Sawyer Free Library to Host Film Screening and Panel Discussion: “Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library”

 ~ Sawyer Free Library ~

Ever wonder how Gloucester’s public library came to be? The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to a special evening celebrating nearly two centuries of local history, innovation, and civic spirit. On Thursday, November 20 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, the Library will present a film screening and panel discussion of Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library in its Community Room.

Produced by Kory Curcuru of 1623 StudiosTimeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library traces the remarkable story of Gloucester’s public library—from its 19th-century beginnings in the Gloucester Lyceum to its role today as a vibrant civic and cultural hub. The short documentary explores how a small-town vision grew into a cornerstone of learning, access, and community connection.

The film situates the Sawyer Free Library within the broader story of American public libraries—beginning with Benjamin Franklin’s 1731 subscription library, which sparked a movement for shared knowledge and free access to books. By the early 1800s, the “Lyceum movement” swept New England, bringing citizens together for lectures, debate, and education. Gloucester quickly joined in. In 1830, residents established the Gloucester Lyceum, which merged Franklin’s ideals with this new spirit of civic learning.

The Library’s evolution accelerated under the leadership and generosity of Samuel Elwell Sawyer, a Gloucester native and philanthropist who made access to books free for all. His lasting legacy includes the donation of the Saunders House, which remains part of the Library campus today, and the 1872 incorporation of the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library, with a charter promising it would remain free forever.

Timeline Cape Ann also highlights the Library’s continued resilience and innovation—surviving fires, embracing technology, and expanding services through the 20th and 21st centuries. From WPA murals and children’s programs to its newly completed, state-of-the-art renovation and expansion, the Sawyer Free Library remains a living institution shaped by generations of readers, learners, and citizens.

Following the screening, Curcuru will be joined by Sawyer Free Library Local History Librarian Julie Travers and local historian and author Wayne Soini for a panel discussion and audience Q&A exploring the Library’s enduring role in Gloucester’s civic life.

This free public event offers a fascinating look at how one man’s generosity and a community’s shared commitment helped shape the heart of Gloucester.

Space is limited; registration is requested at SawyerFreeLibrary.org.

Film Screening and Panel Discussion:
Thursday, November 20, 2025
5:00–6:30 PM
Sawyer Free Library, Community Room (Ground Floor), 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA

This Week at The Cut!

 ~ The Cut Live ~ 

Friday is for the Emo/Punk kids who had Blink 182 and Yellowcard CDs in their sun visor CD case back in the 90s and early 00s! The Warped Tour Band will be playing all your favorites with openers, All The Blink Things and Dookie. There are still some GA standing tickets available. Doors are at 7pm. Show is at 8pm.

We’ll also have Headlands Trio playing live in the restaurant from 7pm – 10pm. No cover!

Saturday it’s time to get FUNKY with Booty Vortex! This band really knows how to throw a party that you absolutely don’t want to miss! There are still some GA Standing (aka DANCING) tickets available. Doors at 7:30pm. Show at 8:30pm.

We’ll also have DJ Skully in the restaurant keeping the party going from 9pm – close. No cover!

Sunday the legendary Chicago Bluesman, Toronzo Cannon, will be up on The Cut stage! There are still some tickets for what is sure to be an incredible and intimate show. Doors at 6pm. Show at 7pm.

We’ll also have ALL the football on our 9 TVs, so make sure you stop by to watch the games and enter to win a VIP Experience at our Super Bowl Party!

As always, Little Sister will be serving their Best of The North Shore award-winning burgers (and so much more) starting at 5pm each night and now starting at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Come early and grab food before the show or stay late and refuel after dancing!

Warped Tour Band Tickets

Booty Vortex Tickets

Toronzo Cannon Tickets

LITTLE SISTER IS ALSO NOW OPEN AT NOON ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY! COME WATCH FOOTBALL WITH US!! We have NFL Sunday Ticket and we’re the only bar in town that has enough TVs to show ALL the games. You can also scan in each game day for a chance to win a VIP Super Bowl Party Experience! We’ll be hosting the best Super Bowl Party on the North Shore back in the venue!!

