The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is proud to present the original silent movie ‘Peter Pan,’ a 1925 American fantasy-adventure film as part of its Tenth Anniversary Series. It will be narrated by acclaimed actress Lindsay Crouse and accompanied on the pipe organ by maestro Peter Krasinski. This is great entertainment for the whole family during the holidays! Tickets are available at the door and online (strongly recommended) with more information at: http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org. General admission is $30, students $10, under age 12 free. The historic 1806 Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, is located on the green at the corner of Middle and Church Streets (GPS 50 Middle Street). Parking is available on the green and around the historic district. The side entrance at 10 Church Street has an elevator to the main level, if needed.
For decades the silent movie ‘Peter Pan’ was thought to be lost but in the 1950’s a well preserved copy was discovered in a vault in Rochester, New York. The film is based on a play written by Sir James Barrie and was directed by Herbert Brenon in 1924 and was filmed on Santa Cruz island. The plot explores fantasy, adventure and is a playful film armed with technical ingenuity and classic source material.
The presentation will be narrated by Lindsay Crouse, American actress who made her debut in the 1972 revival of Much Ado About Nothing. She has played many roles in numerous films and received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. Lindsay is a resident of Annisquam and a well-known celebrity on Cape Ann.
The film will also be accompanied by Peter Krasinski, a master of improvised silent movie accompaniment, whose exciting performances delight kids and adults alike. Krasinski will display the diverse power of the 1893 Hutchings/Fisk organ, creating music that adds mystery, intrigue and excitement to this memorable and nostalgic film.
‘Peter Pan’ is presented in collaboration with the Cape Ann Community Cinema.
Artist Reception on Thursday, November 6th, 5:00pm in the Library’s Matz Gallery
The Sawyer Free Library proudly presents Volume One, the inaugural exhibition in its new Monthly Artist Program—marking a vibrant beginning for the Library’s reimagined Matz Gallery and its renewed commitment to the arts. Featuring Gloucester artists Erin Luman and Laureen Maher Bowie, Volume One will be on view November 2 through December 29, 2025.
There will be an Artist Reception on Thursday, November 6, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Matz Gallery at the Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester. The public is invited to attend this special event. No registration is needed.
Volume Onecelebrates both the creative spirit of the community and the innovative transformation of the Sawyer Free Library itself, which has just reopened following a two-year, $28 million renovation and expansion.
Both artists began their creative journeys years ago by exhibiting in the Library’s Monthly Artist Program. Returning now to inaugurate the revitalized Matz Gallery, they reexamine their art through a fresh lens—bridging past and present in this inspiring debut show.
About the Artists Gloucester-based contemporary artist Erin Luman weaves memory and daily life into evocative scenes that invite viewers to pause and reflect. What began as a fascination with the weathered cottages of Long Beach has evolved into a body of work capturing small, intimate moments—a century-old bathroom sink, beach towels drying in the sun, or glimpses of lived spaces both personal and universal. While her upcoming winter exhibition at Endicott College will spotlight the studios of local makers, Volume One offers a deeply personal collection drawn from the in-between moments that inspire her.
Laureen Maher Bowie, an award-winning local painter and celebrated colorist, captures the beauty and grit of Gloucester in richly layered oils. Her iconic painting, We Dive at Five, depicting local youth jumping off from the Good Harbor Beach footbridge at high tide, will be displayed publicly for the first time at this exhibition. Maher Bowie’s work has been featured in Exhibit Art New England and will appear in the upcoming Rockport Art Association & Museum National Juried Show.
As part of the Library’s renewed commitment to supporting local arts and culture, the Monthly Artist Program will feature rotating exhibitions that highlight both emerging and established regional artists. The newly formed Matz Committee will help guide future exhibitions, ensuring that the space remains a vibrant showcase for creativity and connection. Local and regional artists interested in exhibiting may submit expressions of interest to matzgallery@sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Volume One serves as an exciting kickoff to this initiative—and to the holiday season—with 25% of all sales benefiting the Sawyer Free Library. The exhibition has already drawn enthusiastic community response and stands as a fitting tribute to the Library’s long-standing role as a cultural cornerstone of Gloucester.
Visitors are invited to experience Volume One and explore the beautifully expanded Sawyer Free Library at 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester—a welcoming, inspiring space designed to serve generations to come.
