Sawyer Free Library

Gloucester Reads: A Community-Wide Reading Initiative

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the conversation and sign up for a discussion group!

DISCUSSION GROUP SCHEDULE: SIGN UP AND BE A PART OF THE CONVERSATION

Sponsor/LocationDateTimeRegistration Link
Temple Ahavat AchimSun. July 2810am-12pmRegister
1623 StudiosMon. July 291-3pmRegister
Annisquam Village ChurchTues. July 304-6pmRegister
St. Paul Lutheran ChurchTues. July 307-9pmRegister
Manship Artist Residencies@ Lanesville Community CenterTues. August 67-9pmRegister
St. John’s Episcopal ChurchThurs. August 83-5pmRegister
Gloucester Writers CenterMon. August 126-8pmRegister
Gloucester UU ChurchThurs. August 225-7pmRegister

Together in partnership, the Sawyer Free Library, Gloucester’s Racial Justice Team and Gloucester Health Department, is presenting Gloucester Reads 2024, a citywide, intergenerational summer reading initiative. Running through August, this community-wide book club aims to spark conversations, inspire new ideas, and encourage introspection about race equity in our community.

In collaboration with sixteen additional community co-sponsors, Gloucester Reads 2024 will explore books reflecting Black experiences in America. This initiative includes selections for adults, young adults and children. Adults can participate in three ways: reading the book, joining a structured discussion group, and attending the virtual author’s talk.

The summer book club’s main selection is How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith. This acclaimed book, which has won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction, the Hillman Prize for Book Journalism, the Stowe Prize, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, focuses on the history and present impact of slavery in the United States. Through eight sites, including New Orleans, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, New York City, and Angola Prison, Smith uses archival research and interviews to offer an intergenerational story of how slavery has shaped our nation’s history and memory.

For more information or to sign up for a book discussion, visit, SawyerFreeLibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

To ensure everyone can participate, Gloucester Reads is offering to cover childcare expenses for those attending discussion groups, the author’s talk, or both. Participants can request funds on the discussion group registration form.

Culture Splash at the Sawyer Free Library – Thursday evenings

~ Sawyer Free Library

To celebrate Discover Gloucester’s Culture Splash, the Sawyer Free Library will be giving away goodies related to all things arts and culture, including a poetry 101 kit, paint your own birdhouse, DIY diamond art coasters, and more! Giveaways are for 18+ participants and are first come, first serve. Limited quantities.

Every Thursday starting July 11 through the end of August | 4-7pm | Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in Downtown Gloucester.

For more information visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or contact: lsvensson@sawyerfreelibrary.org

Garden Storytime with Backyard Growers at Sawyer Free Library’s Garden Bed

~ Sawyer Free Library

Backyard Growers brings a fun outdoor children’s gardening program to the Sawyer Free Library in a series of Thursday morning events at 10:00 am throughout the summer! Children will plan, plant, water, weed, maintain and harvest a garden at the library in July and August.

Children and their caregivers are invited to come learn about gardening as the community partners share books and stories while exploring the process of growing.

As a part of the Library’s summer reading program, “2024: Read, Renew, Repeat,” which focuses on conservation, the Sawyer Free Library encourages participants of all ages to discover the joy and power of reading while developing a sense of environmental consciousness.

The weekly event takes place at the Sawyer Free Library’s raised garden bed on the Middle Street side of the Saunders House (88 Middle Street.)

For questions, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

This summer program has been made possible with support from the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.

Summer at Sawyer Free: Abra-kid-abra! Mike Bent’s Eco-Magic Show

~ Sawyer Free Library

As a part of its exciting summer reading program, Read, Renew, Repeat, the Sawyer Free Library is excited to be presenting Magician Mike Bent Eco-Magic Show on Friday, July 19 at 10:00 am.

Children and their families will be wowed by the environmental-themed magic show with magic, comedy and fun! The conservation focused summer reading theme of Read, Renew, Repeat strives to bring attention to our natural world, and caring for the environment as well as the living creatures that call it home. 