HOURS:
MON 5PM, TUE CLOSED, WED 5PM, THU 5PM, FRI 5PM, SAT 12PM, SUN 12PM

THE CUT | 177 Main Street | Gloucester, MA

Visit Our Website

Buy Tickets to a Show

Join the Sawyer Free Library for the Relaunch of the Gloucester Lyceum

 ~ Sawyer Free Library ~ 

Placemaking: Our Library In Our Community with Ethan Kent

The Sawyer Free Library will officially relaunch the Gloucester Lyceum with a special event, Placemaking: Our Library In Our Community, featuring internationally renowned placemaking leader Ethan Kent, Executive Director of PlacemakingX.

The program will be held Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Sawyer Free Library’s Community Room, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester. Free and open to the public, registration is required at sawyerfreelibrary.orgSpace is limited.

The program will begin with remarks by Mr. Kent, followed by interactive conversations with fellow attendees throughout the various spaces of the newly renovated, expanded, and modernized Sawyer Free Library. The perspectives shared in these dialogues will inspire closing insights from Mr. Kent, allowing participants to reflect on how Gloucester can continue to build meaningful, inclusive spaces—starting with its newly reimagined Library.

“Placemaking is about strengthening the connection between people and the places they share,” said Ethan Kent. “It’s about making the spaces we live, the places we love.”

The Gloucester Lyceum: A Tradition Renewed

Founded in 1830, the Gloucester Lyceum once brought thought leaders such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau to Cape Ann. Today, the Sawyer Free Library’s relaunch builds on this proud tradition, offering marquee programs that bring contemporary voices into dialogue with the community.

“The relaunch of the Gloucester Lyceum is about renewing a proud tradition of bringing people together for public discourse within a collaborative forum. True to the notion that a lyceum is “where the city comes to think,” we are honored to welcome Ethan Kent as our first speaker in this new chapter. His work around the world embodies the very spirit of community dialogue and imagination that we hope to cultivate right here in Gloucester,” said Laura Ventimiglia, Chair of the Gloucester Lyceum. 

“Welcoming Ethan Kent to Gloucester to help relaunch our historic Lyceum is both timely and inspiring,” added Mern Sibley, President of the Board of Trustees of the Sawyer Free Library. “Our newly reimagined Library is the hub of the community—offering so much to so many. Ethan’s work demonstrates how meaningful public spaces can bring people together, foster belonging, and strengthen communities.”

About the Sawyer Free Library

For nearly 200 years, the Sawyer Free Library has served Gloucester as a hub of culture, learning, and civic life. Its newly renovated and expanded building continues this mission, providing equal access to resources and programs that support the community’s evolving needs.

For more information and to register for this special evening, visit sawyerfreelibrary.orgSpace is limited, so register today!

Sawyer Free Library Announces Grand Reopening of Transformed Historic Building

 ~ Sawyer Free Library ~ 

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 Director Jenny 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:

  • 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 roomsconference 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.

Mayor Verga Announces Completion of Gloucester’s Comprehensive Plan: A Community Roadmap for the Next Decade

Gloucester, MA — Mayor Greg Verga is proud to announce the completion and official adoption of the City of Gloucester’s Comprehensive Plan 2025–2035,  a forward-looking, community-driven roadmap that will guide growth, priorities, and investment over the next 10 years.

“This is more than just a document, it’s a promise to our community,” said Mayor Verga. “It’s aspirational, actionable, and attainable. And it reflects what thousands of Gloucester residents shared with us about their hopes for the future of our city.”

The Comprehensive Plan was developed over two years through robust public engagement, with nearly 4,000 community participation touchpoints through surveys, meetings, workshops, and events. The result is a visionary plan centered on local values and goals, Gloucester’s unique identity, natural beauty, working waterfront, creative economy, and iconic neighborhoods.

Key highlights from the plan include:

  • Upgrading infrastructure,  including roads, water, sewer, schools, and recreational facilities, to support evolving community needs.
  • Expanding housing options for residents at all life stages and income levels.
  • Supporting economic growth by strengthening Gloucester’s marine economy and attracting innovation-driven industries.
  • Creating safer, healthier connections through walkable neighborhoods, expanded bike and transit access, and public health investments.

Mayor Verga plans to appoint an Implementation Committee, composed of community members, city staff, and representatives from boards and commissions, that will be tasked with ensuring meaningful and transparent progress on the plan’s goals. The following phase will include annual reporting, performance tracking, and continued public involvement.

