Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library

Saunders House Stewardship Committee Meeting

Matthew Natti, a Gloucester local and 3rd degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, will work with participants to improve balance, focus, flexibility, strength and situational awareness. Classes will involve 10-15 minutes of light stretching and cardiovascular work, followed by kicking, punching and blocking "shapes" but no "full contact" activities.…Learn More

Join us for a special screening of a new Timeline: Cape Ann film based on the book, Murder in Rockport, Massachusetts: Terror in a Small Town by Robert Fitzgibbon and Wayne Soini. On May 21, 1932, Arthur Oker, a mild-mannered Finnish tailor, was brutally murdered in his shop in the small seaside town of Rockport, Massachusetts.…Learn More

Popular Music and Veterans is an offshoot of the "Roots of American Popular Music" program with an exploration through songs of some of the experiences and sacrifices of veterans throughout American history. The program consists of songs, history, and an accompanying slideshow pertaining to some of the experiences of veterans of World War I, World War II, the Civil War and other conflicts alongside the history of popular music in America.…Learn More

For children ages 18 months to 3 years. More information coming soon, stay tuned!

Corporate Communications Meeting

Join us for an orientation to learn your way around the lab, find out how to book time on the lab workstations, and what equipment and software is available.

On Tuesday mornings starting February 10th, bring your baby (birth through 12 months) to Sawyer Free Library for Babies, Books, and Bubbles! Join Miss Nicole from Pathways for a morning of fun designed specifically for our littlest patrons and their grown-ups.…Learn More

An opportunity for the public to offer suggestions for the commitment of federal HOME and CDBG funds in the region. Questions: lisa. Greene@peabody-ma. gov

Join us for an orientation to learn your way around the lab, find out how to book time on the lab workstations, and what equipment and software is available.

We are thrilled to announce that the library is launching a weekly chess club! Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or looking to shake the rust off your game, we invite you to join us for an afternoon of friendly competition and community. Here are the details:Who: All ages are welcome! From children to seniors, we encourage a multi-generational playing environment.…Learn More

Find Your Joy! In celebration of National Poetry Month, Sawyer Free Library presents the 2026 Poetry Without Paper contest! This is a poetry contest for all children in grades K-12 who live in Gloucester or attend Gloucester schools, we want to hear your voice! All poems must be submitted through the form on the library's website by April 30, 2026.…Learn More

Homeschoolers, come hang out at the library! The Teen Room is open to patrons ages 11-19 and we're having an open house just for you. Come study, play board games, check out the Library of Things, or try one of our Switch games. We can't wait to see you!Ages 11-19 (grades 6-12) welcome.…Learn More

Join us for an orientation to learn your way around the lab, find out how to book time on the lab workstations, and what equipment and software is available.

Join us for an orientation to learn your way around the lab, find out how to book time on the lab workstations, and what equipment and software is available.

Lyceum Meeting

Device Advice

Device Advice

Device Advice

Device Advice

Device Advice

Device Advice

Teen and tween artists, makers, and dreamers, this is your chance to make your mark! The Young Adult Department is excited to partner with Bruce Orr of Inkwell Arts to create a teen and tween-led art project that will be proudly displayed in the Teen Room for years to come.…Learn More

Gloucester rightly honors the sailors and soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War, as well as the privateers who were captured and imprisoned in Halifax. But to truly understand what the war meant to the people of Gloucester, we must also look to those who stayed behind.…Learn More

Gloucester rightly honors the sailors and soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War, as well as the privateers who were captured and imprisoned in Halifax. But to truly understand what the war meant to the people of Gloucester, we must also look to those who stayed behind.…Learn More

Dive into a world of textures!Drop in for a fun, unstructured play session where we provide the stimulating sensory bins—filled with things like sand, pasta, water beads, shaving cream, and more—and kids provide the imagination! A perfect opportunity for little hands to explore and learn through touch.…Learn More

Matthew Natti, a Gloucester local and 3rd degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, will work with participants to improve balance, focus, flexibility, strength and situational awareness. Classes will involve 10-15 minutes of light stretching and cardiovascular work, followed by kicking, punching and blocking "shapes" but no "full contact" activities.…Learn More

Kids in grades K–5 are invited to register & join us at the library for some creative Lego fun! All supplies are provided—just bring your creativity and get ready to build! Space is limited. Please register.

Cape Ann Responds is a free, two-hour community session open to all Cape Ann residents. Hosted in partnership by the American Red Cross Massachusetts Northeastern Chapter, TownGreen, and the City of Gloucester Emergency Management, the event is designed to introduce local residents to disaster response volunteering.…Learn More

Puppy Paw-ty!

Puppy Paw-ty!

