Gloucester Reads 2024

Gloucester Reads a partnership of the Sawyer Free Library, Gloucester’s Racial Justice Team, and Gloucester Health Department, is sponsoring a citywide, intergenerational summer reading initiative. This community-wide book club aims “to spark conversations, inspire new ideas, and encourage introspection about race equity in our community.”

          Gloucester Reads 2024 has selected books to be read across the community that reflect Black experiences in America.

            This year, the book chosen for adult readers is, “How The Word Is Passed,” by Clint Smith. It focuses on the history and present impact of slavery in the United States. Smith uses archival research and interviews to “offer an intergenerational story of how slavery has shaped our nation’s history and memory.”

          Adults can participate in this event in three ways: reading the book, joining a structured discussion group, and/or attending the virtual author’s talk. Saint John’s will be participating in Gloucester Reads 2024 by moderating a community-wide discussion group on August 8th, from 3-5 pm in the Parish Hall. If you are interested in participating in this discussion, please register through sawyerfreelibrary.org, visiting the library at 21 Main Street, or contacting Connie DeSimone (connied21@comcast.net) or Claudette Chmura (cdmchmura@aol.com). Other dates for discussion groups are also available.