“This effort has been central to my vision for Gloucester since day one,” said Mayor Verga. “It’s deeply gratifying to see this plan finalized and I’m incredibly proud of the team effort it represents. From the Planning Board and City staff to our partners and residents, Gloucester showed up and helped shape this together. Now, the real work begins: turning vision into action.”

The Community Development Department will present the plan to the City Council on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

The full plan is available on the City of Gloucester’s website at https://tinyurl.com/gloucestercompplan.

Wave Kitchen at DRIFT Brings Global Flavors to Gloucester

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Longtime Gloucester residents Kurt and Rick Hosman are proud to announce the opening of Wave Kitchen at DRIFT, an exciting new addition to the local dining scene. Located at 3 Main Street, DRIFT first opened its doors in 2018, quickly becoming a community favorite. Now, Wave Kitchen offers a fresh new dining experience, blending bold Asian-inspired flavors with tropical and South American influences while maintaining a strong connection to Gloucester’s unique character.

“Our goal has always been to create spaces that celebrate this community we love,” says Kurt Hosman. “With Wave Kitchen, we’re continuing that mission by offering a dining experience that’s both creative and approachable, reflecting the diversity and energy of Gloucester.”

Wave Kitchen features a menu crafted to surprise and delight, bringing global inspiration to familiar ingredients while highlighting the flavors that make Gloucester special.

Reservations can be booked on RESY or at www.driftgloucester.com. Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter for DRIFT and the Gloucester community.

Congratulations to Author Jean Woodbury! Invited to The Association for Small and Rural Libraries Conference. With Tom Clark, Asst. Dir. Rockport Public Library

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)

ARSL Author fest

ARSL Author Fest 2024 here

The Tree in Dock Square here

Cape Ann Reads here

Together Gloucester – 2nd Annual Operation Keep Gloucester Warm

Hi Joey –

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving day. 

I have included a flyer for our 2nd Annual Operation Keep Gloucester Warm Coat Distribution Event which will be bigger and better than last year.  We have hundreds of coats to share with the community and we would appreciate it if you could help spread the work to your readership.  New to the event this year will be The Open Door’s Mobile Food Market.  They will be in the parking lot at Trinity Church and will have food items to share as well.  The event is this Saturday from 10:30am – 2:30pm at Trinity Church on Middle Street.  Coats will be available while supplies last.  We are grateful to all of the community members who shared gently used coats with us and to all of the agencies who partnered with us to make this event such a success.  

Thank you!

Kristin Michel

Together Gloucester, Inc.

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The Gloucester Historical Commission is pleased to announce that our annual Preservation Awards ceremony will be held on May 18, 2025, at City Hall.

The Gloucester Historical Commission is pleased to announce that our annual Preservation Awards ceremony will be held on May 18, 2025, at City Hall. This annual community event recognizes residents of Gloucester for a range of historic preservation projects from a book, to a lecture, to historic preservation of a building. We welcome your attendance – and need your suggestions for nominees before the end of December.

Awards are given to those individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the preservation and protection of Gloucester’s historical heritage. If you know of a potential candidate that you feel would qualify for a Preservation Award, please submit their name, project description and contact (email or phone) to the Historical Commission in December by email at: GHC1623@gmail.com. Award criteria and categories are:

Criteria – some or all of the following:
–    Historically significant in age, style, or use
–    Restored using traditional materials or methods
–    Preserves historical integrity or appearance
–    Protects from present threat or future harm
–    Completed within the past two years
–    Completed by an individual, family, group, or community effort

Categories:
–    Archaeology
–    Adaptive reuse
–    Education and outreach
–    Landscape preservation
–    Restoration and rehabilitation
–    Local preservationist
–    Documentation of Gloucester’s history
–    Individual lifetime achievement

The Commission will be voting on awardees at our December 30th meeting. We look forward to nominations from the community, thank you!

Sawyer Free Library Kicks off 2024 Annual Appeal

The Library’s 2024 Annual Appeal in support of the 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.

THIS SATURDAY: THE OPEN DOOR THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

 ~ todtheopendoor ~ 

Donate and help feed local people, right here on Cape Ann, this coming weekend!

