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 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. With a vibrant lineup of free events, the program encourages readers of all ages to branch out, further their imaginations and discover new worlds.  
"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"—the loss of reading and comprehension skills that occurs when school is out—the Sawyer Free Library’s Summer Reading Program provides a fun, structured environment to keep children’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–6. 

Kids Summer Reading 
The Kids Summer Reading Program is open to children of all ages. Register in person at the Children’s Desk or online through August 1 and pick up a reading log.  
Readers in kindergarten to grade six who have read 500 minutes over the summer receive a Topsfield Fair Prize Package: Read & Win Ribbon, Read and Win Certification, one admission ticket to the fair, tickets for 2 rides, one voucher for a hot dog and drink, and a book of their choice. Children under age 8 are always admitted to the fair for free.
Graphic novels, bedtime stories and reading aloud with family all count.  Stock up on great titles and make this a summer of captivating stories.
Families are invited to participate in free, shared experiences through July and August. Thursday mornings bring gardening and story-sharing with Backyard Growers in the raised beds on the Saunders House Lawn. On Fridays, Therapy Dogs Nori and Dash will be onsite for young readers to build confidence in reading aloud in a relaxed, supportive environment.
A summer highlight comes on Tuesday, July 28 at 11:30 a.m. when the Plantmobile visits with fun facts and hands-on learning from the Massachusetts Horticulture Society. 

Special music performances include Musical Storytime with Ruthanne Paulsen on Wednesday, August 5, at 11 a.m. and Musical Storytime with Mr. G on Wednesday, August 11 at 11 a.m., both at the Sawyer Free Library.  On Wednesday, August 12 at 11 a.m., Grammy Award-winning children’s musician Mr. G. brings an energetic family concert celebrating music, language and reading to the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport.

The Library will also host A Visit with Miss Frizzle: Plant a Seed, Read! on  Saturday, August 8, at 10:30 a.m. Everyone's favorite science teacher brings gardening, books, and discovery together in this lively family program. 

The Kids Summer Reading programs will wrap up on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:30 a.m. with Magic Mike Bent: Ready, Set, Grow! —An entertaining magic show filled with humor, audience participation, and summer reading fun. 

Teen/Tween Summer Reading
Teens and tweens have a summer of their own to look forward to at Sawyer Free. Students entering grades 6–12 earn a free half pint of Holy Cow Ice Cream or another prize by reading a book and registering for the Teen/Tween Summer Reading Program. Participants will earn raffle tickets for each book read, as well as for completing other special missions.

At the end of August, all raffle tickets will be entered into a drawing for a pizza party and gift card prizes. Winners will receive first-, second-, or third-place gift cards valued at $100, $75, and $50 to a selection of popular national retailers and local Cape Ann businesses. 

Teens and tweens are invited to explore their creativity through hands-on workshops, including: Make an Edible Terrarium on July 30,  Flower Pressing Crafts on August 8, and Make Kokedama with New England Botanic Garden on August 10, featuring the Japanese art of moss ball gardening. 
The Teen/Tween Summer Reading Program wraps on on Friday, August 14 with a video game tournament, karaoke and pizza party. Raffle drawings for summer reading prizes will be drawn at this event. 
Adult Summer Reading
Adults can join in the fun by rating the books they read and earning entries into prize draws for $25, $50, or $75 Cape Ann Gift Certificates. Book Rating Forms can be submitted online through the 2026 Summer Reading webpage. In addition, the library will host a full schedule of in person and virtual author talks throughout the summer. Library cardholders can also enjoy free or discounted passes to local cultural attractions. 

All Summer Reading programs are free and open to the public thanks to the support of the Massachusetts Library System, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and the Boston Bruins. Registration is required only for selected programs due to space limitations.
For complete program details and registration information, visit the Sawyer Free Library at sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.
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’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—enhancing its ability to offer innovative resources, nurture creativity, and foster community connection.

Media Contact:
Christine Armstrong
Sawyer Free Library
646.644.5037