A presentation and discussion on microplastics and how you can reduce the amount of exposure to microplastics in your home that pose health risks. Learn about alternatives to using plastics and how you can help to reduce their use. Sponsored by the Cape Ann Climate CoalitionQuestions: lisajsmith3000@gmail.…Learn More

On Tuesday mornings starting February 10th, bring your baby (birth through 12 months) to Sawyer Free Library for Babies, Books, and Bubbles! Join Miss Nicole from Pathways for a morning of fun designed specifically for our littlest patrons and their grown-ups.…Learn More

Make something beautiful during April break and learn how to watercolor! Using only two colors—vivid tangerine and rich plum—you'll learn to paint a serene mountain sunset. Discover the beauty of translucent layering as you blend and build hues to create a tranquil landscape.…Learn More

We are thrilled to announce that the library is launching a weekly chess club! Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or looking to shake the rust off your game, we invite you to join us for an afternoon of friendly competition and community. Here are the details:Who: All ages are welcome! From children to seniors, we encourage a multi-generational playing environment.…Learn More

Please join us for an presentation by poet Jill Carter and illustrator Marion Hall! They will be presenting on their collaborative project, Why Gertrude Stein and I Bought the Pink House Together, a beguiling tale of faulty logic and deliberate deceit.…Learn More

Heeler Horde Unite!Special guest storyteller Strega Mama will visit the Sawyer Free Library on April 22nd for a Bluey-themed storytime. Hear a Bluey story, play Keepy-Uppy, dress up like a granny, and do the floss. Everyone will be barking with delight!Children of all ages are welcome.…Learn More

Get reinvigorated on Earth Day to take an action step to help Planet Earth!First, join fellow community members at City Hall at 12pm noon for a flag raising in celebration of Earth Day!Next, walk across Dale Avenue and visit Sawyer Free Library for an exploration of sustainability initiatives including:Swing by our Seed Library on the Main Floor which is chock full of native plant seeds!Browse our Sustainability Book Display on the Main Floor for a good next book (or two!) to read about various planet-friendly topics.…Learn More

See More and RegisterAward-winning and bestselling author Miranda Cowley Heller takes us on an intimate journey through the life stages of a woman in her new poetry collection, What the Deep Water Knows. Delicate, yet exceedingly raw, these poems will transport you as vividly as any work of fiction.…Learn More

Make the most of your spring break with a board game night at the Sawyer Free Library! Drop in with a group of friends for an afternoon of friendly competition. Bring your favorite board game to share or choose one from our board game collection. Play our Board Game of the Month and win a full-sized candy bar of your choice (limit 1 per winner)! No registration is required for this program, so wrangle your friends and just show up!Patrons ages 11-19 are welcome for this program.…Learn More

Joy isn't something you wait for-it's something you choose. Join Marcy Plante, founder of Cape Ann Compass Life & Wellness Coaching, for an energizing and empowering conversation about reclaiming joy in your everyday life. Through simple mindset shifts and practical tools, you'll learn how to quiet the noise, reconnect to your true North, and create more purpose, confidence, and fulfillment.…Learn More

Device Advice

Device Advice

Device Advice

Device Advice

Device Advice

Device Advice

Calling all teens and tweens-- we need your voice! Join the Sawyer Free Library Teen Advisory Board and help lead your library. At this monthly meeting, we eat awesome snacks, have lots of laughs, and help plan fun events for teens and tweens. It's a great way to give back and make friends.…Learn More

Teen and tween artists, makers, and dreamers, this is your chance to make your mark! The Young Adult Department is excited to partner with Bruce Orr of Inkwell Arts to create a teen and tween-led art project that will be proudly displayed in the Teen Room for years to come.…Learn More

Join author Jeff Romano for a slideshow presentation highlighting hiking opportunities throughout New England. The program will cover destinations in all six states with a focus on itineraries featured in his latest guidebook, an updated edition to 100 Classic Hikes New England (June 2023).…Learn More

Join us for an afternoon of bingo and a chance to win some great prizes!Whether you're a bingo pro or a first-time player, we want you to join us for an afternoon of friendly competition, great prizes, and maybe even some bingo puns! Bring the whole family and see if you can be the lucky winner.…Learn More

Researching a woman is notoriously difficult. We usually must study all the men around her. But there are sources to use to find out more about our “umbilical” line. Using real examples, attendees will learn tips on discovering details often overlooked about female ancestors.…Learn More

For children ages 18 months to 3 years. More information coming soon, stay tuned!