WHEN: Saturday, Nov.23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

WHERE: Participating locations include:  

  • Market Basket at 101 Gloucester Crossing Road, Gloucester MA 
  • Stop & Shop at 6 Thatcher Road, Gloucester MA 
  • Shaw’s at 127 Eastern Avenue, Gloucester MA 
  • Shaw’s at 146 High Street, Ipswich MA 
  • Crosby’s Marketplace at 3 Summer Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea MA 
  • Market Basket at 231 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley MA 

WHAT: The Open Door Thanksgiving Food Drive will have donation locations at six area grocery stores.

Most needed items this year include shelf-stable breakfast foods: cereal, oatmeal, coffee, tea, maple syrup, pancake mix, waffle mix, 100% fruit juice, and granola bars. The Open Door asks people to please avoid donating anything in a glass container.  

The Open Door is also holding a Clothing Donation Drive in conjunction with the Thanksgiving Food Drive. Those that wish to donate gently used clothing at The Open Door’s thrift store, Second Glance, can drop donations off without an appointment from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA. Clothing sold at the store helps raise revenue for The Open Door’s hunger-relief programs. 

NEED HELP SETTING THE TABLE FOR THANKSGIVING AND THE DECEMBER HOLIDAYS?

The Open Door has free Holiday Meal Baskets available for local people who need a little extra help setting the table. Order yours today at FOODPANTRY.org

Each Holiday Meal Basket includes a turkey (or a special diet alternative) and all the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner. For December, hams will be available.

Want to learn more or donate to help feed our neighbors through the holidays and beyond? Visit FOODPANTRY.org

Sawyer Free Library Annual Meeting: Wed, 11/13

 ~ Sawyer Free Library ~ 

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 Library building 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.

Live Your Best Life – Session 2: Fuel Your Life with Passion

 ~ Sawyer Free Library ~ 

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.

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Valuing the Past: Sawyer Free Library Road Show with Cape Ann Auction

 ~ Sawyer Free Library ~ 

Antique Appraising Event at Sawyer Free Library on Sat., Aug 3

If you are curious about the treasures in your home and want to know their true worth, join us for an exciting antique appraising event at the Sawyer Free Library on Saturday, August 3, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Local antiques expert Walt Kolenda of Cape Ann Auction will be on hand to provide appraisals at 21 Main Street in Downtown Gloucester. 

To bring an item for appraisal, please review the guidelines and register online at sawyerfreelibrary.org. Note that stamps, firearms, and items too large to carry into the library will not be accepted. Spectators are welcome throughout the program.

Walt Kolenda has been in the antiques business since the late 1970s. He is a Massachusetts licensed and bonded auctioneer, a certified appraiser, and a graduate of two nationally recognized appraisal academies. He and his family operate Cape Ann Auction, which holds two auctions per month, typically featuring fine art, jewelry, antiques, and collectibles from New England estates. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the value of your cherished items. 

For more information or questions visit, sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

Gloucester Reads: A Community-Wide Reading Initiative

 ~ SAWYER FREE LIBRARY

Join the conversation and sign up for a discussion group!

DISCUSSION GROUP SCHEDULE: SIGN UP AND BE A PART OF THE CONVERSATION

Sponsor/LocationDateTimeRegistration Link
Temple Ahavat AchimSun. July 2810am-12pmRegister
1623 StudiosMon. July 291-3pmRegister
Annisquam Village ChurchTues. July 304-6pmRegister
St. Paul Lutheran ChurchTues. July 307-9pmRegister
Manship Artist Residencies@ Lanesville Community CenterTues. August 67-9pmRegister
St. John’s Episcopal ChurchThurs. August 83-5pmRegister
Gloucester Writers CenterMon. August 126-8pmRegister
Gloucester UU ChurchThurs. August 225-7pmRegister

Together in partnership, the Sawyer Free LibraryGloucester’s Racial Justice Team and Gloucester Health Department, is presenting Gloucester Reads 2024, a citywide, intergenerational summer reading initiative. Running through August, this community-wide book club aims to spark conversations, inspire new ideas, and encourage introspection about race equity in our community.

In collaboration with sixteen additional community co-sponsors, Gloucester Reads 2024 will explore books reflecting Black experiences in America. This initiative includes selections for adults, young adults and children. Adults can participate in three ways: reading the book, joining a structured discussion group, and attending the virtual author’s talk.

