A place where non-profit Cape Ann organizations can post press releases directly and then those press releases will be reposted to http://www.goodmorninggloucester.com . This is not an advertising space for businesses, fitness or wellness organizations, or music listings.
The web address will be http://www.capeanncommunity.com
To have your community organization news posted here, contact Joey C who will grant access for you to post directly.
Discover how the Schooner evolved from a pinnacle of North Atlantic design into a lasting symbol of literary endurance and independence in a presentation at the Sawyer Free Library by Ken Riaf, John Day and Emily Pearce on Thursday, January 29 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
For more than a century, Gloucester’s schooners have shaped the city’s identity, inspired generations of writers and artists, and embodied both the peril and poetry of life at sea. In this richly illustrated lecture, we explore how the schooner—especially the Schooner Adventure—has served as a powerful creative catalyst for author Jonathan Bayliss and for Gloucester’s cultural imagination at large.
The hour-long program highlights Schooner Adventure—launched in 1926 and celebrated as the “Queen of the Windjammers”—as a rare, fully restored vessel that keeps Gloucester’s maritime heritage vibrantly alive. Set against this historical backdrop, the program also explores the literary imagination of Jonathan Bayliss, whose childhood experiences with Gloucester’s schooners became central to his writing. Through Bayliss’s memories, historical imagery, and hands-on examples, the program demonstrates how schooners fuel creativity, bridge fantasy and realism, and inspire new generations to connect with maritime history.
This event will be hybrid taking place at the Sawyer Free Library and online. If you wish to participate online please include this in your RSVP at sawyerfreelibrary.org.
For more information contact Meg O’Neill or Julie Travers at 978-325-5500.
What did the greater Gloucester community read in 2025? According to annual circulation data from the Sawyer Free Library, readers once again gravitated toward powerful storytelling, beloved series, and nationally celebrated bestsellers – across all ages and formats.
Topping the adult fiction list for the second year in a row is Kristin Hannah’s deeply moving novel The Women, which continues to resonate strongly with Sawyer Free Library patrons. Readers also followed national reading trends, checking out popular titles such as We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes and Three Days in June by Anne Tyler.
As in years past, graphic novels and favorite series dominated youth reading. Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man titles once again proved wildly popular with younger readers, alongside cherished picture books by Mo Willems.
“The books our community borrowed in 2025 reflect a shared curiosity and a love of reading that spans generations,” said Sawyer Free Library Director Jenny Benedict. “With the exciting opening of our newly reimagined library, we’re seeing renewed energy and engagement from readers of all ages, as people return to discover new stories, connect with one another, and make the Library a part of their everyday lives.”
Sawyer Free Library’s Most Checked-Out Books of 2025
Top 5 Adult Fiction
Top 5 Adult Nonfiction
Top Teen Fiction
Top 5 Children’s Books
While top checkouts offer a snapshot of reading trends, they represent only a small portion of the wide range of materials borrowed by the community in 2025. Sawyer Free Library offers thousands of books, e-books, and audiobooks; materials in many world languages; and accessible formats – ensuring there is something for everyone.
With approximately 14,000 cardholders, Sawyer Free Library continues to serve as a cornerstone for education, connection, and cultural enrichment in Gloucester. Residents and students can obtain a Sawyer Free Library card by applying in person, or apply online for a NOBLE eCard, which provides access to Libby, Hoopla, and other digital resources from home, as well as the ability to place holds on print materials.
Readers are invited to explore these popular titles – and discover countless others – by visiting the Library’s newly renovated, modernized and expanded spaces at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester, or online at sawyerfreelibrary.org, where librarians are always ready to help patrons find their next great read.
The Sawyer Free Library is pleased to welcome Kory Curcuru of 1623 Studios for a screening of his latest Timeline: Cape Ann The Blizzard of 78′ on Friday, January 23 from 3:00 to 4:00pm in the Community Room.
The Blizzard of 1978 was a catastrophic nor’easter that swept across New England, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the New York metropolitan area. Forming on February 5 and lasting until February 7, this historic storm brought record-breaking snowfall, fierce winds, and widespread devastation. Massachusetts was hit especially hard, with snow piling up for over two days. The blizzard remains one of the most infamous winter storms in U.S. history.