This event will be held in the City Hall auditorium, 9 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. No registration is needed.

This summer’s reading program, titled “2024: Read, Renew, Repeat,” offers a diverse and enriching experience for the entire community. By focusing on conservation, the Sawyer Free Library encourages participants of all ages to discover the joy and power of reading while developing a sense of environmental consciousness. Through engaging activities, interactive workshops, reading challenges, and more, participants will learn about the critical role of conservation in maintaining the health and vitality of our planet. For more information on Summer at Sawyer Free Library visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org.

This summer program has been made possible with support from the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund.

Summer at the Sawyer Free Library: Reverse Glass Painting with Pop Up Art School for Teens & Tweens

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Tuesday, July 16 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm Tweens and Teens are invited to unlock their crafty side, learn about the centuries-old art of reverse glass painting and create their own reverse painting with Pop Up Art School at the Sawyer Free Library!

Participants can choose from three images, and paint it using acrylic paint on clear acetate.

Reverse painting techniques have been used since the 16th century. In reverse painting, the details are painted first and then the larger shapes. It’s the reverse order of how one usually paints on paper or canvas where we start with the background, add medium to large shapes and then details. Once the image has been painted, it is viewed from the opposite side through the clear acetate.

Rising 6th graders to graduated 12 graders welcome. Space is limited, please register at SawyerFreeLibrary.org to hold your spot.

“The Irish in the Fort” by Anne Power Parson at Sawyer Free Library  

~ Sawyer Free Library
The Fort and beyond, circa late 1800s. Photo by E.G. Rollins. Collection of the Cape Ann Museum and Archives. 

The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to welcome local author Anne Power Parsons on Thursday, July 18, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm as she presents “The Irish in the Fort,” her contribution to the 400 Stories Project. She will share her family story and research about the vibrant community of Irish fishermen and their families living in the Fort from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s.  The event will occur at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester.  All are welcome. Registration is requested at sawyerfreelibrary.org.  

Anne Power Parson and her father, Donald Power, circ: 1944

Anne Power Parsons grew up in Gloucester and became intrigued with her Irish family history, thanks partly to a collection of letters written by her father, Donald Maurice Power. In addition to describing their family history, the letters revealed glimpses of the vibrant community of Irish fishermen and their families living in the Fort during this period. 

The event is open and free to attend at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in Gloucester.  For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call, 978-325-5500.

To read her contribution to the 400 Stories Project on this subject, click here.

SAWYER FREE LIBRARY WELCOMES TRICIA BALSAN AS NEW CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is delighted to announce the appointment of Tricia Balsan as Children’s Librarian.

Jenny Benedict, the Library Director, expressed her enthusiasm for Balsan’s appointment, “We are thrilled to welcome Tricia to the Sawyer Free Library. Her expertise in children’s literature and commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning make her an invaluable addition to our talented and dedicated Children’s Services staff. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our community. Tricia’s approachable and friendly nature surely will be embraced by Gloucester’s young people and their families.”

“I am so excited to join the team here at Sawyer Free Library. Everyone has welcomed me so warmly and has such enthusiasm for what they do. I can already tell how vital a part of the community the library is,” shared Tricia Balsan. “Gloucester clearly loves their library, and it’s such a wonderful feeling! I look forward to getting to know the children and families of Gloucester–both at our temporary location at 21 Main Street, and in our brand-new library building when it opens next year!”

Tricia Balsan, who recently graduated Magna Cum Laude with dual degrees—a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature and a Master of Science in Library Science—from Simmons University, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role. She has an impressive background in public libraries, having served in various roles from page to circulation clerk. Balsan’s extensive experience has equipped her with the latest best practices in the library and children’s literature fields, with a special focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation within children’s and young adult literature.

In her most recent position at the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, MA, Balsan provided library services to children, including leading engaging and interactive story times. Additionally, her experience includes positions at the Oceanside Library, Malverne Public Library, Baldwin Public Library, and Hampshire College Library. Triciai holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies from SUNY Empire State College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to come into 21 Main Street and congratulate Tricia on her new role while checking out its exciting summer calendar of fun and free events and programs designed to inspire, educate, and entertain people of all ages.

