Director's Update, December 24, 2023

Dear Patrons, 

   

Best wishes for a happy New Year from your friends at the Cambridge Public Library. The Library welcomed many diverse authors and speakers in 2023, including those cited below, and we look forward to hosting an equally impressive group in 2024. Thank you to the Cambridge Public Library Foundation for making these events possible.

 

• Dr. Annette Gordon-Reed, On Juneteenth, January 2023 
• Peter Goodman, Davos Man: How the Billionaires Devoured the World with Kate Tuttle of People, February 2023 
• Brazilian author Monique Malcher presented Flor de Gume: A Bilingual Program in English and Portuguese, March 2023 
• Sadie Dupuis presented Cry Perfume with the Globe writer & DJ Maura Johnston, April 2023 
• The Margret and H. A. Rey Curious George Lecture: Stuart Gibbs, April 2023 
• Nicholas Dawidoff, The Other Side of Prospect: A Story of Violence, Injustice, and the American City, talking with Dr. Maya Jasanoff, May 2023 
• Barry Schneier, Bruce Springsteen: Rock and Roll Future, May 2023 
• Mitchell Zuckoff, The Secret Gate, in conversation with Homeira Qaderi, the author of Dancing in the Mosque: An Afghan Mother’s Letter to Her Son May 2023. Cosponsored by Harvard Book Store 
• Kay Redfield Jamison, Fires in the Dark: Healing the Unquiet Mind, May 2023. Cosponsored by Harvard Book Store 
• Gary Victor: Literature, Engagement and Citizenship (Bilingual: French and English), June 2023 
• Ilyon Woo, Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey From Slavery to Freedom, in conversation with Dr. Myisha Eatmon, June 2023 
• Omer Aziz, Brown Boy: A Memoir, June 2023 
• Jenny Odell, Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock, in conversation with Nina McLaughlin
• Isabella Hammad, The Parisian, in conversation with Namwali Serpell, September 2023 
• Fergus Bordewich, Klan War: Ulysses S. Grant and the Battle to Save Reconstruction, in conversation with Ilyon Woo, October 2023. Cosponsored by Harvard Book Store. 
• Xochitl Gonzalez, Olga Dies Dreaming, in conversation with Jess Rizkallah, October 2023 
• McKay Coppins, Romney: A Reckoning, in conversation with Jane Clayson, October 2023. Cosponsored by Harvard Book Store. 
• Cambridge as Inspiration: Women Authors: Past and Present: A Conversation with Gish Jen, Claire Messud, and Laura Zigman, moderated by Virgina Pye, November 2023 
• Amanda Peters, The Berry Pickers, December 2023

 

Another highlight from this year has been our incredible progress with the City's Digital Equity Initiative. In partnership with the City of Cambridge and local nonprofits, we've worked to expand Digital Equity learning programs for the Cambridge community to address barriers to equitable digital opportunities. Through this initiative, we are building on our history of digital literacy work, and we have deepened our digital equity impact by improving access to technology for patrons. Through the provision of classes, drop-in-assistance, and consultations, we are building out a learning platform and a vibrant community for skills-building and career pathways. We look forward to continuing to expand access to digital equity in 2024.

 

Thank you for visiting the Library in 2023. We hope to see you often in the year ahead!

 

The Library is pleased to offer the following programs and events for the week that begins on December 24. 

 

 

                                                                                              

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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.     

 
             

 
Sing-Alongs             

Story Times                   

 
             

 
Book Groups 

 
Learn more about our Book Groups. 

 

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)   
Tuesday, December 26
1-2:30 p.m.  
   

Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Sindoh 3D printers. In this workshop, you will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing badge for future reservations in The Hive. Before taking this workshop, you will need to complete The Hive Safety Training and create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.     

 

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)  

Tuesday, December 26, 3:30 -8:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 28, 4:30-8:30 p.m. 
Friday, December 29, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 30, 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.    

 
ESOL Classes (Central Square)  
Tuesday, December 26, and Thursday, December 28 
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.     
Wednesday, December 27, 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 26
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.  
 
Knitting Group (Boudreau) 
Tuesday, December 26
6:30-7:30 p.m.
               
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.  
 

 
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)   
Wednesday, December 27
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.   

 
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)  
Wednesday, December 27
1-3 p.m.            
               
Looking for help creating a résumé or finding jobs? 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.         
 
Vacation Week Program: Wednesdays of Wonder - WOW! (O'Neill) 
Wednesday, December 27 
3-4:30 p.m.     
               
Come to the Library for games and a fun vacation week activity! Kids of all ages can hang out and explore open-ended crafts. No registration is required.
 
The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, December 27
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.

 

Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Wednesday, December 27
6:30-7:30 p.m.
 
Are you interested in podcasting, audio production, or video production? The Hive has two state-of-the-art recording studios! Join this workshop to become familiar with studio equipment and software. Registration is required.  

You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

 
One-on-One Tech Help (Main, by appointment)
Thursday, December 28
11 a.m.-1 p.m.   
   
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by during our drop-in hours! A laptop will be available for use during the session. If you have any questions, please contact syasuda@cambridgema.gov.    
 
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Thursday, December 28
2-4 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. Thanks to The Hive team for offering this program.
 
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Thursday, December 28
7-8 p.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. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
 
Vacation Week: Family Movie (O'Neill)
Friday, December 29
2-3:34 p.m.
 
Join us over winter vacation for a cozy family movie! Snacks will be provided. 

The film, Abominable (2019, Universal Pictures), is rated PG; running time 97 minutes.
 
Vacation Week: Paint Workshop for Kids (Valente)
Friday, December 29
3-4:30 p.m.
 
Get creative and make your own artwork! All painting materials are provided. Please wear clothes suitable for painting. This program is recommended for children ages 8-12. Registration is required. Please contact the Library at 617-349-4015 for more information.
 
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Saturday, December 30 

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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. 

 

Crafting Corner (O'Neill)

Saturday, December 30 

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.     

 

Saturday Songs and Stories (O'Neill)

Saturday, December 30    

3:30-4 p.m. 

 

Music, movement, and stories! Join your librarians for 20 minutes of fun! For children of all ages and their grown-ups.  

 

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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The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information, contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.