Was the book actually better? Join us for our new monthly club where we explore the journey from page to screen! Each month, we’ll read a celebrated book and then meet to discuss the film adaptation—what worked, what was lost in translation, and which version truly reigns supreme.…Learn More

On Tuesday mornings starting February 10th, bring your baby (birth through 12 months) to Sawyer Free Library for Babies, Books, and Bubbles! Join Miss Nicole from Pathways for a morning of fun designed specifically for our littlest patrons and their grown-ups.…Learn More

We are thrilled to announce that the library is launching a weekly chess club! Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or looking to shake the rust off your game, we invite you to join us for an afternoon of friendly competition and community. Here are the details:Who: All ages are welcome! From children to seniors, we encourage a multi-generational playing environment.…Learn More

Board of Trustees Meeting

Find Your Joy! In celebration of National Poetry Month, Sawyer Free Library presents the 2026 Poetry Without Paper contest! This is a poetry contest for all children in grades K-12 who live in Gloucester or attend Gloucester schools, we want to hear your voice! All poems must be submitted through the form on the library's website by April 30, 2026.…Learn More

Teen and tween artists, makers, and dreamers, this is your chance to make your mark! The Young Adult Department is excited to partner with Bruce Orr of Inkwell Arts to create a teen and tween-led art project that will be proudly displayed in the Teen Room for years to come.…Learn More

The path to book publication is often a bumpy one, with twists and turns, ups and downs, zigs and zags. Join author coach Janet Young as she charts the course of three authors, all of whom she coached, and the thrilling ride of each author's journey from book infancy to final publication.…Learn More

Was the book actually better? Join us for our new monthly club where we explore the journey from page to screen! Each month, we’ll read a celebrated book and then meet to discuss the film adaptation—what worked, what was lost in translation, and which version truly reigns supreme.…Learn More

Saunders House Stewardship Committee Meeting

Saunders House Stewardship Committee Meeting

Calling all young artists!Is your refrigerator ready for some new art? Join us for an unstructured, hands-on exploration of different art materials. Each month features a new, exciting process with no right or wrong way to create. It's all about the joy of making! We provide the materials--from paint and glue to more unconventional materials--kids only need to bring their imaginations.…Learn More

As part of Harbortown Cultural District's "From the Deep", a Downtown Gloucester Arts Party, the library is hosting a book scavenger hunt! Visit the library, grab your scavenger hunt checklist, and win prizes if you check deep-themed books off the checklist.…Learn More

For children ages 18 months to 3 years. More information coming soon, stay tuned!

On Tuesday mornings starting February 10th, bring your baby (birth through 12 months) to Sawyer Free Library for Babies, Books, and Bubbles! Join Miss Nicole from Pathways for a morning of fun designed specifically for our littlest patrons and their grown-ups.…Learn More

We are thrilled to announce that the library is launching a weekly chess club! Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or looking to shake the rust off your game, we invite you to join us for an afternoon of friendly competition and community. Here are the details:Who: All ages are welcome! From children to seniors, we encourage a multi-generational playing environment.…Learn More

Join Seacoast Science Center's Marine Mammal Rescue Team to learn about this vital program that supports our community. This program responds to all reports of marine mammals that haul out or strand on the shore of New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts (from Beverly, MA to the Maine border).…Learn More

Therapy dogs Ella & Asia are visiting the library every Wednesday afternoon in May!On May 6th at 3:30pm, come meet Ella and Asia! Their human, Candace will tell us all about them and the work they do. All ages are welcome. No registration needed for May 6th meet-and-greet.…Learn More

Lyceum Meeting

Teen and tween artists, makers, and dreamers, this is your chance to make your mark! The Young Adult Department is excited to partner with Bruce Orr of Inkwell Arts to create a teen and tween-led art project that will be proudly displayed in the Teen Room for years to come.…Learn More

This is an information meeting for families interested in learning about Girl Scouts. Questions:Mindy Pontonempontone@gsema. org

SFL Renovation and Addition Building Committee monthly meeting.

During the Weimar Republic (1919 to 1933), Berlin was considered the queerest city in the entire world, as well as a trailblazer of transgender healthcare and culture. Join Milo Todd (The Lilac People) as he discusses the era’s vibrant trans community and its endless series of documented firsts, including terminology, surgeries, rights, memoirs, and music.…Learn More

Where does democracy come from? What are its strengths? How is it challenged? What can we learn from history to sustain democratic values and institutions? In keeping with the charge of the Gloucester Lyceum to sponsor marquee events on topics of pressing importance, we hope that our Forum, Our Democracy, will inspire our city of inquiring minds and concerned citizens to address these questions.…Learn More

For children ages 18 months to 3 years. More information coming soon, stay tuned!

