GLOUCESTER, MA &mdash; The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to join the 2026 Summer Reading Program: Plant a Seed, Read! This year&rsquo;s theme is all about cultivating a love of reading with a fun, nature-inspired twist. Just as gardens grow food to nourish our bodies, reading nourishes our minds.&nbsp; With a vibrant lineup of free events, the program encourages readers of all ages to branch out, further their imaginations and discover new worlds.&nbsp;&nbsp;
"Our Summer Reading Program is designed to connect our community through the joy of stories," said Meg O'Neill, Head of Youth Services. "Our programs spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and help children, tweens and teens discover new interests while building a lifelong love of reading. We invite families to join us throughout the summer to plant the seeds of discovery through memorable experiences that foster learning and fun."
Designed to combat the "summer slide"&mdash;the loss of reading and comprehension skills that occurs when school is out&mdash;the Sawyer Free Library&rsquo;s Summer Reading Program provides a fun, structured environment to keep children&rsquo;s minds active. By incentivizing daily reading, the library encourages the joy of reading and brings families together for social connection.
Assistant Director Lisa Ryan brought the excitement directly to local students, visiting all four elementary schools for a series of high-energy assemblies. Ryan highlighted the vital importance of summer reading, previewed the lineup of engaging programs, and introduced a curated collection of popular books tailored for students in grades K&ndash;6.
About the Sawyer Free Library
The Sawyer Free Library has served Gloucester residents of all ages for over 175 years, providing equal access to resources that meet the community&rsquo;s evolving cultural, educational, and informational needs. Now open in its newly renovated, expanded, and modernized home, the Library is entering an exciting new chapter&mdash;enhancing its ability to offer innovative resources, nurture creativity, and foster community connection.

Media Contact:
Christine Armstrong Sawyer Free Library 646.644.5037

Essex County

Essex

Gloucester

Massachusetts

Sawyer Free Library Invites Families to Grow,...

GLOUCESTER, MA — The Sawyer Free Library invites the community to join the 2026 Summer Reading Program: Plant a Seed, Read! This year’s theme is...

Sawyer Free Library Invites Families to Grow, Read, and Explore During Summer Reading Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sawyer Free Library Promotes Meg O&rsquo;Neill to Head of Youth Services GLOUCESTER, MA &mdash; The Sawyer Free Library is proud to announce the promotion of Meg O&rsquo;Neill to the position of Head of Youth Services. O&rsquo;Neill, who has served the Library and the Gloucester community with distinction, will now supervise the team responsible for library programs, collection resources, and services for Gloucester&rsquo;s children, young adults, and families. O&rsquo;Neill brings extensive experience in children&rsquo;s librarianship, community outreach, and innovative program design to her new supervisory role. During her tenure at the Sawyer Free Library as Community Librarian, she has been instrumental in expanding engagement, fostering diverse community partnerships, and creating inclusive learning spaces. O&rsquo;Neill holds a Master of Library and Information Science with a specialization in Public Library Services from the University of California, Los Angeles; a Master of Arts with a specialization in Interdisciplinary Studies from Dartmouth College; and a Bachelor of Arts in English, with minors in French and Sociology, from Bishop&rsquo;s University in Quebec, Canada. &ldquo;Meg&rsquo;s passion for youth development, combined with her innovative approach to modern library services, makes her the perfect fit for this position,&rdquo; said Library Director Jenny Benedict. &ldquo;We are thrilled to see her step into this well-deserved role.&rdquo; As Head of Youth Services, O&rsquo;Neill will supervise the department&rsquo;s dedicated staff and the delivery of year-round educational and recreational programs. Her immediate priorities include expanding early literacy services with a special focus on supporting vulnerable families, strengthening ties with local youth providers, and designing dynamic activities that reflect the evolving needs of the community. &ldquo;I am incredibly honored to step into this new role at the Sawyer Free Library,&rdquo; said O&rsquo;Neill. &ldquo;Gloucester has a vibrant, creative community of young people, and I look forward to working alongside our talented team to provide them with the resources, programs, and welcoming spaces they need to thrive, discover, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.&rdquo; About the Sawyer Free Library The Sawyer Free Library has served Gloucester residents of all ages for over 175 years, providing equal access to resources that meet the community&rsquo;s evolving cultural, educational, and informational needs. Now open in its newly renovated, expanded, and modernized home, the Library is entering an exciting new chapter&mdash;enhancing its ability to offer innovative resources, nurture creativity, and foster community connection. All programs and exhibitions at the Sawyer Free Library remain free and open to the public. For more information about the Library&rsquo;s public services for children and young adults, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Media Contact: Christine Armstrong Sawyer Free Library 646.644.5037

Sawyer Free Library Hires New Head of Youth...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESawyer Free Library Promotes Meg O’Neill to Head of Youth ServicesGLOUCESTER, MA — The Sawyer Free Library is proud to...

