writing

Preserving Cape Ann’s Ethnic Cultural Heritage | Branded: Gloucester’s Hidden History of Enemy Aliens

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library is proud to host Branded: Gloucester’s Hidden History of Enemy Aliens on Saturday, September 27 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The event will take place in the Library’s (brand new!) Community Room located on the ground floor level.

Join Gloucester native and writer Maria Millefoglie as she uncovers a little-known chapter of local history in her presentation Italian Immigrant: A Story of Allegiance, Loss, and Belonging in World War II.

Drawing on archives, historic newspapers, and community stories, Millefoglie reveals how World War II reshaped Gloucester’s Sicilian and Italian immigrant families. While hundreds of young men proudly enlisted in the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, others in their households were labeled “enemy aliens,” banned from the waterfront, and stripped of their livelihoods. During this time, the U.S. Navy requisitioned some of Gloucester’s finest fishing vessels for minesweeping and patrol duty, even as German U-boats prowled the Atlantic.

Through storytelling, timelines, and photographs, Millefoglie brings to life the sacrifices of fishermen pressed into naval service, the struggles of families torn between loyalty to their new country and ties to their homeland, and the resilience of women who held households together amid fear and loss.

This presentation not only pays tribute to the past but also offers timely reflections on how history echoes in today’s debates about immigration and belonging.

This event is the first project under Preserving Cape Ann’s Ethnic Cultural Heritage, part of the broader Down the Fort: A Documentary and Archive Project, which works to capture and honor the immigrant and ethnic experiences that have long shaped Cape Ann’s cultural fabric.

Register for the presentation on Library’s calendar at sawyerfreelibrary.org.

The Sawyer Free Library is located at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. For details on all the Library’s services and upcoming programming visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org.

2025 Winners Announced in Poetry Without Paper Contest at Award Ceremony

~ Sawyer Free Library

The Sawyer Free Library proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Poetry Without Paper contest during an inspiring awards ceremony held on Tuesday evening, June 17, 2025, at the Gloucester High School Library. A standing-room-only crowd of friends, families, and community members gathered to celebrate Gloucester’s young literary talents. The evening featured moving readings from the student winners, showcasing both creativity and emotional depth across all age groups.

Now in its 23rd year, Poetry Without Paper continues to ignite imagination and passion for writing among Gloucester’s youth. This year’s contest, themed New Chapter, New Stories, New Beginnings, invited students to reflect on fresh starts and new possibilities—a timely prompt as the Library prepares to move into its newly renovated and expanded space.

From nearly 200 submissions, winners were selected from three categories: elementary, middle, and high school. The contest awarded over $1,000 in prizes, including Cape Ann gift certificates for top winners and poetry books for honorable mentions. In addition to certificates and public recognition, winning poets were invited to appear on The Writer’s Block with John Ronan, a 1623 Studios production. Their work will also be featured on the Sawyer Free Library’s website.

The awards were presented by former Gloucester Poet Laureate and contest co-founder John Ronan, with newly appointed Gloucester Co Poet Laureate Heidi Wakeman. Together, they honored the accomplishments of the young poets and emphasized the importance of poetry in giving voice to the next generation.

“For more than two decades, the Sawyer Free Library has fostered a love of poetry, providing young writers with a space to express themselves,” said Library Director Jenny Benedict. “This year’s entries were particularly powerful and deeply reflective—proof that poetry continues to thrive among Gloucester’s youth.”

John Ronan shared in his opening remarks, “Over the years, we’ve received thousands of poems from hundreds upon hundreds of students. And this year—like every year—I was once again impressed by the maturity, insight, and intelligence in their work. These young poets are paying close attention to the world around them and are sharing their hopes, fears, and reflections through poetry.”

Heidi Wakeman followed by saying, “Poetry is a powerful way of expressing language,” and added, “What a great night for Gloucester as we celebrate these talented young writers.”