Sawyer Free Library’s summer operating hours at 21 Main Street are Monday and Wednesday from 8 am to 6 pm, Tuesday from 8 am to 6:15 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm, and 24/7 online at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

For more information about “Summer at the Sawyer Free Library” and to register for programs, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

SFL Children’s Services Team: Jessica Laurie, Tricia Balsan and Justine Vitale

Unlocking Your Musical Journey: A Songwriting Workshop with Briana Cash on Thursday, July 11

~ Sawyer Free Library

Free workshop for adults and teens at Sawyer Free Library

Unlock the secrets of songwriting with award-winning singer/songwriter Briana Cash in this engaging workshop tailored for adults and teens of all skill levels. Join the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, July 11 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at 21 Main Street for an inspiring session where Briana will share her expertise and guide participants on a journey to discover their unique voice as songwriters. No registration required.

Workshop Overview:

Crafting Your Musical Vision: Discover the essence of songwriting and learn how to approach the creative process with confidence and inspiration.

Exploring Your Artistic Identity: Dive deep into what songwriting means to you and uncover your personal songwriting goals with expert guidance from Briana.

Interactive Learning: Engage in lively discussions and a dynamic Q&A session, where Briana will share her insights and answer your burning questions about songwriting and the music industry.

Live Song Sharing: If you’re working on a song, seize the opportunity to share it with the group live. However, participation is optional, and all attendees are welcome, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced songwriter.

Briana Cash is not only an award-winning singer/songwriter but also a respected freelance music supervisor and a distinguished member of the Recording Academy and The Guild of Music Supervisors. Her exceptional talent has led to her songs being covered by various artists and featured in TV shows, films, and advertisements.

No registration required for this program. If you have questions please call 978-325-5500 or contact anakoneczny@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Summer is a busy summer for tweens and teens at the Sawyer Free Library. Middle and high schoolers are encouraged to check out the Library’s full summer schedule of weekly programs, including Reverse Glass Painting with Pop-Up Art School on July 16. There will be two Dungeons and Dragons meet-ups on July 23 and August 7, an Ice Cream Float Party on July 25, Henna Temporary Tattoos for Teens and Tweens on Thursday, August 1, and a Teen Board Game Night on August 7.

Students entering grades 6-12 can also track their “Summer Reading and eco-friendly actions” on the Library’s Summer Reading Bingo Board for Teens and Tweens, which is available on the Library’s website. They can also earn raffle tickets for every book they read to qualify for cool prizes, including an Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera.

For more information on all this and more visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or stop by 21 Main Street in Downtown Gloucester!

Tech Tuesday at SFL: Scam Awareness

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the Sawyer Free Library on Tuesday, July 9 at 2pm to learn about SCAM AWARENESS.

For this Tech Tuesday at Sawyer Free learn how to spot common scams, whether they’re through email, text or phone. Learn what to do and what NOT to do if you are scammed! 

SFL’s Tech Tuesday Monthly Workshops take place at 21 Main Street. Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. For more information or if you have questions call 978-325-5500.

Wildlife Encounters: Kick off summer reading with Sawyer Free – Family fun for all age on July 9th!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Sawyer Free Library is kicking off summer reading on Tuesday, July 9 from 10:00 to 10:45am with fascinating animals presented by Wildlife Encounters Ecology Center!  This family friendly event will be held in the City Hall auditorium, 9 Dale Avenue. No registration required.

During this interactive live animal presentation attendees will meet exotic animals and learn about their habitats, adaptations, and environmental roles from eco-educators. The ecology focused summer reading theme of “Read, Renew, Repeat” strives to bring attention to our natural world, and caring for the environment as well as the living creatures that call it home.

This event has been made possible through the generous support of the Constance T. Rhinelander Fund. Everyone is invited. No registration needed. For more information or questions, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or 978-515-6349.