Technology

Sawyer Free Library Now Recruiting Adult Participantsfor Free Computer Basics Course

~ Sawyer Free Library

Graduates receive a Chromebook and one year of home Internet service

The Sawyer Free Library is now accepting participants for its new Computer Basics Course, a free, hands-on program designed to help adults build essential digital skills for everyday life, work, and learning. The 15-hour, self-paced course, which runs through December 12, 2025, is delivered in the Library’s new Digital Learning Lab. Upon successful completion, qualified participants will receive a free Chromebook to keep and a hotspot with one year of Internet service. 

“Digital skills open doors—to jobs, to services, to staying connected with family,” said Library Director Jenny Benedict. “The Sawyer Free Library’s Digital Learning Lab team provides welcoming, one-on-one support so adults with little or no experience can learn at their own pace and celebrate every milestone.”

Participants will gain foundational skills that include setting up and using a computer and the Internet, navigating websites and applications, practicing online security and safety, and using communication tools such as email and video conferencing.

The Computer Basics Course will be held in the Digital Learning Lab on the ground floor of Sawyer Free Library, located at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. Drop-in training and practice hours are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The course is designed for adults with limited computer access or experience. Priority will be given to applicants who qualify for benefit programs and have a defined learning goal. Eligible programs include, but are not limited to, SNAP, TANF, WIC, TAFDC, EAEDC, MRVP, RAFT, LIHEAP, MassHealth/Medicaid, and SSI/SSDI.

Interested participants can contact the Digital Learning Lab Service Desk by phone at 978-325-5546, by email at computerbasics@sawyerfreelibrary.org or in person at the Library and asking for Roger or Joe.

Participants do not need to own a computer to enroll. A Chromebook will be provided for use during the course and may be taken home upon successful completion. In addition, a hotspot with a one-year Internet service plan will be included for eligible graduates.

“This is about access and confidence,” added Benedict. “With individualized coaching from our Digital Tutors and Librarians, adults can practice real-world tasks—safely setting up devices, applying for jobs, accessing health information, or connecting with loved ones online.”

The Sawyer Free Library’s Digital Learning Lab is a new community resource dedicated to digital inclusion—offering approachable training, devices, and support to help Gloucester residents thrive in an increasingly online world.  The Computer Basics Course is supported through a generous Digital Equity Initiative Partnership Grant from the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF).

Sawyer Free Library Launches Fall Internship Program for GHS Students

~ Sawyer Free Library

Information session about paid opportunity scheduled for Wednesday June 11

This fall, Sawyer Free Library is offering a new internship opportunity for Gloucester High School students in support of its innovative Digital Learning Lab. The Library is hiring student interns as Digital Tutors to assist with the inaugural Computer Basics Course, a community program designed to help adults gain essential digital skills.

Digital Tutors will serve as trusted guides, helping participants navigate internet use, computing devices, and common digital applications. The course includes 15 hours of self-paced, hands-on training. Qualified adult participants who complete the program will receive a free Chromebook and a one-year internet service plan.

“Student interns will gain valuable work experience while making a meaningful impact on closing Gloucester’s digital divide. “Students will be developing two sets of skills,” said Assistant Director Lisa Ryan. “They’ll build hard skills such as setting up and troubleshooting devices, using Google applications, navigating the internet safely, and practicing email and telecommunications best practices.”

“We’ll also focus on soft skills,” Ryan continued. “Through on-the-job experience and a weekly workshop, students will strengthen their communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills that colleges and employers are increasingly prioritizing alongside technical knowledge.”

Interested students should send their application to jobs@gloucester-ma.gov or drop them off or mail them to Gloucester City Hall, 9 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930. References may be from a teacher, coach, employer, or guidance counselor—but not family or friends. The application deadline is June 18, 2025, with interviews scheduled between June 23 and 27.

Interns will complete paid training in early September. After training, they may work up to 16 hours per week through December 12, 2025, with shifts available on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons, and Saturdays. Interns will be paid $18/hour, and those who complete at least 54 hours of tutoring may earn high school credit.

Students interested in pursuing careers in technology, education, psychology, social work, or digital literacy are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to juniors and seniors.

An information session will be held Wednesday, June 11 at 2:10 p.m. in the Guidance Conference Room at Gloucester High School.  For more information, contact Assistant Director Lisa Ryan at lryan@sawyerfreelibrary.org with your contact information, a brief summary of relevant experience and interest, and availability.

This first of its kind digital intern program at the Sawyer Free Library is funded through the generosity of an Essex County Community Foundation Digital Equity Partnership Grant.

Help Build Gloucester’s Future Today

~ Sawyer Free Library

2025 Sawyer Free Library 🌸 Spring Appeal

The future of the Sawyer Free Library is rising on Dale Avenue—and it’s breathtaking. On schedule and on budget, our modernized library is nearly complete and set to open its doors to the Gloucester community this fall!

This transformation is about more than a building. It’s about what happens inside, and every floor tells a story of inclusion and innovation.

On the Ground Floor

  • A cutting-edge Digital Learning Lab 💻
  • A Local History Research Center with an 85” interactive display and digital archive
  • A 100-seat Community Room for performances, workshops, and forums

On the First Floor

  • A warm, inviting Reading Lounge and expanded collection 📚
  • A Quiet Room for focused study and reflection
  • A newly expanded Matz Gallery showcasing Cape Ann’s artistic talent 🖼

On the Second Floor – 9,500 square feet devoted to Young Minds

  • A Light-Filled Children’s Room
  • An Early Learning Center supporting literacy from the start
  • A Creative Program Room for hands-on exploration
  • Gloucester’s only dedicated Teen Space and Creation Studio

We’re building more than a library—we’re creating a future where knowledge, equity, and opportunity can thrive. This is a library for everyone: every age, every voice, every dreamer. But we’re not quite there yet.

