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Dear Patrons,
Join us to celebrate the release of the final 24 Jukebox stories on Monday, December 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Register here. This event will honor the members of the Cambridge community who have shared their stories through the Jukebox project and will celebrate Jukebox's meaningful partnerships with the Cambridge Room at the Library and the Cambridge Black History Project. Commissioned for the Cambridge Foundry through the City’s percent-for-art program by the Cambridge Arts Council, Jukebox is a public art project that creates avenues for gathering, listening, and sharing our stories. Learn more about Jukebox and listen to the stories at www.FoundryJukebox.org.
I was honored to moderate the American Library Association/NBC Banned Book Club discussion on NBC 10 Boston on November 30. The Banned Book Club discussions are hosted by NBC 10, in collaboration with sister stations in Chicago and Los Angeles, to highlight books that have been banned and examine the impact of book banning across the country. We discussed George Orwell’s 1984 and how its prominent themes are still relevant today, if not more so. In January, we’ll cover The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls, and in February we’ll be discussing New Kid by Jerry Craft.
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Activities for Kids
This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations.
Book Groups
Learn more about our Book Groups.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, December 10
10-10:20 a.m.
Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time with other parents, caregivers, and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for 0-12 months. Come prepared to sit on the floor with your baby in your lap. This program can accommodate 15 babies and their caregivers. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
Wellness for Seniors: Zumba Gold (Virtual)
Monday, December 10
11-11:45 a.m.
A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful combo. We start with some high-energy (low-impact) dance fitness, and then work our way through the seven energy centers (chakras) with Let Your Yoga Dance. You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful, happy mind/body/spirit. It’s good for everybody! Registration is required for each session. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Monday, December 10
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, December 11, 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 12, and Thursday, December 14, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, December 15, 12-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 16, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
During this period, anyone who has completed The Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)
Monday, December 11
Tuesday, December 12
Wednesday, December 13
Thursday, December 14
3:30-7 p.m.
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a teen-powered design and innovation program where teens channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, teens engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. Teens are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, December 11
4-4:45 p.m.
It’s a weekly block party! Bring friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! The Children's Room has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don’t need to bring your own. Be aware that LEGO pieces are choking hazards for young children, so this program is for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. It can accommodate 30 builders. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. This program starts promptly, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. https://cambridgepl.libcal.com/event/10274575. Learn more.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Monday, December 11
5-6 p.m.
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact us with any questions at 617-349-4027 (voice) or via relay at 711.
ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, December 11
6-7 p.m.
Join us for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)! This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, December 12, and Thursday, December 14
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 13, and Friday, December 15
10:30 a.m.-Noon
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Intermediate ESOL is at 11 a.m., High Beginner ESOL is at 1 p.m., and Advanced ESOL is at 3 p.m. Beginner ESOL is at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Registration is not required.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, December 12
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters as you work, get inspired, pick up skills, and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, and mend. Refreshments will be provided.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Tuesday, December 12
2:30-4 p.m.
Come learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety-best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
One Up Games (Valente)
Tuesday, December 12
2:30-5:30 p.m.
Join us for our video game free play event hosted by the Massachusetts eSport and gaming venue, One Up Games! Explore virtual worlds with the Oculus Quest, or play the latest titles on XBOX Series S, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch! This is a drop-in event recommended for ages 7+.
Crafternoon: Fold a Fortune Teller (Collins)
Tuesday, December 12
4-5 p.m.
Learn to fold a fortune teller from a paper square. Choose a sheet with hidden messages ready for you to discover or create your own unique messages before folding.Recommended for children ages 5-12 and their caregivers.
One-on-One Tech Help (Central Square)
Tuesday, December 12
5-7 p.m.
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by Central Square during our drop-in hours! Sessions will be limited to 30 minutes for each patron.
We can help you with:
We are not able to help you with:
If you have any questions, please contact syasuda@cambridgema.gov.
Handsewing for Mending with Jessamy (Valente)
Tuesday, December 12
6-7:30 p.m.
Handsewing for Mending will focus on hand sewing techniques that can be used to repair seams, hems, tears, and more. Participants will learn about tools and materials for hand sewing, a variety of stitches, and when to apply them to restore garments back to wearability. Jessamy is a Somerville-based textile artist and sustainable fashion designer specializing in creative mending and upcycling. She earned a BFA in Fibers and a Certificate in Fashion Design from the Massachusetts College of Art & Design and has taught mending at the Library, Make & Mend in Somerville, and the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts in Jamaica Plain. See her work at www.jessamyshay.com.
Mindfulness and Journaling: "Winter Lights" (Main)
Tuesday, December 12
6-7 p.m.
Join us for an introduction to mindfulness meditation, creating a time to pause, connect, restore, and reflect. The workshop will include guided practices with optional time for journaling and discussion. We’re wellcoming new and experienced meditators!