Take a look back at this unforgettable event and its lasting impact on Cape Ann with Kory Curcuru of 1623 Studios. Register at sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Join the Sawyer Free Library on Thursday, January 22 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for an unforgettable evening as speaker and historian Richard Carlson brings to life the rich and storied past of Ten Pound Island, one of Rocky Neck’s most iconic and intriguing landmarks. His engaging presentation promises a journey through centuries of history, mystery, and artistic inspiration.
Ten Pound Island has been a central figure in the area’s story since well before Samuel de Champlain charted the coast in 1606. Rich will explore the island’s many chapters—from its early days as a fish hatchery, to its role as a Coast Guard airfield during Prohibition, to its enduring legacy as home to the beloved Ten Pound Island Light.
This lively talk will also dive into the island’s more enigmatic moments. Expect tales of sea monster sightings, the infamous Great Rat Flood, and the ways in which artists have been captivated by the island’s beauty over the years.
Whether you’re a history buff, maritime folklore lover, or simply curious about Gloucester’s hidden gems, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Register for this special event at sawyerfreelibrary.org.
On Saturday, January 17 from 2:00 to 3:15pm take a journey through the roots of American popular music at the Sawyer Free Library in the Community Room.
A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music is a program of songs and stories about the origins of the blues, rock, and country music presented by singer and songwriter Jon Waterman. In the show, Jon is joined by Li Waterman on bass. The program, which also features an accompanying slideshow, explores some of the fascinating characters and events that are part of the history and the role of music in our lives. Register at sawyerfreelibrary.org.
The program has been described as, “a unique performance experience combining music history, storytelling, and original songs inspired by his research.” And “A must see for anyone interested in American history or American music!”
Musician and songwriter Jon Waterman has been performing his original songs along with blues, rock and country standards throughout his life. His music is influenced by intriguing characters and stories from history, the roots of the music he loves, and the diversity of the human experience. His song “Sultana” which tells the story of the Civil War steamboat disaster was selected to be featured at the Sultana museum in Marion, AR. Waterman has presented his programs “A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music” and “Cro-Magnon Blues: History and Legends Through Song” in venues around the country, both in person and virtually. He has an M.A. in Popular Music History from Prescott College. Li is a classically trained guitarist and singer who formerly fronted the Rhode Island band Alien Tesh. She is also an artist and graduate of Museum School in Boston.
For more information or to register for this exciting program go to sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Curious about your family’s past but not sure where to begin?
Join the Gloucester Genealogy Group at the Sawyer Free Library on Saturday, January 10 from 10:30am to 12:00pm for an introductory session designed for beginners to family history research.
Experienced group members will walk newcomers through the basics of genealogy, including how to get started, where to look for records, and how to organize and document what you find. Whether you’re just starting out or have hit a roadblock in your research, this welcoming session offers guidance, encouragement, and a chance to connect with others interested in family history.
To attend, please register at sawyerfreelibrary.org.
GLOUCESTER, MA: The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation, in collaboration with the Gloucester Racial Justice Team, will present a program to explore the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The goal is to use our history to guide us in light of today’s social, economic, and political challenges. The featured speaker will be Professor Jamie Wilson, historian from Salem State University and author of a book about Dr. King. The free program will take place on Monday, January 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the historic Gloucester Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, on the green at 50 Middle Street. For more information please visit www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
Professor Wilson is the author of Martin Luther King. Jr.: A Life in American History. New York: Bloomsbury, 2023. He will discuss the obstacles faced by Dr. King and the struggle for racial equality in both the north and the south after the landmark Supreme Court decisions that banned segregated schools but left many discriminatory practices intact across many industries such as housing and employment.
EVENT DESCRIPTION
All are invited to the UU Church Social Hall (downstairs) where Professor Wilson will speak, followed by a video excerpt from a 1967 interview of MLK, Jr. by Sander Vanocur of NBC News. Participants will then be divided into discussion groups led by trained facilitators. Each group will tackle issues that are relevant to the struggles for human dignity and security that Reverend King championed. Parking is available on the green in front of the Meetinghouse. Please enter the Social Hall via the side door at #10 Church Street or the side door from the Gould Court parking area. Light refreshments will be served.