The Poetry Without Paper contest is open each spring to Gloucester students in grades K–12. Participants are encouraged to explore a theme but may write on any topic in 30 lines or fewer. 

For more information about Poetry Without Paper, to read the winning poems, or to learn more about Sawyer Free Library’s youth programming, visit www.SawyerFreeLibrary.org 

The Sawyer Free Library extends heartfelt congratulations to all participants and winners and looks forward to the continued growth of Gloucester’s young literary voices.

Sawyer Free Library: 2025 Poetry Without Paper Winners

Elementary School Winners

1st Place:        Laszlo Jablanczy, Plum Cove, Grade 3, “Bird House”

2nd Place:        Freja Hinderlie McLanahan, Beeman, Grade 2, “The Worst Life of Bad Luck!”

3rd Place:        Sophia Deoliveira, West Parish, Grade 5, “Take care of Your Self”

HM:                 Ilani Mione, East Veterans, Grade 5, “Moving On” 

HM:                 Sigrid Fishburn, West Parish Grade 4, “New Chapter”

Middle School Winners

1st Place:        Iona Fishburn, Waring School, Grade 7, “A Poem for Francie”

2nd Place:        Yenssi Erazo, O’Maley Innovation Middle School, Grade 7, “Doubts that Won’t Go Away”

3rd Place:        Elizabeth Olson, O’Maley Innovation Middle School, Grade 8, “My Chance”

HM:                 Addy LeClaire, O’Maley Innovation Middle School, Grade 7, “Heal the Woes”

HM:                 Kendall Brown, O’Maley Innovation Middle School, Grade 7, “Growing My Wings”

High School Winners:

1st Place:        Aleena Brown, GHS, Grade 10, “Where I Belong”

2nd Place:        Emma Wilt, Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School, Grade 11, “Reflection”

3rd Place:        Lacey Barry, GHS, Grade 9, “Surviving”

HM:                 Emma Hoke, GHS, Grade 9, “Notes Between the Margins”

HM:                 Vivian Payne, Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, Grade 9, “Canary in the Coal Mines”

Cape Ann Libraries Celebrate Earth Day with Inspiring Author Talk

~ Sawyer Free Library

Cape Ann’s public libraries—Rockport Public Library, Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library, and the TOHP Burnham Library in Essex—extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined them for a very special Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 19, at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport.

This unique collaborative event brought together four libraries and hundreds of community members to honor the wonders of the natural world. The highlight of the afternoon was a captivating conversation with acclaimed author and naturalist Sy Montgomery and award-winning wildlife illustrator Matt Patterson, who shared insights from their latest book, Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell.

“It was a joy to witness our communities come together to celebrate nature, storytelling, and the enduring power of libraries,” said event organizers. “This Earth Day event reminded us of the vital role libraries play in inspiring imagination, fostering empathy, and encouraging stewardship of our planet.”

Sy Montgomery, author of more than 30 books including The Soul of an Octopus, a National Book Award finalist, is renowned for her ability to bring readers into the heart of the animal world. Her latest work explores the resilience, beauty, and mystery of turtles—and of time itself.

Matt Patterson’s intricate wildlife illustrations, featured in The Book of Turtles—a Robert F. Sibert Honor Award recipient—showcase the rich biodiversity of turtle species and emphasize their importance within global ecosystems.

Sy beautifully captured the spirit of the day when she said, “A library is a portal not just to our own world, but to worlds unknown… a refuge, a space rocket. Libraries show us we can dream anything, do anything, be anything.”

The four Cape Ann libraries are deeply grateful to the nearly 300 attendees who made this Earth Day gathering so memorable. We hope the event sparked a renewed sense of connection—to nature, to community, and to the incredible institutions that are our public libraries.

For those inspired to take further action in support of turtle conservation, Sy and Matt recommend two local organizations doing vital work: Turtle Survival Alliance, dedicated to saving turtles from extinction and Turtle Rescue League, a Massachusetts-based group rescuing and rehabilitating injured turtles, relocating eggs from hazardous areas, and rehoming unwanted pet turtles.