The instructor, Laura Carmen Arena, is an Argentinian-American writer and visual artist and an experienced yoga and meditation teacher based in Cambridge. She has led workshops on meditation and yoga at universities and other professional settings. She studied literature at NYU and contemplative traditions, education, and creative writing at Harvard University, where she also served as a teaching fellow, photographer, webmaster, and assistant director of multicultural affairs. She enjoys leading mind-body practices to pollinate creative outlooks and a more peaceful, centered awareness. Registration is required.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, December 12
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
CPL Nature Club: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mount Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
Wednesday, December 13
10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Join us at the Collins Branch library for a morning walk at the renowned birdwatching spot in our own backyard, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with autumn and winter migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted all year round. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. Registration is required. We will meet at the courtyard of the Collins Branch (64 Aberdeen Ave.) and head over to the cemetery together. For more information, contact Michael Roberson at mroberson@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4021.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)
Wednesday, December 12
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters. Work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills, and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, and cross stitch.
Library e-Resources for the Holidays! (Main)
Wednesday, December 13
1-2 p.m.
Make the holidays cozy with the Library's free online resources! Read e-books, watch movies, listen to audiobooks, and learn crafts - all with your library card! This class will introduce you to the Library's online resources and how to access them through a computer or smartphone. A library card is required. We will provide laptops for the class. To view and register for other Basic Tech classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, December 13
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding a job? Join us for assistance with résumés, job hunting, and online applications. No registration is required. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
Wednesdays of Wonder - WOW! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, December 13
3-4:30 p.m.
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration is required.
The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, December 13
3:30-5 p.m.
Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to come learn about our space and try their hand at sticker making, video recording in our studio, and more. This is a drop-in event for ages 12-18.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, December 13
5-6 p.m.
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Please contact 617-349-4027 with any questions.
Sewing Circle (Main)
Wednesday, December 13
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Continue building your machine-sewing skills and receive support with your own projects. Participants must register but may drop in anytime during the program. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of our Janome sewing machines. Registration is required.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Wednesday, December 13
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Learn how to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials using the Glowforge Pro laser cutter. This 2-hour workshop replaces the previous two-part Glowforge 101 offering; the content and length of this workshop and the two-part series are the same. You will start by using the camera on the Glowforge to focus and scan your own images, properly select materials for your project, and fabricate your first design. You will create digital artwork for the Glowforge and learn file formatting for production. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. Note: This is a badging course for laser cutting. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this program. View The Hive's workshop schedule here.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main, by appointment)
Thursday, December 14
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by during our drop-in hours! Sessions are limited to 30 minutes for each patron. A laptop will be available for use during the session. We can help you with:
We are not able to help you with:
If you have any questions, please contact syasuda@cambridgema.gov.
The Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Thursday, December 14
2:30-3 p.m.
In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent out an hour before the workshop starts. Before taking workshops in The Hive in person, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
Thursday, December 14
3-4 p.m.
Read with a cuddly friend! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023).
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Thursday, December 14
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. Test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Friday, December 15
10-11 a.m.
Join us in this 11-week Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 2 practice, which focuses on the mind-body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. Participants must have completed Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 1. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for over 20 years. He has taught at five VA Boston Healthcare System locations and at senior centers. This event is held in person. Due to the meaningfulness of this series, we expect participants to attend all the classes. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. This is a make-up class. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Teen Room x The Hive
Friday, December 15
3:30-5 p.m.
Grab a friend for some creative exploration and play! Try your hand at sticker-making, 3D doodling, immersive VR, and more in the Teen Room. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 12-18.
Cambridge Young Authors’ Squad (O’Neill)
Friday, December 15
4-5 p.m.
Young people ages 10-14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. There will be time for share-outs/workshopping as well as group or solo writing. Snacks are provided! Registration is helpful but not required.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Saturday, December 16
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Would you like to make your own vinyl signs, stickers, or images to transfer to T-shirts and other textiles? In this workshop, you can learn how to use our Roland Camm-1 GS-24 vinyl cutter. You can then design a sticker and cut it with our vinyl cutter! Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Beginners’ Mandarin Class (Main)
Saturday, December 16
10-11:30 a.m.
Come learn the second-most-spoken language in the world! This class is taught by Sunling Liew, an experienced Chinese-language instructor at the Ming Hui Academy Boston. No testing or experience is needed, but registration is required.
Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, December 16
1:30-3 p.m.
Fiber crafters of all skill levels are welcome to drop in for companionable crafting! Bring your project and enjoy tea and snacks as you chat, share tips, and even inspire others. No registration is required.
Sew a Sachet (O'Neill)
Saturday, December 16
2-3:30 p.m.
People of all ages can learn how to sew a scented sachet. This project is open to children and adults who have some experience sewing by hand. No registration is required.
Isha Kriya at the Library
Saturday, December 16
3:30-4:30 p.m.
In this one-hour session, you will learn Isha Kriya, a simple 12-18-minute practice to help you meditate effortlessly. For beginners and experienced meditators alike!
Daily practice of Isha Kriya meditation offers:
Stay Connected
Please subscribe to our e-mail list, follow us on X, Instagram, or Facebook, and visit our website.
All the best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries
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