THREE WINNERS FOR 2025 AVP THEATRICAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
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Kiki Campbell, Zoey Congelosi, and Oceana Seber will each receive $750 for performing arts education and activities
GLOUCESTER, Mass. (Oct. 14, 2025) – The Annisquam Village Players, the country’s longest continually running community theatre since 1863, is pleased to announce the selection of three local students – Kiki Campbell, Zoey Congelosi, and Oceana Seber – as the winners of the 2025 AVP Theatrical Arts Scholarship. Successful fundraising efforts this year allowed the AVP to offer $750 to each recipient.
Part of the AVP’s mission is to expose young people to the performing arts and cultivate a wider appreciation for music, dance, and community involvement. To support and encourage our young performers, the AVP awards a scholarship each year to students aged 8-22, who have demonstrated a commitment to developing their artistic talent in acting, voice, dance or in theater production, and have participated in at least one AVP production in the previous three years.
The scholarship funds can be applied to any artistic development, such as classes or private instruction in theater arts, or tuition to a school or camp program offering such instruction.
The winners:
Kiki Campbell, 15, is an Essex resident and currently a sophomore at Manchester-Essex Regional High School. She made her AVP debut in 2022 playing the role of the daughter, Jane Banks, in Mary Poppins and has since participated in other shows, including Gloucester Story, Cinderella, and last season’s Hello, Dolly!, playing Ermengarde. She has also performed with the Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe, playing Horatio in Hamlet, and Puck in Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other roles include the Wicked Queen in Maudsley is Haunted, Cinderella in December A Christmas Panto, both with Theatre in the Round. She has also participated in school productions, including the role of Lavender in Matilda Jr., and Tessie in Annie Jr. She also enjoys spending time writing, drawing, playing guitar, surfing, playing tennis, singing, and raising and supporting monarch butterflies.
Zoey Congelosi, 11, of Rockport, is a passionate and active participant in the local performing arts, including as a member of the AVP’s youth ensemble in the recent productions of Cinderella and Hello, Dolly!. Last Spring she performed in Seussical at the North Shore Musical Theatre, and was in the theatre camp productions of Beetlejuice and Finding Nemo, where she played the role of the cool sea turtle. She also plays trombone in her school band and sings with the Cape Ann Youth Chorus. Zoey hopes to obtain her pilot license by age 14 and rescue animals around the world.
Oceana Seber, 8, of Gloucester, is currently the youngest trouper at the AVP but already has a number of theatre credits under her belt, including the 2024 role of a magical mouse in Cinderella, and a member of the youth ensemble and 14th Street Band in this season’s production of Hello, Dolly!. This summer marked her third season with Cape Ann Arts Alive, the community choral program that performs at the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Oceana also studies piano and violin and loves soaring on the trapeze in her classes with the Seaside Circus.
“We are very pleased to announce these three young and talented individuals as this year’s winners of our annual youth arts scholarship,” said Victoria Fortune, chairperson of the AVP Scholarship Committee. “They all light up the stage when they are here, and we’re thrilled to help them develop their energy and passion for the performing arts beyond Annisquam Village Hall.”
The AVP is a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers and is always welcoming new members of all ages and backgrounds. AVP membership includes full-time and summer residents from the greater Cape Ann area, local youth, as well as individuals with professional associations with theatre and music.
For more information about the Annisquam Village Players or the arts scholarship, please visit www.annisquamvillageplayers.org.
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Celebrations to Kick Off with Public Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, September 5
After nearly two years of renovation, expansion, and modernization, the Sawyer Free Library is proud to announce the grand reopening of its historic home at 2 Dale Avenue. To celebrate this major milestone, the Library will host a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Friday, September 5, followed by a Community Open House on Saturday, September 6.
All are warmly invited to attend and explore the newly revitalized space.
This once-in-a-generation transformation marks a bold new chapter in the Library’s nearly 200-year legacy as a pillar of civic and cultural life in Gloucester. The result is a vibrant and inclusive public space designed to support 21st-century learning, creativity, and community connection.
“The new Sawyer Free Library reflects the spirit of our city: rooted in tradition, driven by creativity, and focused on building an inclusive, dynamic future”, said Mern Sibley, President of the Library’s Board of Trustees.