Together, let’s keep celebrating, learning from, and protecting this extraordinary planet we call home.

Left to Right:
Essex’s T.O.H.P. Burnhan Public Library Director Carla Christensen, Rockport Public Library Director Cindy Grove, Author Sy Montgomery, Illustrator Matt Patterson, Rockport Library Adult Program Coordinator Osha Rose and Gloucester’s Sawyer Free Community Librarian Meg O’Neill 

CAPE ANN LIBRARIES CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH ACCLAIMED AUTHOR SY MONTGOMERY 

~ Sawyer Free Library

Four Libraries to host Community-Wide Celebration of Earth Day

As the world gets ready to celebrate Earth Day 2025, Cape Ann’s public libraries are joining forces to inspire environmental action and education. This year, four public libraries of Cape Ann—Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex – are proud to present bestselling author Sy Montgomery and renowned wildlife illustrator Matt Patterson for a special event exploring the wonders of turtles and the natural world.

On Saturday, April 19, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, the libraries will welcome Montgomery and Patterson to the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, MA, for an engaging discussion of their acclaimed book, Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell. The event will feature a 60-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. Attendees can submit questions in advance through their library’s website.

This free event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from two of the most passionate voices in nature writing and wildlife illustration. Tickets are available online through each participating library’s website—space is limited.

“A library is a portal not just to our own world, but to worlds unknown–worlds that have never been–worlds of imagination. A library holds the keys to every kingdom.  And just think: all of us can step through this magical door right in our own neighborhood! For me, the library is an entryway, a refuge, a space rocket. Libraries show us we can dream anything, do anything, be anything. They are more essential today than ever before,” shares author Sy Montgomery about the importance of public libraries. 

Cape Ann’s libraries are thrilled to bring this Earth Day program to the community as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental education. Montgomery and Patterson will share their experiences working with injured turtles, discuss their creative collaboration, and inspire audiences to see the world—and its wildlife—through a fresh, more compassionate lens.

As coastal communities, Cape Ann’s libraries recognize the critical importance of protecting the environment for future generations. With this special event, the libraries hope to encourage people of all ages to deepen their connection to nature and take meaningful action. In addition, each Cape Ann library will offer a variety of Earth Day programs throughout March and April, encouraging individuals of all ages to take meaningful steps to protect our environment – because every day is Earth Day.

Sy Montgomery is an internationally acclaimed author and naturalist, celebrated for her remarkable ability to bring the lives of animals and their ecosystems to readers of all ages. She has written over 30 books, including the National Book Award finalist The Soul of an Octopus, and has traveled the world researching rare and extraordinary creatures. Her latest work, Of Time and Turtles, explores the resilience and wonder of these ancient beings while offering profound insights into the mysteries of time itself.

Matt Patterson is an award-winning wildlife illustrator whose detailed, captivating artwork brings the beauty of nature to life. His illustrations in The Book of Turtles, a Robert F. Sibert Honor Award recipient, showcase the stunning diversity of turtles and highlight their crucial role in ecosystems worldwide.

The community is invited to celebrate Earth Day with an unforgettable conversation about wildlife, conservation, and the timeless lessons turtles can teach us. This special program is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Cape Ann’s public libraries —Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex – and their shared commitment to fostering a love of nature, literature, and lifelong learning. 

For those interested, Susie’s Stories in Rockport will be offering to purchase signed copies of Sy Montgomery’s book Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell through their website. 

For more information or to reserve free tickets for this special event, please contact your local library: Sawyer Free Library, Rockport Public Library, Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library and T.O.H.P Burnham Library. 

