sawyerfreelibrary

Author Talk with Alice Markham-Cantor: The Once & Future Witch Hunt

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join author Alice Markham-Cantor at the Sawyer Free Library on Tuesday, October 29 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm as she discusses her book, The Once & Future Witch Hunt, which investigates the Salem witch trials and their lasting impact.

Past and present collide in this page-turner investigation of Salem’s irrepressible question: How could this have happened?

In 1692, Martha Allen Carrier was hanged as the “Queen of Hell.” Three hundred years later, her nine-times-great-granddaughter, Alice Markham-Cantor, set out to discover why Martha died. As she chased her ancestor through the archives, graveyards, and haunted places of New England, grappling with what we owe the past, Alice’s connection to Martha led her to a shocking truth: witch hunts didn’t end in Salem.

Extensively researched and and compulsively readable, told through alternating fiction and non-fiction chapters, The Once & Future Witch Hunt does not treat Salem as a cautionary tale. It treats Salem as an instruction manual—not on how to perform witch hunts, but how to stop them.

The author talk is taking place at Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street. Registration is not required. All welcome. Questions? Contact: lsvensson@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

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. 

The Fool’s Journey: A Tarot Workshop -Thur 10/24

~ Sawyer Free Library

Are you drawn to the tarot cards but aren’t sure where to begin?

Then join Gloucester resident Diane Fraser at the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, October 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for a presentation on the basics of tarot reading.

In this workshop, tarot reader Diane Fraser will give you tips for learning the cards so you can work with them for insight, direction, and knowledge. Bring a notebook and your own Tarot deck if you have one. 

Tarot reading is an art form that blends history, art, psychology, and mindfulness, and can be used as a tool for insight and transformation.

Diane Fraser has been working with tarot and cartomancy for over 25 years. She received training in shamanic healing from the Four Winds Society and studied the hermetic arts with Brian Osborne and Mark Stavish. She was a Tarot reader at L’Espalier’s Tarot Tea, Joysource women’s retreats,and MATSU Boston. She lives in Gloucester.

The event is open to all. Although registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Live Your Best Life – Session 2: Fuel Your Life with Passion

~ Sawyer Free Library

Discover the driving forces that make life meaningful and fulfilling in the second of the Sawyer Free Library‘s program “Live Your Best Life” taking place on Thursday, October 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at 21 Main Street, downtown Gloucester.

In this dynamic session with professional life coach Marcy Plante, we’ll explore ways to uncover your true passions and align them with your life’s purpose. Expect an inspiring journey that will leave you feeling empowered, excited, and ready to live with intention and zest. 

Registration is required at sawyefreelibrary.org. For question, contact at lryan@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Marcy Plante is a dedicated professional with over 50 years of diverse experience as a coach, wellness industry leader, and educator, holding a master’s degree in education. She successfully managed a health club for 17 years, guiding people toward achieving their fitness goals and continually pursuing personal growth. In her free time, Marcy enjoys boating, collecting sea glass, skiing, and cycling, while her true passion lies in helping others unlock their potential and live life with enthusiasm.

Books & Brunch at SFL: Find Your Next Great Read

~ Sawyer Free Library

Please join the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street on Saturday, October 12 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm for BOOKS & BRUNCH a readers’ advisory program for 18+ adults who are looking for their next great read!

Get book suggestions from our community librarian, chat amongst one another with guided questions for book lovers, and learn all about the most recent buzzworthy books! The program will conclude with book and book lover’s trivia for a chance to win a prize! Light brunch and refreshments will be provided.

Register today at sawyerfreelibrary.org and join the fun! Space is limited!

October Author Talks Online with the Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE FOLLOWING VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALKS hosted by the Sawyer Free Library, for the links, register at sawyerfreelibrary.org. 

Wednesday, October 2, 2:00 to 3:00 pm, A Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats with Scientists from the Smithsonian – Join us as we welcome three Smithsonian-affiliated scientists to explore the fascinating world of tropical bats. Based on the book Bat Island: A Rare Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats, their presentation will showcase decades of research on Panama’s diverse bat species, featuring insights from scientists and stunning photography by National Geographic contributor Christian Ziegler. Learn about bats’ unique adaptations, ecological importance, and the conservation efforts needed to protect these essential creatures.  For the link, register HERE.

Wednesday, October 8, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Liberating Latin American Genre Fiction with Bestselling Author Silvia Moreno-Garcia – An inspiring conversation with Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the highly acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, Gods of Jade and Shadow, and more. Moreno-Garcia will discuss Latin American genre fiction, her writing process, and her latest book, The Seventh Veil of Salome. For the link, register HERE. 

