Join us for a 3-hour fantastical adventure at the Sawyer Free Library this Saturday, November 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with local Dungeon Master (DM) Ephraim Weaver. Beginner and experienced Dungeons & Dragons players in grades 5-12th graders are welcome! Pizza will be served. No registration necessary. Event at Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street, Gloucester. For more information visit, SawyerFreeLibrary.org or 978-325-5500.
This Saturday, November 4 from 10:30 to 11:15 am join local author Katherine (Gig) Babson and Pippi her black Labrador retriever at Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street as they share their newest picture book. Hear stories from their many outdoor adventures at Dogtown, a favorite local spot of theirs on Cape Ann. The 26 Babson Boulders, which are engraved with inspirational inscriptions such as Kindness, Courage, & Never Try, Never Win are featured in their outdoor Dogtown adventures as well as Pippi’s training!
Pippi Rocks, More Stores from the Dog Blog is a charming tale of a curious, exceedingly clever Young Dog’s exploits. The antics of Pippi are non-stop in these tales of her mischievous adventures by Katherine (Gig) Babson. The book is a warm and inspiring affirmation of how a dog’s and its owner’s reciprocal love brings deep and unique meaning to their lives.
Registration is not required. All are welcome! For more information visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.
All are welcome to the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street on Thursday, October 19 at 5:30pm for an engaging talk with local author Karin Gertsch, who will discuss her debut novel Five Wishes, a heartwarming Massachusetts-based story about history, love, and lore. All are welcome. No registration is required.
Five Wishes is about the MacInnes family, who live in a small New England town called Hamlet. Husband, Delbert MacInnes, was born and raised in Hamlet and is content to remain grounded, while his wife, Matilda, has been itching to make her dreams come true. Over the years her wish list was amended several times—her patience is wearing thin. When an unexpected event happens, Matilda learns that Delbert has kept a secret from her for decades. But, then, she’s never shared her precious secret with him. Five Wishes takes the reader on journeys from Hamlet to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, then overseas to an ancient castle in Scotland, before venturing back to the cozy Cape Cod-style home at Five Cedar Street, where a freshly-brewed cup of Darjeeling tea is waiting at the breakfast table.
Karin Gertsch is the author of Cape Ann & Vicinity: A Guide for Residents and Visitors, as well as Flora Has an Adventure, a children’s book for ages 3-8. The author is currently working on her second novel as well as a series of Flora stories for children. Karin will share about the research process for her novel, as well as the processes for researching and creating a travel guide and a children’s book.
All are welcome. No registration required. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.
Prepare for spooky vibes at 21 Main Street this Friday, October 13 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. as the Sawyer Free Library dim the lights and set the stage for not just one, but TWO local authors who will share hauntingly fun details from their books. This event is designed for teens and tween (6 to 12th graders).
Alyssa Alessi is a Boston native who has always loved all things spooky. Her debut middle grade book is entitled Izzy Hoffman Is Not A Witch. She writes stories for tween, teen, and adult audiences that are inspired by the macabre vibes of New England. She enjoys writing for young readers and fueling their excitement for discovering their interests… especially when their interests include witches, vampires, werewolves, and UFOs!
E.C. Hanson lives in Salem, Massachusetts. He earned his MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU and was the recipient of an “Outstanding Writing For The Screen” certificate. His work has been published by Smith & Kraus and Applause Books in 8 play anthologies. More than 35 of his short plays have been developed and produced in the United States. He has written three books of horror fiction. They include: All Things Deadly (Salem Stories), Wicked Blood, and Fake Somebodies, Real Nobodies.
This event is designed for teens and tween (6 to 12th graders). No registration is needed. For more information call the Library at 978-325-5500 or email moneill@sawyerfreelibrary.org. Sawyer Free Library programming information can be found at sawyerfreelibray.org
The Sawyer Free Library is excited to welcome author Taylor Tyng to speak about his new book for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12), Clara Poole and the Long Way Round, on Friday, September 15 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. The free event will be at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester.
Make your own hot air balloons as you listen to the fun and engaging author read from his new middle-grade nove! It is Mr. Lemoncello meets the Amazing Race, in this quirky high-octane balloon-racing middle-grade around-the-world adventure.
The Bookstore of Gloucester will be selling books at the event; Tyng will be signing books after the talk and Q&A. If you cannot be there in person, you can pre order a book to be signed by the author by calling the store at 978-281-1548.
This program is suitable for grades 4th-8th. Click HERE to register. Registration required as space is limited. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org
Join the Sawyer Free Library for a fun LEGO-filled community event THIS Saturday, September 16, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at 20 Main Street in downtown Gloucester, right across from the Sawyer Free Library temporary location.
Build your own library-inspired LEGO creation with the help of a certified LEGO Master from the LEGO Discovery Center Boston. Check out the specially commissioned LEGO model replica of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library. Have fun creating with LEGOs along with face painting, prizes, music, and more!
All are invited to this FREE community celebration of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library’s upcoming community groundbreaking which is taking place on Friday, September 29th!
For more information on the LEGO event or the 2025 Sawyer Free Library Groundbreaking visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org
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The Young Gloucester Scientist’s Club presents: Build a Wire Tree Workshop this Friday, July 28 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street.
Flex your creativity with this nature-based art activity with Local Sculptor & Wire Artist Ryan Kelley. Ryan has used over 35 miles of wire to create his detailed wire-art, and has many miles still to come. In this 2-hour art class Ryan will share his wealth of knowledge and teach our young scientists to follow their own passions and create as well. This program is suitable for 4th-8th graders.
Registration is Required. Questions? Visit, SawyerFreeLibrary.org or 978-325-5562.