Corporate Communications Meeting

On Tuesday mornings starting February 10th, bring your baby (birth through 12 months) to Sawyer Free Library for Babies, Books, and Bubbles! Join Miss Nicole from Pathways for a morning of fun designed specifically for our littlest patrons and their grown-ups.…Learn More

See More and RegisterJoin us for a timely conversation on AI, humanity, and the next steps towards building a better future with self-proclaimed “mad scientist” Dr. Vivienne Ming as we discuss her new book, Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All the Answers, Build Better People.…Learn More

We are thrilled to announce that the library is launching a weekly chess club! Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or looking to shake the rust off your game, we invite you to join us for an afternoon of friendly competition and community. Here are the details:Who: All ages are welcome! From children to seniors, we encourage a multi-generational playing environment.…Learn More

Therapy dogs Ella & Asia are visiting the library every Wednesday afternoon in May!On May 13th, 20th, and 27th, starting at 3:30PM, kids can sign up for a 15-minute slot to read a book of their choice to the dogs. All ages are welcome. Kids not yet reading independently are welcome to have a caregiver (or Miss Tricia) read with them.…Learn More

Therapy dogs Ella & Asia are visiting the library every Wednesday afternoon in May!On May 13th, 20th, and 27th, starting at 3:30PM, kids can sign up for a 15-minute slot to read a book of their choice to the dogs. All ages are welcome. Kids not yet reading independently are welcome to have a caregiver (or Miss Tricia) read with them.…Learn More

Therapy dogs Ella & Asia are visiting the library every Wednesday afternoon in May!On May 13th, 20th, and 27th, starting at 3:30PM, kids can sign up for a 15-minute slot to read a book of their choice to the dogs. All ages are welcome. Kids not yet reading independently are welcome to have a caregiver (or Miss Tricia) read with them.…Learn More

Therapy dogs Ella & Asia are visiting the library every Wednesday afternoon in May!On May 13th, 20th, and 27th, starting at 3:30PM, kids can sign up for a 15-minute slot to read a book of their choice to the dogs. All ages are welcome. Kids not yet reading independently are welcome to have a caregiver (or Miss Tricia) read with them.…Learn More

Executive Committee Meeting

Teen and tween artists, makers, and dreamers, this is your chance to make your mark! The Young Adult Department is excited to partner with Bruce Orr of Inkwell Arts to create a teen and tween-led art project that will be proudly displayed in the Teen Room for years to come.…Learn More

Please join us for an artist reception for the Gloucester Arts Festival, which will be on display May 1-May 30 in the Matz Gallery.

The History Exchange is a Gloucester-centric approach to understanding the past and its meanings. Often, American history—as taught or encountered in the media—is presented as something that occurred elsewhere: remote both in time and distance, and conducted by the famous and powerful.…Learn More

Join our local history discussion group in the Local History Center led by local history librarian, Julie Travers. Each month we'll have a short presentation and then open it up for discussion. The History Exchange is a Gloucester-centric approach to understanding the past and its meanings.…Learn More

Join landscape architect Lisa Giersbach, Principal at G2 Collaborative Landscape Architecture, for a presentation on the use of native plants and their role in supporting sustainable and ecologically rich landscapes. Lisa will discuss her work in leading the development of the native plant landscape of the Sawyer Free Library.…Learn More

Dive into a world of textures!Drop in for a fun, unstructured play session where we provide the stimulating sensory bins—filled with things like sand, pasta, water beads, shaving cream, and more—and kids provide the imagination! A perfect opportunity for little hands to explore and learn through touch.…Learn More

Residential Utility Assistance: This assistance is for homeowners, renters, and landlords. Meet with a National Grid Customer Advocate to answer questions about your utility bills and what options may be available to you. Additionally, schedule a no-cost home energy assessment with Gloucester's Energy Coach, Linda Stout.…Learn More

Join Nancy Doherty, Special Projects Assistant for the Southern Essex Registry of Deeds, for a practical introduction to navigating the Registry’s website and uncovering its rich historical resources. The Registry of Deeds maintains and provides access to land records for Southern Essex District and all of Essex County prior to 1869.…Learn More

​As part of National Preservation month, the Gloucester Historical Commission recognizes outstanding projects and notable individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation, protection, restoration, and education of the city’s history and historical assets.…Learn More

​As part of National Preservation month, the Gloucester Historical Commission recognizes outstanding projects and notable individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation, protection, restoration, and education of the city’s history and historical assets.

For children ages 18 months to 3 years. More information coming soon, stay tuned!

Was the book actually better? Join us for our new monthly club where we explore the journey from page to screen! Each month, we’ll read a celebrated book and then meet to discuss the film adaptation—what worked, what was lost in translation, and which version truly reigns supreme.…Learn More

Was the book actually better? Join us for our new monthly club where we explore the journey from page to screen! Each month, we’ll read a celebrated book and then meet to discuss the film adaptation—what worked, what was lost in translation, and which version truly reigns supreme.…Learn More

On Tuesday mornings starting February 10th, bring your baby (birth through 12 months) to Sawyer Free Library for Babies, Books, and Bubbles! Join Miss Nicole from Pathways for a morning of fun designed specifically for our littlest patrons and their grown-ups.…Learn More