Sawyer Free Library Hires New Head of Youth Services

I currently have two open slots (approximately 15 hours) available for personal /business bookkeeping. Certification in Quickbooks online and local references available upon request

Bookkeeping

I currently have two open slots (approximately 15 hours) available for personal /business bookkeeping. Certification in Quickbooks online and local...

Boston Metropolitan Area

Hamilton-Wenham

Beverly

Scott Souza

Marblehead

Salem

Danvers

Swampscott

Peabody

Lynnfield

Chris Rhatigan 

North Andover

Middlesex County

North Reading

The Cut - Stage • Studio • Restaurant • Bar

Doors 4:30pm Show 5:00pm ALL AGES 

NO SITTER NECESSARY: FAMILY DANCE PARTY - SUMMER POP DANCE BATTLE IS COMING TO THE CUT LIVE!
You’ve been playing the soundtrack in the car line. Singing it at home. Dancing in the kitchen. Now take it to the dance floor.
After packed dance floors and viral moments for the K Pop Parties at&nbsp;The Cut Live, No Sitter Necessary is coming back bigger, louder and even more unhinged for our brand new Summer Pop Dance Battle edition.
Parents vs. Kids battle it out on the dance floor in a full-on family party built for kids AND the grownups who still know every word to the throwbacks.
Expect epic dance battles. Massive line dance mashups. Hype MC callouts. Throwback karaoke moments for parents. And a packed dance floor where literally anything can happen.
We’re running it back with hits like:
Whip Nae Nae. Cha Cha Slide. Cupid Shuffle. Crank That. Plus K Pop hits like Gnarly and Pinky Up, What It Sounds Like. Disney 2000s throwbacks (think your favorite High School Musical anthem). And the college dance floor jams parents forgot they still knew every word to.
This isn’t a sit-down kids show. Cut the rug is going to be an understatement for your family.
Parents and kids. Same dance floor. No sitting.

Local Event: No Sitter Necessary - Family Dance Party

No Sitter Necessary - Family Dance Party

Doors 4:30pm Show 5:00pm ALL AGES 

NO SITTER NECESSARY: FAMILY DANCE PARTY - SUMMER POP DANCE BATTLE IS COMING TO THE CUT...

Join us for a night of stories and songs from renowned&nbsp;songwriter&nbsp;and producer Robert Ellis Orrall. He and his original band from the 80’s will be playing songs he wrote for and with Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, Lindsay Lohan, Michael McDonald and hundreds of other timeless artists.
When RCA Records signed North Shore native Robert Ellis Orrall in 1980 he had his dream band: Kook Lawry on guitar, Don Walden on bass and David Stefanelli on the drums. 46 years later they are back on the road and in the studio.
Part of a New Wave of Boston artists that included The Stompers, Jon Butcher Axis, Til Tuesday and The Neighborhoods, REO rocked legendary venues like The Rat, The Paradise and The Orpheum Theater.
The band’s critically acclaimed albums, "Fixation", "Contain Yourself", and "Special Pain" were recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales with producer Roger Bechirian (Elvis Costello, Squeeze), and supported with tours opening for U2, The Kinks, Psychedelic Furs and countless others. And their Top 40 smash hit with Carlene Carter “I Couldn’t Say No” still stands as an 80’s classic.
When Robert moved to Nashville to write and produce, Kook, Don and David lent their talents to artists like Peter Wolf (J. Geils), Barry Goudreau &amp; Brad Delp (Boston), Carlene Carter, Brian Maes, Nick Lowe and many more.
Robert Ellis Orrall has had over 350 songs (and five #1 songs) cut around the world and soundtracked in TV and movies llke “The Bourne Identity”, “Hannah Montana” and “Freaky Friday”. He produced tracks for Love and Theft, Cake Bake Betty and Taylor Swift’s 10X Platinum debut and followup EP.
The band regrouped to reminisce, tour and record “467 Surf And Gun Club”, an album John Hiatt called “absolutely joyful”, Michael McDonald called “relevant and timeless’, and said American Songwriter “The melodies, counter melodies, and killer performances constitute a unique blend of ‘60s-pop-meets-modern-indie songwriting.” They’ve released 5 new albums since then including “Wrong Thing” and “Wonderland”.
The band is touring from now to forever, playing songs from all of their albums and albums to come, listed below. The old cliche “Let’s get the band back together” has come to life with these four best friends playing their best music.
 “…Fixation” 1981&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
“Special Pain 1983
“Contain Yourself” 1984
“467 Surf And Gun Club” 2022
“B-Sides And C-Sides” 2024
“The Mountain Is The Bear 2025
“The War Between Us” 2025
“Wrong Thing” 2025
“Wonderland” 2026

