Break a World Record: Library Card Sign Up Challenge!

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is inviting the entire community to join in a fun-filled day of discovery, creativity, and history-making at its Community Celebration & Open House on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester.

As part of the festivities, the Library is launching a Library Card World Record Attempt — aiming to break the current record of 1,922 library card sign-ups in a single day. 🎯 New and renewing cardholders will receive a limited-edition commemorative Sawyer Free Library card as a keepsake from this exciting moment.

“A Library for Everyone” celebration marks the grand reopening of the newly renovated and expanded Sawyer Free Library, now a vibrant and inclusive center for learning, imagination, and community connection.

In addition to the record attempt, attendees can explore the library’s transformed spaces and enjoy live music including Gloucester Student Band, engaging presentations, children’s programs, tech demos, collaborative art projects, Rhea Pizzeria Napoletana, a visit from the Boston Red Sox Wally the Green Monster and much more—with activities and prizes designed for all ages.

Everyone is welcome to attend, have fun, and help make history! Details: sawyerfreelibrary.org

Get Salty with the Sawyer Free Library and The Open Door!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join us on Saturday, January 25 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Sawyer Free Library (21 Main Street) for a fun, family-friendly popcorn party. While your popcorn pops, decorate a festive snowman bag and then create your own custom salty seasoning blend. It’s the perfect winter snack!

This popcorn extravaganza with the Library and The Open Door is part of the 4th Annual Gloucester’s So Salty Festival—a city-wide celebration of Gloucester’s famously salty character. Hosted by the Cape Ann Museum in partnership with local cultural institutions and businesses, this exciting weekend features ice sculptures, live music, salty treats, free art activities for kids, and much more. You won’t want to miss it!

While you’re at the Library, don’t forget to learn how you can save money and energy this winter. Home Works Energy will be on-site from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM to help you sign up for a no-cost home energy assessment through the Mass Save Program.

These events—and the whole So Salty festival—is free and open to the public, so bring your friends and family for a taste of Gloucester’s saltiest delights!

For questions about these or any Library community program and events visit sawyerfreelibrary.org, call 978-325-5500 or stop by the Sawyer Free’s temporary Library space at 21 Main Street in Gloucester.

Fall Birding Hot Spots Gloucester’s Hidden Gems: A guided birding tour with Gino Ellison this Sat!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join expert birder and conservationist GINO ELLISON for a guided bird walk around Gloucester’s hidden fall birding hot spots.

Starting at 7:00 am, on Saturday, October 26, join the Sawyer Free Library for an on-location, guided bird walk around Gloucester! Beginners Wanted and Welcomed!

Please note that patrons will need their own transportation for this event. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Patrons will meet at Gloucester’s Fisherman Memorial Statue on Stacy Boulevard, and then car caravan to locations such as: The Jodrey State Fish Pier – Niles Beach – Eastern Point – Brace Cove – The Elks Club Beach Lookout – and finally end at a tbd coffee shop for conversation and sharing ideas on bird books to read!

Patrons should bring the following for this event:  binoculars – weather appropriate clothing – sunglasses – water – camera w/ zoom lens (if so inclined) – a smile, and a positive attitude!

About Gino:

Eugene (Gino) Ellison, is a lifetime resident of Massachusetts. He is happily married to his wonderful wife Kate (38 years) and they have 3 fun kids and 4 active grandkids. Gino is now retired from the investment business as well as the Professional Bass Fishing Tournament circuit. He’s been affiliated with Bass Pro Shops for over 25 years and still makes several store appearances each year. Gino is a hunter, fisherman, conservationist and passionate birder who leads dozens of walks in Massachusetts. Gino greatly enjoys volunteering with Mass Wildlife and with Mass Audubon at their family birding & fishing events. Gino just completed a successful ABA Birding Big Year in 2023 and is scheduled to speak at birding festivals and clubs around New England and nationwide.

 Patrons will need their own transportation for this event. Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. 

“Snakes of New England and the World” presented by Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Family Fun Event on Saturday, August 10 at 11:15 am 

Come learn about, meet & handle (if you’d like!) many types of snakes, some of which are from our local area. Rick Roth and his Cape Ann Vernal Pond team will share their knowledge and enthusiasm as they present science in a unique and fun way and help the Sawyer Free Library celebrate the summer reading theme of Read, Renew, Repeat which strives to bring attention to our natural world.

All ages are welcome at this family-friendly event which will be held on Saturday, August 10 at 11:15am at the Trinity Congregational Church, lower level, 70 Middle Street in Gloucester.

No registration required. For more information visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or call 978-325-5500. This special event is made possible in part through the generosity of the the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.

Gloucester Zine Fest presented by Sawyer Free Library this Saturday, April 27 from 11am-3pm

~ Sawyer Free Library

A day of artistic expression and community fun!

Free and fun for all ages taking place at 20 and 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester!

Gloucester Zine Fest presented by the Sawyer Free Library is taking place this Saturday, April 27, from 11 am to 3 pm at both 20 and 21 Main Street in Gloucester, MA. The festival, in celebration of the Library’s new zine collection, zine- making, and zine culture, promises a day filled with artistic expression, community engagement, and fun for all ages. It is free and open to everyone to attend and enjoy with free giveaways for the first 200 attendees. 

Attendees can look forward to a vibrant and engaging lineup of hands-on activities and workshops for all ages, including inspiring speakers and live music with a special performance by Gloucester Student Band, with the highlight being the Zine Marketplace at 20 Main Street. Participants of all ages can also unleash their creativity by crafting their own zine with local community partners Cape Ann Art Haven and Cape Ann Museum. And what’s a festival without some delicious treats? Attendees can indulge in some Holy Cow Ice Cream while immersing themselves in the world of zines. 

See the full schedule below or visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org.

The Sawyer Free Library would like to thank 20 Main Street, LLC, for the generous use of their space.

If you’re asking, “what’s a zine?” that’s ok. Zines are small-batch, DIY publications that provide a powerful platform of expression for underrepresented perspectives and voices. 

Gloucester Zine Fest is free and open to all. Learn more at sawyerfreelibrary.org

Come Make a Zine at the Library – this Saturday!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Stop by the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street between 2 and 4 pm on Saturday, February 17 to make your own zine! We will provide all the supplies for you to finish something that you’ve been working on, or start something new.

Zines (pronounced “zeen” like “bean”) are self-published magazines with limited print runs. They typically provide an alternative point of view and provide a platform for underrepresented voices. We believe they belong in the library.  No registration required. All ages welcome! 

What: Drop-In Zine Making Workshop

When: Saturday, February 17. 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Where: Main Floor – Sawyer Free Library, 21 Main Street,Gloucester, MA, 01930

No registration required. All ages welcome! 

Questions? contact Julie Travers at jtravers@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5525.

SFL Local Music Showcase: Steve Lacey, Jazz Guitarist on Saturday at 3PM

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is thrilled to welcome local jazz guitarist STEVE LACEY on Saturday, January 27 from 3:00 to 4:00 PM as part of the Library’s Local Music Showcase Series @ 21 Main Street. 

All are welcome to come and enjoy some live jazz performed by the incredibly talented Steve Lacey at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street, 2nd floor, Gloucester. 

For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.