“This represents one of the most significant civic investments in Gloucester in a generation,” said Gloucester MayorGreg Verga. “It reflects what’s possible when we invest in public spaces that serve everyone.”
“We are incredibly proud to welcome everyone back into a new Sawyer Free Library that is reimagined, renewed and ready to inspire,” added Library DirectorJenny Benedict. “This Library will serve our community as a launchpad for lifelong learning, innovation, and connection for decades to come.”
A Space Revitalized for All
Designed by Oudens Ello Architecture and Dore + Whittier Architects and built by W.T. Rich Company, the $28million construction project seamlessly blends the original 1913 structure and 1976 addition with a striking new 14,000-square-foot expansion. The project was guided by extensive community input and completed on time and within budget.
The transformed Library offers an expansive array of amenities and technologies to serve Gloucester’s evolving needs:
A light-filled Children’s Room and Early Learning Center
A vibrant Teen Room featuring a STEAM-focused Creation Space, gaming consoles, and study nooks.
A state-of-the-art Digital Learning Lab and Podcast Studios with media creation tools, digitization equipment, and soundproof recording rooms
A 100-seat Community Room with adjacent public-use kitchen
New study rooms, conference spaces, and quiet reading lounges
A dedicated Local History Research Center with an extensive collection of books and manuscripts, a robust digital archive, and an interactive 85” Gloucester History Timeline, alongside the preserved writing desk of historian Joseph Garland
In addition, visitors can enjoy a refreshed Matz Gallery for local art exhibitions and the soaring three-story Cape Ann Quarries mural by artist Leslie Bartlett. Outdoors, the grounds feature expanded outdoor gathering spaces, including the Fountain Plaza, covered Dale Avenue Porch and the Library Greenway with raised garden beds, as well as EV charging stations and bike/e-bike parking.
With over 66,000 items—including books, media, digital devices and book club kits—sections of the Library’s collection have grown alongside its physical footprint. New conveniences like after-hours pickup lockers extend access for all.
Built for the Future
The Library sets a new standard for sustainable public building design in the region. Built to Net Zero Ready standards and LEED Gold certification, the building features an all-electric HVAC system, smart energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and climate-resilient landscaping—demonstrating a strong commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.
“The long and challenging journey to restore, expand, and revitalize one of Cape Ann’s greatest public resources has reached a successful ending through the tireless work of dedicated trustees, donors, and a community that cherishes the tradition of a free public library,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Now, its doors will open wide again to allow us all to begin our own countless journeys in the future, made possible by the resources and the inspiration inside its incredible new spaces.”
“As the daughter of a school librarian, I’ve always understood the power of libraries to open doors and bring communities together. The reopening of the Sawyer Free Library reflects Gloucester’s deep commitment to knowledge, creativity, and civic life,” said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester). “The facilities in the expanded library will serve every generation — supporting early literacy, digital access, lifelong learning, and community gathering in one space. Thank you to the many partners who helped make this transformative project a reality.”
A Community Effort, A Shared Legacy
The $28 million construction transformation was made possible through generous public and private support, including over $10 million from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, $6 million from individual donors, $1.85 million from corporate donors, and $200,000 in local government and community partner grants. In addition, the Library Corporation contributed $2 million to the project during the design phase from trust funds. The capital project has reached completion on time and within budget.
To date, 65% of the Library’s capital campaign goal has been raised. Fundraising continues to fully cover construction costs and support the Library’s long-term vision. To contribute, visit: sawyerfreelibrary.org.
For nearly two centuries, the Sawyer Free Library has served as a trusted source of knowledge, creativity, and connection. The 2025 Library honors that legacy while boldly embracing the future—with a mission grounded in inclusion, sustainability, and lifelong learning.
“This is Gloucester’s library,” said Sibley. “And it belongs to everyone.”
To celebrate this milestone, the Library will host two public events:
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Friday, September 5, from 3:00–4:30 PM Featuring remarks, guided tours, a Cape Ann Youth Chorus performance, and light refreshments. Free and open to all. Rain or Shine.
Community Celebration & Open House Saturday, September 6, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM A day of family-friendly activities and opportunities to explore the transformed space.
