Sawyer Free Library hires first assistant director in more than 5 years
Technology expert hired to help Gloucester’s library stay abreast of 21st-century library trends Freyja Sanger, a librarian and technology expert who helped the Tewksbury Public Library develop its first website for mobile devices, has joined the Sawyer Free Library as its first assistant library director since 2007.
Sanger fills a position left vacant by budget cuts six years ago that led to its decertification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Since then the library has had to repeatedly seek waivers to continue in a program that lets Gloucester residents borrow from other libraries.
Sanger’s hiring is part of the library’s efforts to offer Gloucester residents 21 st-century technology, including access to e-books via tablets, e-readers and mobile phones. Sanger comes to Gloucester from being a reference librarian at the Tewksbury Public Library. She previously worked at the Rockland Memorial Library and Berkshire Athenaeum, the public library in Pittsfield.
As Head Reference Librarian in Tewksbury, Sanger helped develop a mobile website for the library that let library patrons search the library catalog, download e-books and perform other functions from their smartphones and tablets.
“We’re excited about Freyja joining us,” library director Carol Gray said, “both for her technology skills and her ability to help oversee day-to-day operations in what we believe to be the busiest public building in the city aside from the schools.” Nearly 18,000 Gloucester residents hold library cards, and more than 500 people use the Sawyer Free Library on average each day.
Scott Memhard, who succeeded Joan Ciolino this month as president of the library’s board of directors, said Sanger’s hiring was made possible by additional funding in the city budget this fiscal year, initiated by Mayor Carolyn Kirk and enhanced by further action by the City Council.
“These moves bring the library closer to no longer having to seek waivers to gain our state
certification,” Memhard said.
Audrey’s Flower Shop Reminder…
ONE MONTH UNTIL VALENTINE’s DAY. Its not too early to place your order now. 978-283-2171. Seriously. Then you are D-O-N-E! No pressure, no forgetting, and no standing in a line out the door with the crabby Audrey’s staff. PLUS… you are guaranteed to get what you ordered….not what we have left. Don’t find yourself in the DOGHOUSE on the most romantic day of the year.
CAPE ANN ANIMAL AID’S 10TH ANNUAL WINTER BALL
Tickets are on sale now for Cape Ann Animal Aid’s 10th Annual Winter Ball happening February 9th, 2013 from 7pm-11pm at Cruiseport Gloucester. The event will raise funds for the medical care of homeless cats and dogs at Cape Ann Animal Aid’s Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter and features a silent auction, live auction, raffles, music, dinner, and a cash bar. To order tickets call 978-283-6055 x23 or visit www.CapeAnnAnimalAid.com for a printable ticket order form.
O’Maley Happenings
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
That was one several brilliant quotes from Jon Butcher when he was a guest on Local Music Seen with Allen Estes. The full 30 minute show premieres tomorrow at 6:30pm on Cape Ann TV Channel 12 and is full of fascinating stories, insights about songwriting, a great new song by Allen Estes and 3 excellent songs by one of Boston’s biggest rock stars from the 1980s. Here’s an example of why you don’t want to miss this show:
Good Morning Gloucester 