To everyone who has supported the Sawyer Free Library project—thank you. Your generosity has brought us this far, and we’re proud of what we’ve built together. Now, as we prepare to open the doors, we invite you to help us complete this transformational project by donating to the 2025 Sawyer Free Library 🌸 Spring Appeal.

💛 Let’s Finish This Together
Your gift will help turn this shared vision into reality. It’s an investment in Gloucester’s wellbeing, culture, and future. Please consider donating today at 2025.sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Whether you’ve already contributed, are considering an additional gift, or are giving for the first time—your support matters.

Together, let’s build a space where ideas grow, stories are shared, ​and our community shines! ☀️

Weekly Technology Help at Sawyer Free Library

~ Sawyer Free Library

Looking for some help navigating your personal technology – the Sawyer Free Library‘s Technology Assistant is here to help!

Each Tuesday, 3:00 to 4:00 pm, Tech Tuesday: Drop-in Advice: Drop-in sessions for troubleshooting your digital devices or chat about anything tech related. Learn about library apps, chat about current events in the digital world, set up new devices, or anything else tech-related – Our tech assistant is available from 3-4 to work one on one, or even as a group if there are similar questions. Drop in, bring your device, and let’s chat! No registration needed!

Each Thursday, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, Device Advice Sessions by Appointment: Register for a 30-minute, one-on-one session with the Library’s Technology Assistant to troubleshoot devices, set up a phone or tablet, or learn digital tasks. Bring your fully charged device, necessary accessories, and passwords. Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org or call us at 978-500-5500 to book an appointment.

Although there’s a lot we can help you with, there are some things that we won’t be able to troubleshoot because they are outside our scope and abilities, such as your home WiFi – or cell service – things like that are better remedied by calling your internet or cell phone provider.

All sessions are at Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street, Downtown Gloucester.

For questions, call 978-325-5500.

Tech Tuesday: Walk-In Sessions – Tues, Sept 3 and 17

~ Sawyer Free Library

Don’t miss Tech Tuesday Drop-in Sessions on Tuesday, September 3 and 17 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at the Sawyer Free Library for troubleshooting your digital devices, or to chat about tech trends, devices, news, AI or really anything tech related!

No registration is required. First come, first served – or we can chat as a group if there are similar questions, comments or quandaries. Stop in anytime between 3 and 4 pm at 21 Main St and meet with our Technology Assistant, Joe Wilkins at the Information Services Desk.

If you have questions related to this service, call 978-325-5500.

Tech Tuesday: Artificial Intelligence

~ Sawyer Free Library

Tuesday, August 6 at 2pm at Sawyer Free Library

On Tuesday, August 6th, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, the Sawyer Free Library will host “Tech Tuesday: Artificial Intelligence.” Led by the library’s Technology Assistant, Joe Wilkins, this introductory session will cover the basics of artificial intelligence. Attendees will learn about the history of AI, understand what AI entails, and explore common applications, including those in everyday use. The presentation will also address ethical and environmental concerns, as well as the benefits and risks associated with AI. Additionally, participants will be introduced to a few simple and free ways to use AI.

Tech Tuesday will take place in the Library’s Meeting Room at 21 Main Street.

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

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.

Tech Tuesdays at the Sawyer Free Library!

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library offers drop in technology help!

Every Tuesday from 11:30am – 1:00pm

The weekly technology help session begins with a mini-lesson on a typical technology question. The remainder of the time is devoted to assisting with individual technical issues.

Bring your device and passwords, and SFL Tech Librarian will help you solve the problem!

No registration necessary. 

Questions, contact jdunajski@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5568.

You can find out more about the many services the Library offers at SawyerFreeLibrary.org.

Sawyer Free Library’s New Public Computers

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is excited to share that it has 8 newly upgraded public computers which are now available to the public on the Main Floor of the Library. 1-hour sessions are available with a 2-hour daily limit.

Be sure to head to the Library to do some job hunting, explore the its online Gloucester history resources, research their vast databases, and much more!

Sawyer Free Library’s summer operating hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday 12 – 7:00 pm, and Saturday 10:00 am to 1 pm and 24/7 at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

For more information about the technology available and all the library’s programs and resources visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5501.

Sawyer Free Library’s Technology on the Horizon: Big Data in Small Slices Presentation on Thursday, April 29

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to announce the launch of “Technology on the Horizon,” an informative series that spotlights individuals and organizations on the North Shore working with critical or emerging technologies.

Throughout the year, the Library will be hosting local industry leaders who will share their knowledge, insight, and the economic implications of their work in a way that is accessible to all. The series is intended to inspire and inform individuals about new and exciting innovations happening in our community and the possibilities of new career paths in Technology. The live virtual presentations are free and open to the public with advance registration through the Sawyer Free Library’s website.

The series will kick off with “Big Data in Small Slices” on Thursday, April 29, at 7 pm. Data analysis and visualization expert, author, journalist, and resident of Rockport, Dianne Finch-Claydon, will share how data visualization can be used to combat climate change, better our world, and even help your career. Her newly published book, Big Data in Small Slices: Data Visualization for Communicators, which has been called an invaluable resource for anyone interested in storytelling using data, is available now to checkout at Sawyer Free Library. Click here to register and to receive the Zoom link.

For more information about the “Technology on the Horizon” series and the Library’s other programs and offerings, please visit sawyerfreelibray.org.