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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
The future of the Sawyer Free Libraryis 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 📚
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.
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
Local authors Rob Fitzgibbon and Wayne Soini present a program about their recently released “Murder in Rockport, Massachusetts: Terror in a Small Town.” It’s the first comprehensive book about the Depression-era, unsolved homicides in Rockport of a tailor and a homemaker. Share your whispered family stories about the “whodunit” mystery. A book signing follows. Cape Ann Finns sponsors.
Two presentations Sat., April 12, 3:00 p.m. Rockport Public Library, 17 School St.Sun., May 18, 2:30 p.m. Lanesville Community Center, 8 Vulcan St., Gloucester.
Image: Jean Woodbury, joined by Tom Clark, Asst. Dir. Rockport Public Library in Springfield, Mass. for The Association for Small and Rural Libraries (ARSL) 2024 national conference
The Association for Small and Rural Libraries (ARSL) was founded in in 1982 and became an American Library Association (ALA) affiliate in 2008. The ARSL conference is scheduled in a different part of the country each year, cycling through a five year rotation, spread out by region and city to foster congenial networking and knowledge. In 2024 the convention landed in the Northeast, and for the first time in Massachusetts. Attendees encountered celebrity writers and panels and an impressive Author Fest. Author Jean Woodbury traveled with Tom Clark to celebrate The Tree in Dock Square and Cape Ann Reads on the road and representing our region and local libraries at ARSL! (arsl.org)
The Library’s 2024 Annual Appeal in support ofthe Sawyer Free 2025 Library Capital Campaign
The Sawyer Free Library has kicked off its 2024 Annual Appeal campaign, Our History to Tomorrow’s Possibilities: Transforming the Sawyer Free Library. With appeal letters reaching over 1,800 Gloucester households, the Library seeks community support to complete the 2025 Sawyer Free Library, a state-of-the-art facility where history meets innovation. All funds raised through the 2024 Annual Appeal will go directly to the Sawyer Free 2025 Library Capital Campaign, which has reached nearly 60% of its $29 million fundraising goal. Contributions will support the Library’s historic renovation, expansion, and modernization building project.
“The 2025 Sawyer Free Library will be more than just a building—it will stand as a beacon of knowledge, creativity, and connection. By supporting this transformative project, we are investing in our community’s future and creating an inclusive space where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive,” said Mern Sibley on behalf of the Library’s Board. “We need everyone’s help to make this vision a reality as we approach the finish line. Every gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to opening the doors to our new 21st-century Library.”
Scheduled to open in Fall 2025, the new Sawyer Free Library will serve as a vital community resource, offering expanded spaces for children, teens, and adults, enhanced digital resources, and sustainable design. It will boast a range of modern amenities, including a larger children’s area, a teen room with creative spaces, a digital learning lab, a local history research center, quiet study rooms, a 100-seat community room, and more. This new facility will allow the Library to serve a broader, more diverse audience and increase its offerings of public programs.
As the Library reaches this milestone, it invites the greater community and beyond to support the 2024 Annual Appeal, ensuring that the Sawyer Free 2025 Library can fully realize its potential as a beacon of learning and connection. Donations can be made online at sawyerfreelibrary.org or by mailing a check to Sawyer Free Library, Annual Appeal, P.O. Box 415, Gloucester, MA 01930.
For additional information, and to donate to the Library’s Annual Appeal, please visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Please join us for the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library Corporation’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 13 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. It will be held at Gloucester Stage located at 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. The annual meeting is open to the public, but only corporators can vote. Refreshments will be served.
The evening will allow the community to come together and celebrate the Library’s achievements, learn about its finances and engage with the Library’s board members and staff. There will also be an update on the 2025 Sawyer Free Librarybuilding project.
New members of the Library Corporation and Board of Trustees will be elected, and the Mary M. Weissblum Volunteer Award will be presented to Simon Paddock. Each year, the award is given by the Trustees to recognize and show appreciation for the Library’s outstanding volunteers who help to maintain and promote its services and programs.
ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS, PLANS AND PRIORITIES FOR THE LIBRARY
Refreshments will be served. No registration is required. Questions? Contact: 978-325-5500.
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.
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.
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.
