About Us

Sawyer Library Foundation

Sawyer Free 2025 is a fully philanthropic capital campaign to fund a comprehensive renovation, modernization and expansion of Gloucester’s public library building. The planned project will preserve the original exterior and also double the size of the existing library’s footprint with a 15,000-square foot addition.

The Sawyer Library Foundation’s primary reason for existing as a separate, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity is to secure funding and provide financial support for: 1) the expansion, enhancement, upgrade and maintenance of real property of the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library Inc. of Gloucester, Massachusetts; and 2) the maintenance and enrichment of Sawyer Free Library services, materials and programs.

In connection thereto, the Foundation may engage in other charitable and educational activities and programs, including grant making, in the furtherance of the foregoing purposes as may be carried out by a corporation organized under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 180 and as prescribed in Section (501)(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Sawyer Free 2025 constitutes a once-in-a-lifetime, transformational investment in a vital community resource that will exponentially amplify the library’s ability to deliver critical services and outcomes not only for Gloucester, but for communities across Cape Ann and the North Shore as a place of equity, inclusion, connection, creation, compassion, renewal and advancement.