The Young Gloucester Scientist’s Club is supported by federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The YGSC is a monthly club for 4th through 8th graders that introduces them to Gloucester Community members with careers across a variety of STEM fields.
This Thursday, July 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. the Sawyer Free Library will be presenting an author-talk with June Vail, Professor Emerita in the Department of Theater and Dance at Bowdoin College, about her book Folly Cove Sketches: Remembering Virginia Lee Burton.
Vail’s new memoir paints a warm, honest portrait of her great-aunt, Virginia Lee Burton, Author and illustrator of beloved mid-century children’s books. Burton’s beloved books, including Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel and Caldecott-winner The Little House, continue to delight generations of parents, children, and librarians. Offering intimate glimpses into Burton’s wide-ranging artistic projects and everyday life, Vail vividly recounts how living with her great-aunt Jinnee in the Folly Cove, Massachusetts, community broadened her teenage perspectives and inspired some unexpected life choices.
An open Q and A will follow Vail’s informal, illustrated talk. Books will be available for sale and signing following the presentation. The event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library’s downtown location at 21 Main Street in Gloucester.
For more details or questions visit SawyerFreeLibrary.org or 978-325-5525.
Be sure to Save the Date for these upcoming Author Events at SFL at 21 Main Street:
Thursday, August 3, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, Dan Fuller, Gloucester Gale: The True Story of the Swordfishing Schooner Dorcas
Thursday, August 24, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Ellen Levy: The Saturday Evening Girls in Gloucester
The Sawyer Free Library is excited to be presenting a series of local authors reading and sharing insight into colorful historical happenings of Gloucester this summer at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. All events are in person and open to the public. The series kicks off this Saturday, July 22 with local author and historian Wayne Soini.
Saturday, July 22, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wayne Soini to present “An Unsuitable Lecture: Thoreau, Walden, and the Gloucester Lyceum” – An unnamed critic for the Gloucester Telegraph declared that Henry D. Thoreau’s lecture was “unique” before he took umbrage and condemned it as “not exactly suitable for a Gloucester audience.” 175 years ago, in December 1848, Thoreau auditioned his upcoming book, Walden, before an audience of Gloucester folks at the Gloucester Lyceum (today, the Legion Hall).
Wayne Soini, a local author, through the lens of Thoreau’s controversial performance in Gloucester of “Economy,” which evolved into Chapter One of his classic book, will share more about the man Henry D. Thoreau and the writing (and rewriting) of Walden.
Thursday, July 27, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., June Vail, Folly Cove Sketches: Remembering Virginia Lee – An author-talk with June Vail, Professor Emerita in the Department of Theater and Dance at Bowdoin College, about her book Folly Cove Sketches: Remembering Virginia Lee Burton. Vail’s new memoir paints a warm, honest portrait of her great-aunt, Virginia Lee Burton, Author and illustrator of beloved mid-century children’s books. Burton’s beloved books, including Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel and Caldecott-winner The Little House, continue to delight generations of parents, children, and librarians. Offering intimate glimpses into Burton’s wide-ranging artistic projects and everyday life, Vail vividly recounts how living with her great-aunt Jinnee in the Folly Cove, Massachusetts, community broadened her teenage perspectives and inspired some unexpected life choices. An open Q and A will follow Vail’s informal, illustrated talk. Books will be available for sale and signing following the presentation.
Thursday, August 3, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, Dan Fuller, Gloucester Gale: The True Story of the Swordfishing Schooner Dorcas– In “Gloucester Gale,” Dan Fuller tells the true story of Captain Joseph Silveira and the swordfishing schooner “Dorcas” during the August Gale of 1924. In this vivid narrative about men battling against a raging force of nature during the bygone age of wooden ships and harpoons, he reconstructs the events of that hurricane and the schooner “Dorcas,” the impact on the rest of the fleet out at Georges Bank, and their loved ones back in Gloucester. Dan is a direct descendant of Captain Silveira, and this story has been part of his family’s folklore for generations. Dan has always been captivated by the sea and is an avid sport fisherman. He currently splits his time seasonally between Cape Cod Bay and Tampa Bay. Books will be available for sale and signing following the presentation.
Thursday, August 24, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Ellen Levy: The Saturday Evening Girls in Gloucester –Author Ellen Levy will relay the story of a Boston library group that created magnificent Arts and Crafts pottery at the turn of the last century. Supported by their benefactor, Helen Storrow, the immigrant girls vacationed at Wingaersheek Beach. In a lively presentation, Ellen will share the stories she gathered while researching for her series of historical fiction books taking place in the 1910s in Massachusetts.
For more information on the Sawyer Free Library’s Author Talks and the complete schedule of summer happenings at the Library, please visit www.sawyerfreelibrary.org, call 978-325-5500, or 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. As always, all events are free and open to the public.
The Sawyer Free Folk Showcase continues on Thursday, July 13 at 6:00 p.m. with PETER LINDBERG.
Having just returned from Nashville after ten years, Cape Ann-based critically acclaimed folk artist and storyteller songwriter Peter Lindberg will share his lyrical prowess and unique alt-country songwriting with us at the SFL at 21 Main Street!
The Library’s summer musical series spotlights local singer-songwriters. Performances are 6:00 to 7:00 pm on select Thursdays through September at the Library’s 21 Main Street location in downtown Gloucester. Each evening the featured artist performs a 45-minute set followed by a brief discussion about their musical career and approach to songwriting. The performances are free and open to all to enjoy. For more information about the musicians, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.
You can hear more from Peter HERE.
Be sure to add to your calendar the following upcoming musical appearances by local singer songwriters at the Sawyer Free this summer:
Thursday, August 10: GEORGE CLEMENTS
Thursday, September 7: LIAM ANASTASIA-MURPHY
Cape Ann Community 