Tuesday, October 22, 2:00 to 3:00 pm, Author Talk: Maybe You Should Talk to Somebody with Lori Gottlieb – An insightful discussion with Lori Gottlieb, author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, who will share her experiences as both a therapist and a patient. Despite her qualifications, Gottlieb emphasizes that her most important credential is her understanding of the human experience, particularly during times of crisis. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the truths and fictions that can hold us back from living our desired lives. For the link, register HERE.

For the links to these virtual author talks and to learn about other upcoming events, register at sawyerfreelibrary.org. 

Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Genealogy Myths & Legends with Michael Brophy

~ Sawyer Free Library

Rockport Public Library, Sawyer Free Library and the Gloucester Genealogy Group present: Michael Brophy, World Renowned Genealogist on Saturday, September 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 am. This event will take place at the Rockport Library located at 17 School Street in Rockport. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

This lecture explains and debunks some of the popular fiction about Genealogy and Family History. Subjects covered include: You can do your whole family history on the internet; The Courthouse burned down and destroyed all the records; I am descended from an Indian; Our name was changed at Ellis Island; Plymouth Plantation myth and reality; All records that you find are accurate and reliable; If my grammie said it was true, it must be true ! You can do your whole family history by using the records of the LDS church. Well researched proof will be presented to explain these myths.

Michael Brophy is a nationally known, professional genealogical researcher, heir search specialist, and lecturer from the Boston area. His currently the President of the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) and the first Treasurer of the New England of Association of Professional Genealogists. Mike earned an MBA degree from Suffolk University and a BBA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Mike was featured on the TV series Who Do You Think You Are? and the Irish TV series Dead Money, a genealogy show about heir searchers. Mr. Brophy was hired to conduct research for Ancestry.com and several historical authors.

He has lectured on a wide variety of genealogy subjects at the National Genealogy Society’s Annual Conference in 2023, 2022, 2019, 2014, 2012, and The Institute of Genealogy and Historic Research (IGHR). He specializes in New England and Irish genealogy subjects. His genealogy education includes eight certificates from the Institute of Genealogy and Historic Research (IGHR) and certificates in Private Investigation and Advanced Forensic Genealogy from Boston University. He is also a licensed private investigator in Massachusetts.

For additional information or questions, visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Gloucester 400 Storytellers: Leonard Craske with James Clark

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, September 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for an engaging presentation describing recent discoveries and old mysteries surrounding the life and art of Leonard Craske, the sculptor of Gloucester’s iconic Fishermen’s Memorial, Man at the Wheel. James Clark, of Gloucester, will share insights from his research which began in the small town of Annascaul, Ireland. Clark soon developed his research to become the first biography of Craske’s life. It was presented as a signature story of the Gloucester400+ Commemorative Book, Our People, Our Stories.

Mr. Clark and Terry Weber Mangos, Gloucester 400+ Stories Project Leader, have identified many long-forgotten works by Leonard Craske. Please join us at 21 Main Street to learn more about this remarkably creative life and remember an adopted son of Gloucester! 

Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Space is limited. For questions, call 978-325-5500.

This event is the result of a partnership between the Gloucester400+ Stories Project and the Sawyer Free Library.

This Thursday: An Evening of Art, Music, and Community for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join the Sawyer Free Library this Thursday, September 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the North Shore Arts Association (11 Pirates Lane, Gloucester) for an evening filled with creativity and connection—all in support of the Sawyer Free Library 2025 Capital Campaign.

Take a Sneak Peek HERE at some of the stunning artwork up for grabs in our silent and live auctions from artists such as Jeff Weaver, John Terelak, Robert Gruppé, Coco Berkman, Charles Movalli, Jon Sarkin, and many more. Every bid brings us closer to restoring, expanding, and modernizing Gloucester’s beloved historic library.

The excitement begins at 7:15 p.m. when Walt Kolenda from Cape Ann Auction kicks off the live auction. Be sure to place your bids early—our silent auction closes promptly at 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy light refreshments, snacks, and live music while mingling with fellow art lovers and community members.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the art world, the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Benefit Art Auction promises to be a thrilling event. It’s a chance to enjoy a fun evening, connect with friends, and take home an original piece of art, all while supporting the future of the Sawyer Free Library. We hope to see everyone there for this exciting and meaningful and free community event!

Register HERE to let us know you are coming to the auction or for more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500