SFL at 21 Main Street

Local Author Talk: Nonna, What is Saint Peter’s Fiesta?

~ Sawyer Free Library

In celebration of the St. Peter’s Fiesta, the Sawyer Free Library is pleased to host a local author talk with Laura Ventimiglia on Thursday, June 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm as she discusses her book, Nonna, What is Saint Peter’s Fiesta? The fiesta is a longstanding tradition in Gloucester, Massachusetts that pays homage to Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen and it celebrates the town’s historic fishing industry

Laura M. Alberghini is a third-generation Italian American and a retired college educator, author, and administrator who established Buttieri press in 2015 to support the preservation of family histories and traditions. She released her first book, A Letter to My Children, An Italian American Family’s Heritage, in 2016 as a dual language book in English and Italian. She lives in Gloucester, Ma with her family.

The event is open to all at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. No registration needed.

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

Local Author Talk with Sally Goldenbaum on Thursday, May 30

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to welcome local author Sally Goldenbaum of the best-selling Seaside Knitters mystery series inspired by Gloucester and Cape Ann on Thursday, May 30 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at 21 Main Street.

Sally will discuss the most recent installment in the series, and the next in the series releasing in November. She’ll delve into what cozy mysteries are and how they differ from other sub-genres, how and why she began writing them, and the process of writing itself.

When: Thursday, May 30 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Where: Sawyer Free Library, 21 Main Street, Downtown Gloucester

No registration required. For more information or questions, contact:  lsvensson@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Sawyer Free Library’s Gloucester Genealogy Group: Using DNA in Family History Research

~ Sawyer Free Library

As part of its Gloucester Genealogy Group Series, the Sawyer Free Library will present “Using DNA in Family History Research” on Thursday, May 16 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

This lecture by Senior Genealogist, Melanie McComb, will introduce participants to the value and use of DNA in family history research. Basic DNA principles, types of tests, testing companies and key terminology will be introduced. Discussion includes interpreting your results and evaluating the matches found by the testing company. Organizing your results will also be covered.

Melanie McComb, Senior Genealogist at American Ancestors, assists library visitors, both on-site and online, with their family history research. She is an international lecturer who teaches on a variety of topics. Melanie holds a B.S. degree from the State University of New York at Oswego. She previously served as the social media coordinator for the NextGen Genealogy Network, a non-profit that creates a community for younger genealogists, where she managed the Facebook and Twitter accounts. She continues her interest in helping younger genealogists get involved at American Ancestors by assisting with educational programs from local schools, scout groups, and universities. Her areas of expertise include Irish genealogy, DNA, Atlantic Canada, Jewish genealogy, and military records.

This special event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

For more information or questions, email jtravers@sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Sawyer Free Library to present the author of “The Unlocked Path” Janis Robinson Daly

~ Sawyer Free Library

Author Talk: Thursday, April 11, at 5:30 pm at 21 Main Street

The Sawyer Free Library will welcome Massachusetts author Janis Robinson Daly on Thursday, April 11, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm to discuss her debut novel, The Unlocked Path, which embraces the “New Woman” of the early 20th century. The event will be at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. Registration is not required. 

This fictional testament of a doctor’s life at the turn of the 20th century, “The Unlocked Path,” introduces us to educated, career-minded, independent Eliza Edwards. In 1897, in Philadelphia, after witnessing her aunt’s suicide, Eliza rejects her mother’s wishes for a society debut. At a time when five percent of doctors are female, she enters a women’s medical college. With the support of a circle of women and driven by a determination to conquer curriculum demands, battle sexism, and overcome doubts, Eliza charts her new life path. Combining science and sympathy, she triumphs to heal others and herself. 

Janis Robinson Daly grew up outside of Boston and remained in Massachusetts, graduating with a B.A. in Psychology from Wheaton College, at the time, an all-women’s college. At Wheaton, she developed a fond appreciation of the supportive relationships established between students, faculty, and alumnae and a heightened awareness of female-centric issues. Both directed the author’s writing of “The Unlocked Path”

Registration is not required.  All are invited to attend. For additional information visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

Women’s History Month at the Sawyer Free: “Witchcraft and Memory in Early New England”

~ Sawyer Free Library

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 from 5:30—6:30 PM at SFL at 21 Main Street

Sawyer Free Library will be hosting Dr. Tricia Peone, Project Director of New England’s Hidden Histories, for a discussion on witchcraft and memory during women’s history month this Thursday, March 21 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Today when we think about witchcraft, we tend to think about the infamous Salem witch trials. But what did it mean to believe in witchcraft in the seventeenth century and how widespread were these beliefs? How did people know if they were bewitched and who was to blame? This talk will explore the stories of several women accused of witchcraft in New England, including in Gloucester, and consider how this history continues to affect us today. Through these stories we can see not only how ideas about witchcraft have changed over time, but also changes in ideas about commemoration, justice, family legacies, and the responsibilities of communities that have been historical sites of violence.

Dr. Tricia Peone previously worked at Historic New England, where she was a research scholar for the Recovering New England’s Voices project. She has also previously worked as the public programs director at New Hampshire Humanities, a university lecturer teaching classes on the Salem witch trials, early New England, and public history, and as a researcher for cultural heritage organizations. Her scholarship focuses on early modern magic and witchcraft and her work on these subjects has appeared in journals, books, blogs, and on radio and television. She holds a PhD in history from the University of New Hampshire with a specialization in the early modern Atlantic world and history of science.

To register to attend or for more information on this special event, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Dungeons & Dragons at Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Embark on a grand adventure with Dungeons & Dragons at the Sawyer Free Library this Saturday, February 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Create your character and venture on an epic quest with Dungeon Master Ephraim Weaver. Free pizza lunch will be provided.

Program designed for 5th-12th graders. All experience levels are welcome. Space is limited. Registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

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

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.

Author Talk with Eric Lessinger: Stethoscope on Reality

~ Sawyer Free Library

Please join the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street this Thursday, February 8 at 5:30 p.m. for an author talk with Gloucester resident, Eric Lessinger, who will be discussing his book Stethoscope on Reality: how my journey as a working-class Jew from Brooklyn informed my 50 years of medical practice, opening my heart and mind.

In his book, Dr. Lessinger documents his education as a striving, intelligent, upwardly mobile student in New York City public schools who went to Harvard College and NYU Medical School. He exposes the oppressive nature of medical training, from medical school through the years as an intern and resident. Overwork, exhaustion, humiliation in front of one’s peers, and competition rather than cooperation were routine parts of his daily experience. Still, he refused to relinquish his full humanity in the process. Working as a family doctor, utilizing both science and deep caring, he is not defensive about his mistakes, but rather, honest and remarkably willing to show us his vulnerability.

Eric Lessinger, MD grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He is a family doctor who graduated from NYU Medical School in 1972 and did his internship at Lincoln Hospital in Bronx, New York. He completed his residency in Rochester, New York. He practiced Family Medicine and Hospice and Palliative care in Trumansburg, New York, near Ithaca, for many years. He is now happily retired and lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with his wife Meredith and two cats. 

No registration required for the event. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Details: Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 5:30-6:30pm at Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street.