The Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library Corporation will hold its first Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the newly expanded and modernized Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and corporator sign-in will begin at that time.

This milestone event marks a new chapter for Gloucester’s historic public library—celebrating a transformative year of growth, community connection, and renewal.

The evening will open with welcoming remarks from Mern Sibley, President of the Library’s Board of Trustees, who will reflect on her extraordinary five-year tenure as she steps down from her leadership role. Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga will speak to the Library as an inspiring example of what’s possible when a community commits to creating public spaces that serve everyone.

The meeting’s featured speaker, Joyce Linehan, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), will discuss the importance of standing up for public libraries and intellectual freedom, emphasizing the vital role every citizen plays in advocating for libraries across the Commonwealth, and beyond. 

Library Director Jenny Benedict will highlight the Library’s landmark year—celebrating the successful reopening of the newly reimagined Sawyer Free Library—and share a look ahead at the innovative programs, expanded resources, and community partnerships that will shape its next chapter.

During the business portion of the meeting, new members of the Library Corporation and Board of Trustees will be elected, including Geoff Bradford as the incoming President of the Board. The evening will also include the presentation of the Mary M. Weissblum Volunteer Award to Fran Aliberte, honoring his many years of dedicated service to the Library and the Gloucester community.

The Annual Meeting also marks the launch of the Library’s 2025 Annual Appeal, Our Library. Our Community. Our Future Together. The campaign celebrates a new chapter grounded in community, access, collaboration, and intellectual freedom, while supporting the Sawyer Free 2025 Capital Campaign, a $28 million investment in a state-of-the-art facility where history meets innovation. To date, the Library has raised nearly 65 percent of its fundraising goal. All funds raised through the year-end appeal will go directly to completing the campaign. 

“The newly reimagined Sawyer Free Library represents Gloucester at its best—rooted in tradition, driven by creativity, and focused on an inclusive future,” said Mern Sibley. “Our doors are open, but our work is not done. Together, we can ensure this extraordinary library continues to serve, inspire, and connect our community for generations to come.”

The Sawyer Free Library invites all residents of Gloucester and Cape Ann to support the 2025 Annual Appeal. 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.

Following the formal program, guests are invited to enjoy refreshments and explore the Library’s beautifully reimagined spaces, which showcase its transformation into a 21st-century hub for learning, creativity, and civic life.

The Annual Meeting is open to the public, though only corporators may vote. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

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About the Sawyer Free Library: The mission of the Sawyer Free Library is to cultivate connections across our community, power imaginations, inspire learning and provide a free, welcoming space for all.  For more about the library programming and offerings, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.