Local Event: Robert Ellis Orrall with an After Party with Funbucket

Robert Ellis Orrall with an After Party with...

Join us for a night of stories and songs from renowned songwriter and producer Robert Ellis Orrall. He and his original band...

Robert Ellis Orrall with an After Party with Funbucket

Haus of Monsters is the ultimate Lady Gaga tribute experience - an electrifying celebration of one of the most iconic pop stars of our time. Based in New York City, the birthplace of Gaga herself, the band is made up of some of the city’s top session musicians and lifelong Little Monsters who live and breathe her music.
More than just a tribute band, Haus of Monsters delivers the full Gaga experience: a powerhouse live band, dazzling backup dancers, stunning costumes, and all the theatrical flair fans expect. Every performance is a journey through Gaga’s greatest hits, from the dance floor anthems to the show-stopping ballads, honoring her artistry, creativity, and fearless spirit.
Recognized as the premier Lady Gaga tribute band in the USA, Haus of Monsters brings fans together to celebrate the music, message, and magic of Mother Monster herself.

Local Event: Haus of Monsters - America's #1 Tribute to Lady Gaga

Haus of Monsters - America's #1 Tribute to Lady...

Haus of Monsters is the ultimate Lady Gaga tribute experience - an electrifying celebration of one of the most iconic pop stars...

Haus of Monsters - America's #1 Tribute to Lady Gaga

Cross things off your To-Do list faster with some help

Misc Mary

Sprucing up or Fixing up? Sometimes all we need is a little motivation - and an extra set of hands- to get projects started, finished and crossed off the to-do list. I’m your go to gal for gardening help, organizing help, small painting or repair projects and all those tasks you have been meaning to tackle. At Misc Mary, my goal is to help you feel more accomplished in your spaces.

Rockport

Sprucing up or Fixing up? Sometimes all we need is a little motivation - and an extra set of hands- to get projects started, finished and crossed...

Picture This

I have a local bookkeeping business serving small businesses throughout the Cape Ann area. I’m reaching out to introduce myself and offer bookkeeping support to you and or your firm and clients. I provide reliable bookkeeping support, including: • Accounts payable and accounts receivable • Bank and credit card reconciliations • QuickBooks Online support • Organization and cleanup of financial records • General bookkeeping and administrative support I enjoy working directly with clients who need help getting their books organized and maintaining accurate financial records throughout the year. By helping clients present complete, well-organized information, I can make tax preparation and year-end work smoother and more efficient for everyone involved. I have experience with QuickBooks Online, Restaurant365, and Jonas Software, along with bookkeeping experience in hospitality, restaurants, inventory management, and general business operations. I also have excellent local references. If you ever needs a dependable bookkeeping resource—whether for ongoing client support, overflow work, or helping clients get their records in order—I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

I have a local bookkeeping business serving small businesses throughout the Cape Ann area. I’m reaching out to introduce myself and offer...

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🌱 Which Gloucester waterfront projects are up for review on August 5?

Community Corner

🌱 What NOAA’s new ecosystem warning means for...

And check out The Radio on the Gloucester Patch calendar

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Gloucester, MA|Local Classified|Other|Jul 23