The summer book club’s main selection is How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith. This acclaimed book, which has won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction, the Hillman Prize for Book Journalism, the Stowe Prize, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, focuses on the history and present impact of slavery in the United States. Through eight sites, including New Orleans, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, New York City, and Angola Prison, Smith uses archival research and interviews to offer an intergenerational story of how slavery has shaped our nation’s history and memory.

For more information or to sign up for a book discussion, visit, SawyerFreeLibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

To ensure everyone can participate, Gloucester Reads is offering to cover childcare expenses for those attending discussion groups, the author’s talk, or both. Participants can request funds on the discussion group registration form.

CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY AT THE CUT!

 ~ THE CUT LIVE ~ 

Make your reservation!

We have great options for celebrating Dad this Sunday!
– Come on by for lunch, then head into the back room to play corn hole, darts or Jenga! The bar in the back will be open as well.
– Make a reservation for dinner! Our restaurant features excellent gastropub fare and our cocktails are top notch.
– Get Dad a gift card so he can come grab a bite or a beer whenever he wants!

Our new hours are in effect NOW!
Monday – CLOSED
Tuesday – 11:30am – 10pm | Lunch: 11:30am – 3pm | Bar Bites: 3pm – 5pm | Dinner: 5pm – 10pm
Wednesday – 11:30am – 10pm | Lunch: 11:30am – 3pm | Bar Bites: 3pm – 5pm | Dinner: 5pm – 10pm
Thursday – 11:30am – 10pm | Lunch: 11:30am – 3pm | Bar Bites: 3pm – 5pm | Dinner: 5pm – 10pm
Friday – 11:30am – 10pm | Lunch: 11:30am – 3pm | Bar Bites: 3pm – 5pm | Dinner: 5pm – 10pm
Saturday – 10am – 10pm | Brunch 10am – 2:30pm | Bar Bites: 2:30pm – 5pm | Dinner: 5pm – 10pm
Sunday – 11:30am – 10pm | Lunch: 11:30am – 3pm | Bar Bites: 3pm – 5pm | Dinner: 5pm – 10pm
* Bar Bites are also available from the concession window late night when there is a show in the venue.

Visit Our Website

Buy Tickets to a Show

Make a Reservation

Army vs Navy Flag Football at Newell!

Cape Ann’s First Annual Veterans Flag Football Army/Navy

High Noon land and sea Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Newell Stadium Gloucester High School– easy back and forth from Middle Street Walk and the game. Austin Dorr & Mayor Romeo Theken have the coin toss. Carlos Goulart and Daniel Collins are the refs. GHS boys soccer is ‘kicking in’ some Gatorade and water support.

Army Navy Flag Football at Newell

Motif No. 1 Day 5K and Festival THIS Saturday!

Rockport’s going to be a happening place on Saturday, with the Rockport Elementary School Motif No.1 Day 5k & Fun Run kicking off at 9am, immediately followed by the Motif No. 1 Day Festival!

Tons of live music, great food, interactive art-making, a Seaside Circus, and a Rockport Art Colony pop-up art exhibit are all taking place right downtown from 11 to 7pm. Just outside the downtown area the YMCA’s Ben Beyea Youth & Teen Center celebrates its 10th anniversary with a party from 10:30 to 1pm with activities and food so good stuff is taking place throughout Rockport! Eastern Point Lit House is hosting an Open Mic for writers, and there will be plenty of opportunity to make art, whether as part of the Sidewalk Chalk art event or contributing to the community mural.

The Schedule of Events:

 

The 2017 Commemorative Poster from Rockport artist David Arsenault:

Motif No.1 Day is organized by the community nonprofit Rockport Exchange. For more on the festival itself or how you can get involved, go to www.rockportexchange.org. See you in Rockport on Saturday!

Attention Citizens of Cape Ann!!

Calling on all the good men and women of our great towns, yes all of you!!

INFO:   7pm April 4th, Rockport Police Station

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Busy day on Thursday

Besides my job, Thursday was a very busy day, did a Podcast with GMG at Cape Ann TV, went to the volunteer expo at Cruiseport which was outstanding, and then stopped into the Cape Ann Photography Club’s meeting at the Magnolia Library. Great attendance and always nice to meet other photographers.