Sawyer Free Library Invites Young Poets to Enter the 2025 Poetry Without Paper Contest

~ Sawyer Free Library

New Chapter, New Stories, New Beginnings

Calling all young poets and aspiring writers! The Sawyer Free Library is thrilled to launch the 2025 Poetry Without Paper contest, continuing its decades-long tradition of inspiring creativity in Gloucester’s youth. Running through April 30, 2025, the competition aligns with the culmination of National Poetry Month—an ideal time for young voices to share their poetry and perspectives. This year’s theme, New Chapter, New Stories, New Beginnings, invites students to reflect on fresh starts and new possibilities. The theme also echoes an exciting milestone for the Library itself as it prepares to reopen in September in a newly renovated, expanded, and modernized space.

Coordinated by Sawyer Free Library’s Children’s staff in collaboration with renowned poet and former Gloucester Poet Laureate John Ronan and Library Board member Dawn Sarrouf, this beloved annual competition provides a creative platform for students to showcase their talent in a supportive community of writers.

The contest welcomes submissions from children and teens living in Gloucester or attending its schools in three age groups: elementary, middle, and high school. While participants are encouraged to explore the theme “New Chapter, New Stories, New Beginnings,” poems on any topic are welcome. Poetry submissions may be enhanced with video, images, or music but should be 30 lines or fewer, original, and previously unpublished.

Winners will be selected from three age groups: high school, middle school, and elementary school. First-place winners in all categories will receive $150 Cape Ann gift certificates, second-place winners will receive $100 gift certificates, and third-place winners a $50 gift certificate with Honorable Mention winners presented with a poetry book. All winning poets will receive a certificate, be able to present their poems at an awards ceremony in June, and be invited to appear on an episode of 1623 Studio’s production, The Writer’s Block with John Ronan. Additionally, all winning entries will be on display at and published online by the Library.

Poems must be submitted through the Library website at SawyerFreeLibrary.org from March 1 to April 30. For more information, contact the Children’s Librarian at tbalsan@sawyerfreelibrary.org.

Students do not need to be library cardholders to enter the contest, but for those interested, the Sawyer Free Library offers library cards for children of all ages. Starting from birth, anyone who resides or attends school in Gloucester can obtain a Library card for free by applying in person, online, or by mail. For more information, visit the Library at 21 Main Street, online at sawyerfreelibrary.org, or call 978-325-5551.

Inspiring Author Talk on Writing with Wayne Soini at the Sawyer Free Library 

~ Sawyer Free Library

On Saturday, December 14 from 11am to 12 pm the Sawyer Free Library on Main Street will welcome local author and historian Wayne Soini.  He will share invaluable tips and recommend trusted resources to help you refine and publish your own book. Whether you’re dreaming of crafting fiction or nonfiction, this session will provide the guidance and motivation you need to get started this winter!

During his talk, Soini will explore Laurie Gwen Shapiro’s first published work, “The Ghost”—written when she was just a second grader—as a relatable example to inspire your writing journey. A Q&A session will follow, giving you the chance to ask questions and delve deeper into the writing and publishing process.

About Wayne Soini: A passionate historian, Soini holds a Master’s degree in History from UMass Boston. He is the author of two historical novels, Nixon in Love and Germany Surrenders! (2015), and coauthored Judge Fuchs and the Boston Braves (1998). His other works include Gloucester’s Sea Serpent (2010) and Porter’s Secret: Fitz John Porter’s Monument Decoded (2011).

No registration is required—just come ready to be inspired to the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street in Gloucester. Visit sawyerfreelibrary.org for more information.

11/9 Author Talk with Melissa Ludtke: Locker Room Talk 

~ Sawyer Free Library

Please join the Sawyer Free Library on Saturday, November 9 at 2:30 pm for an author talk with Melissa Ludtke, who will be discussing her book, Locker Room Talk: A Woman’s Struggle to Get Inside, her gripping account of being at the core of this globally covered case that churned up ugly prejudices about the place of women in sports. Joining her in the conversation will be fellow local author of The Tigerbelles, Aime Card.

The event is being presented with the Bookstore of Gloucester who will be selling copies of Melissa’s book. No registration is required. If you have questions, please call the Library at 978-325-5500.