Organizers of this event include Jerry Ackerman and Karen N. Bell, co-chairs of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Events Committee, and Michea McCaffrey, Chair of the Gloucester Racial Justice Team. A special sponsor of the event is the Beverly & Addison Gilbert Hospitals, a member of Beth Israel Lahey Health. This annual MLK Day program in Gloucester is part of the Meetinghouse Tenth Anniversary series.
ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION
The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s mission is to preserve one of Gloucester’s most admired historic buildings, built in 1806 for the first Universalist church in America, as a civic hub, entertainment venue and community gathering center. The Foundation is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit and invites your support.
Please join Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) and Schooner Adventure on Thursday, January 15th at GMGI, for an evening exploring the city’s maritime past, present, and future.
From Sea to Shore: Gloucester’s Fishing & Foodways Through Time will examine the enduring relationship between sea and shore, from historic schooners and traditional fishing practices to leveraging marine genomic research to support sustainable fisheries.
Click the link below for more information and to register for this free event!
Featured Speakers:
Tim O’Donnell, GMGI Research Scientist
Emma Strand, Ph.D., GMGI Staff Scientist
Justin Demitri, Historian and Author on Gloucester Fishing Heritage
Emily Pearce, Executive Director, Schooner Adventure
Looking for a mid-week creative spark? Join us at the Sawyer Free Library this January for Studio SFL, a visual arts series presented in collaboration with the Gloucester Center for the Arts. This partnership brings together local artistic expertise and our beautiful new library space to help you explore your creative side. Guided by professional artists, you’ll dive into a different medium each week.
January Schedule:
Blockprinting: January 7, we’ll be exploring the basics of blockprinting using materials you can find in your own kitchen: styrofoam! Design your own basic image, “carve” it into styrofoam, and make your very own print in this two-hour workshop. Register here: sawyerfreelibrary.org
Found object collages: January 15, play with found objects to design new, original collages. Bring items with you that you want to include –magazines, small tchotchkes, fabric scraps, and other small mostly flat items– or dig through the materials provided. Register here: sawyerfreelibrary.org
Quilting: January 21, dive into the world of fabric by making your own experimental quilt squares. Using hand-sewing and found fabric, each participant will be invited to lay out and sew their own individual squares. Try your hand at a more traditional geometric pattern or go free-form with abstract shapes and lines. Register here: sawyerfreelibrary.org
Stained Glass: January 28, create an original faux stained glass artwork using plexiglass. Design your work by drawing on paper and then bring it to life with transparent paints and markers. Hold it up to the sun to see the light shine through your new masterpiece. Register here: sawyerfreelibrary.org
Gloucester Center for the Arts (GloArts) is a new vision for a multidisciplinary arts center based in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Our mission is to celebrate and strengthen the creative community of Gloucester by supporting professional artists, providing multidisciplinary arts education and programs, and investing in affordable creative spaces. Learn more at http://www.gloarts.org.
For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.
Kick off 2026 with a vibrant celebration of creativity at the Sawyer Free Library.
The Library’s Matz Gallery‘s Winter Exhibition Just Add Color brings brilliant hues and fresh energy to the gray winter months with an inspiring exhibition of original artwork by 30 talented local artists.
On view from January 4 through February 27, 2026, this joyful winter exhibition features nearly 50 unique works of art, all available for purchase. A portion of every sale directly supports education programs at the Sawyer Free Library, making this show a celebration of both art and community.
All are welcome at the Artist Reception on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Meet the artists behind the work, explore the exhibition, and enjoy a vibrant evening of creativity and conversation.
Curated by Pat Alto and Jan Charles, Just Add Color participating artists include:
Pat Alto, Jackie Bennett, Coco Berkman, Linda Lea Bertrand, Ted Bidwell, Charles Browne, Beth Buckingham, Michele Champion, Janice Carragher Charles, Traci Thayne Corbett, Elli Crocker, Denise Delaney, Robert Dwelley, Barbe Ennis, Laurie Flemming, Maya Kline, Mary Lee, Bonita LeFlore, Kelle Louaillier, Lynn Maguire, Allison Moir-Smith, Claudia Morris, Jennifer Pinck, Holly Popeo, Jan Roy, Jim Seavey, Mike Shea, James Sheradin, Mike Storella, Rosemary Sullivan
For additional information, please contact matzgallery@sawyerfreelibrary.org.
“Just Add Color” brings bold expression, creative joy, and a much-needed splash of brightness to the heart of winter.
Cape Ann Community 