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Sawyer Free Library Announces Grand Reopening Celebrations for Transformed Historic Building
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (August 21, 2025) Gloucester, MA — 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 at 3:00 pm, followed by a festive, fun-filled Community Open House on Saturday, September 6 from 10 AM to 3:00 PM. Both special events are open to the public to attend and enjoy!
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.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the community back to a reimagined Sawyer Free Library—where innovation meets tradition,” said Library Director Jenny Benedict. “These events celebrate Gloucester’s investment in its future and the belief that libraries are essential public spaces for everyone.”
With the theme "A Library for Everyone," Saturday’s community celebration will showcase the Sawyer Free Library’s transformed spaces and expanded services through a day packed with engaging activities for all ages.
As part of the day’s festivities, the Library is launching a Library Card World Record Attempt—aiming to break the current record of 1,922 library card sign-ups in a single day. Both new cardholders and those renewing their cards will receive a limited-edition commemorative Sawyer Free Library card as a keepsake of this exciting moment.
Other Event Highlights:
Library Passport Adventure: Explore the new Library and collect stamps and win prizes
Special Guests & Giveaways
• Wally the Green Monster from the Boston Red Sox (12–1 PM)
• Enter to win a signed 2025 Boston Bruins jersey
Art, History & Design Events
• Artist Talk: Leslie Bartlett on Cape Ann Quarries mural now at Library (10:30 AM)
• GreenScapes in Focus with landscape architect Lisa Giersbach (1:00 PM)
• Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library documentary by Kory Curcuru of 1623 Studios (12 & 2:30 PM)
• Inaugural Art Exhibition in Matz Gallery
• Zine-making and collaborative art projects
Explore & Discover
• Tech demos in the Digital Learning Lab (podcast studio & more)
• Local History Treasures exhibit
• “The Librarian Is In” booth (10 AM–12 PM)
• Photo Booth for keepsake snapshots (11 AM–2 PM)
Live Music at the Library
• Highland Avenue Trio (10 AM–12 PM)
• Gloucester Student Band (12-1 PM)
• Steve Lacey String Duo (12–2 PM)
Family-Friendly Fun
• Face painting, LEGO play, and STEM activities
• Strega Mama Story Hour (11 AM)
• Playful Engineers Program (2:00 PM)
• Teen Zone Ribbon Cutting (10:30 AM)
• T-shirt Dyeing (11 AM–1 PM)
• Mario Kart Tournament (2–4 PM, signup required)
Food Trucks On-Site!
• Pizza by Rhea Pizzeria Napoletana
• Ice cream from SuperStar Ice Cream
This milestone event reflects the library’s mission to serve as a vibrant public resource—equipped for the 21st century yet deeply rooted in Gloucester’s rich history.
Whether you’re a longtime patron or discovering Sawyer Free Library for the first time, this celebration is for you. Experience your new library—reimagined, renewed, and ready to inspire.
For full event details and updates, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.
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Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library
-
Tracy Davis Public Relations
- August 21, 2025
- (617) 529-6513
- Send Email