About Locker Room Talk:

“Locker Room Talk: A Woman’s Struggle to Get Inside,” to be published by Rutgers University Press, Melissa Ludtke describes what it was like to be the 26-year old woman swept up by the societal hurricane spinning around her lawsuit against Major League Baseball. Living in the bulls-eye of sexist commentary exacted a high emotional toll on her, as those who wanted to protect the well-fortified bastion of male privilege argued against Ludtke’s legal claim, often by mocking her. To them, she was a terrifying symbol of women’s liberation during a time of revolutionary change in women’s lives. Still, Melissa’s legal case carved pathways which generations of girls followed.

About the Author:

In her award-winning journalism career, Melissa Ludtke reported at Sports Illustrated, was a correspondent at Time, and the editor of Nieman Reports at Harvard University’s Nieman Foundation for Journalism. Her lifelong engagement with issues revolving around girls and women’s lives led her to write two books, “On Our Own: Unmarried Motherhood in America,” and “Touching Home in China: in search of missing girlhoods.” In “Locker Room Talk: A Woman’s Struggle to Get Inside,” her upcoming memoir, Melissa revisits her federal lawsuit, Ludtke v. Kuhn, which in 1978 secured equal access for women sports reporters. This meant women could interview players, coaches and the manager in the locker room, as male reporters had done for decades. She is a graduate of Wellesley College and lives in Cambridge, MA with her college-aged daughter, Maya.

Calling all Creative Arts Entrepreneurs!! This free workshop is for you! Learn ways to Identify Your Ideal Customer and Find Solutions to Reach Them

~ Sawyer Free Library

This is the second of a three-part series “Branding Your Own Creative Arts Business: A Three-Part Marketing and Communications Series”

Learning to market your own creative arts business involves developing a vision of the audience you are looking to reach. How do you determine your target market? Who are you selling to? Simplify your success by learning what questions to ask to identify your market and determine which channels to use to reach them. To find out – join the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main Street on Tuesday, October 15 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.

This is the second of a three-part series entitled “Branding Your Own Creative Arts Business: A Three-Part Marketing and Communications Series” led by Leah Hancock, owner and founder of Placid Marketing with over 15 years of experience in integrated and online marketing communications.

Registration required at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Space is limited! If you have questions, please contact moneill@sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5562.

~ Hammond Castle Museum

Prepare yourselves, honored guests, for an adventure unlike any other, as the late John Hays Hammond Jr. comes to life for a gathering of his dearest friends and respected colleagues. Within the medieval walls of Hammond’s castle home, secrets and curiosities await.

As you travel through the castle’s darkened corridors and rooms, you’ll encounter some of the most peculiar guests ever assembled. Are they members of a secret society, social and Hollywood royalty, or leaders straddling the boundaries of science and the occult? These mysterious figures have converged at Hammond Castle for a reason, and you’re about to find out why.

This unique promenade theater performance will transport you through time and space. You’ll step into different rooms and meet a captivating cast of characters ranging from Hillman, Hammond’s loyal butler to the eccentric Hammond and his glamorous wife, Irene – each with their own extraordinary tale to share. These stories have been expertly adapted by the talented Doug Cowell and are based on Hammond’s original ghost stories. Hammond’s writing style, reminiscent of the 1920s Weird Tale and the 1950s Pulp Fiction offers a unique blend of supernatural intrigue and kitschy charm.

Starring:

  • Anthony Lentz as John Hays Hammond Jr.
  • Shari Chaplin as Mrs. Irene Hammond
  • Lauren Casey as the Reporter
  • Michael Greene as Hillman, the Butler
  • James “Jimmy T.” Tarantino as the Sailor
  • Alison Landoni as the Mason

Beginning on the drawbridge, and leading through multiple rooms within, this walking, theatrical program runs just shy of 60 minutes in total. Performances begin at 6 pm and run every 15 minutes through 9 pm.  **Roaring 1920s and similar attire are encouraged!**

Reserve Your Tickets Here!