Discover the driving forces that make life meaningful and fulfilling in the second of the Sawyer Free Library‘s program “Live Your Best Life” taking place on Thursday, October 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at 21 Main Street, downtown Gloucester.
In this dynamic session with professional life coach Marcy Plante, we’ll explore ways to uncover your true passions and align them with your life’s purpose. Expect an inspiring journey that will leave you feeling empowered, excited, and ready to live with intention and zest.
Registration is required at sawyefreelibrary.org. For question, contact at lryan@sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Marcy Plante is a dedicated professional with over 50 years of diverse experience as a coach, wellness industry leader, and educator, holding a master’s degree in education. She successfully managed a health club for 17 years, guiding people toward achieving their fitness goals and continually pursuing personal growth. In her free time, Marcy enjoys boating, collecting sea glass, skiing, and cycling, while her true passion lies in helping others unlock their potential and live life with enthusiasm.
Smiles all around as the torch passed from Bob Ritchie, rare and used books dealer and original proprietor Dogtown Books, to Lucas Cotterman and Caroline Harvey, Dogtown Books NEW owners. Happy to report there goes the neighborhood!
Posted on GMG yesterday- read more from the new owners “Gloucester’s Legendary Dogtown Books Under New Ownership Nov 2018 Founder and original Dogtown Bookshop owner Bob Ritchie embraces retirement as the torch is passed to Gloucester residents Lucas Cotterman and Caroline Harvey…Dogtown Books is still located at 132 Main Street in Gloucester, MA. Visit www.dogtownbooks or follow instagram @dogtownbooks for updated store hours and upcoming special events. Our business phone number is 978.281.5599. The Grand Re-Opening Celebration and Sale is scheduled for December 1st from 10am to 6pm.” There will be a toast to Bob- email them if you’d like to time that out.
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Listen Sunday August 13th at 5pm on NPR for Hannah’s interview about her new book A WOMAN’s PLACE IS AT THE TOP! (Some states may air at different times.)
Share the love folks!! Congrats Hannah!!!
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Please stop by this Sunday, July 19th and join Mary Faino at her shop in Rockport, The Paper Mermaid, along with me (aka S.D. Kelly) for a party in celebration of our new release: A Day in Rockport.
Mary created beautiful illustrations of iconic places throughout Rockport, and I wrote the text to go along with her work. It was a fun collaboration and we enjoyed the entire process, from choosing the places that would make it into the book — ranging from Millbrook Meadow to Bearskin Neck to the Headlands — to the more technical aspects of book design.
We’ll have locally-made treats at the party, a Scavenger Hunt, and a raffle to win a framed print of one of the illustrations in the book. Celebrate Rockport with us and stop by!
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The other day I was walking in Rockport on my way to photograph a couple of second-hand stores for my ongoing series, and to my surprise, I discovered two more stores to add to my list!
The first one, which I will profile today, is Art Longwood Books (33 Broadway #3), which specializes in “used books in art, design, and other subjects.” Although they specialize in books on the visual arts, they are buying in all subjects. The business originally opened in Cambridge, MA in 2003 and moved to Rockport in May of this year. It will be open year-round, Thursday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5 (Monday and Tuesday by appointment). The store isn’t not really obvious from the road, but there is a sign in front of the house (see photo above) behind which the actual store is found:
The interior is a cozy space, a sort of bibliophile’s dream hideout:
Jeffrey Postel and Sadie Dudley are the couple who run the store. Although they only moved to Rockport relatively recently, they have had connections in the are for a long time, including a business relationship with fellow seller of used books Bob Ritchie of Dogtown Books (profiled earlier in this series).
The other store which I discovered that day was Main and Pier, an antique store that I will cover in the next post in this series!
I keep discovering more and more second hand stores on this side of the bridge! One that had escaped my original list (which I have still not exhausted) was Bullseye Books in Rockport (25 Main Street). I stopped in the other day while showing a friend around town.
They specialize in used books, but also have other vintage ephemera and other items, including “Flyboys” Scarves.
It’s near the Toad Hall bookstore too, so if you are out looking for books old and new, you can visit both in one trip. Not to mention Art Longwood Books, a new store for used books – especially art books – on Broadway in Rockport, in walking distance of Bullseye and Toad Hall. But that’s material for another post… as my series on second-hand stores continues!
Good Morning Gloucester 