Director's Update, April 28, 2024

Dear Patrons, 

Close out National Poetry Month by attending our Submit-a-thon on Monday, April 29. Join writer and editor Meagan Masterman for an evening of submitting your work in a supportive environment. Register here.  

On Thursday, May 2, at 5:30 p.m., join us in welcoming a former Cambridge Rindge and Latin teacher, Kathy Greeley, to discuss her new book, Testing Education. Register here. 

Learn how to support your friends, family, and neighbors with our Mental Health First Aid Training on Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adults. Registration is required. 

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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.        

Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, April 29
10-10:20 a.m.

Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time with other parents and caregivers to help babies 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. 

ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Monday, April 29, Tuesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 2
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 1, and Friday, May 3
10:30 a.m.-Noon

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur every weekday. On Mondays, High Beginner ESOL is from 10:30 a.m.to noon and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. 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.

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, April 29, 2-4 p.m. 
Tuesday, April 30, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 2, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, May 3, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

During this period, anyone who has completed The Hive Safety 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 Labs (Main)

Monday, April 29, 2:30-7 p.m.  

Tuesday, April 30, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 2, 2:30-7 p.m.

Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs start with students' interest in building a better world and introduce them to the underlying science and math principles that will bring their solutions to life. Youth in 7th and 8th grades are invited to join iFp on a journey into the world of artificial intelligence with “Smart Cars AI: Driving Innovation for All.” This 13-week adventure invites students to dive into the world of self-driving cars at the intersection of technology and innovation.

LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, April 29
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 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.

Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Monday, April 29, and Wednesday, May 1
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 Conversation Class (Valente)
Monday, April 29
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, and everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

Submit-a-thon with Meagan Masterman (Main)
Monday, April 29
6-8 p.m.

Join the writer and editor Meagan Masterman for an evening of submitting poems, stories, and other writing to small presses, literary journals, and magazines. Get those new drafts you've been working on all Poetry Month out of your notebook and into the world! Register here. 

Google Sheets Basics (Main)
Tuesday, April 30, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Learn how to use Google Sheets -- Google's version of Excel! You will learn how to create a sheet and enter data in a friendly learning environment. A Gmail account is required for this class -- please remember your password! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. 

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Tuesday, April 30
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.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, April 30
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. 

Drop-in Tech Help (Central Square)
Tuesday, April 30
4-6 p.m.

Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your résumé and support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours. No registration is required.  If you have any questions, please contact library@cambridgema.gov.

Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Main)
Tuesday, April 30
4-5 p.m.

Teens! Help us plan teen programs for the Library! Earn community service hours! Enjoy free snacks! We meet monthly during the school year. No registration is required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, April 30
6:30-7:30 p.m.      
     
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. 

Make Along for Adults: Paper Stained-Glass Suncatcher (Valente)
Tuesday, April 30
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us for the first of a monthly make-along series to create and socialize. Make this month's project or bring your own! All supplies for the featured craft will be provided. Register here. 

Pajama Story Time (O’Neill)
Tuesday, April 30
6:45-7:30 p.m.

Come to the Library in your pajamas to listen to stories, read with your children, and enjoy a snack before bed! This program is recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers and is presented by the Library and the Center for Families.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)
Wednesday, April 30
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.

Google Drive Tips and Tricks
Wednesday, May 1
11 a.m.-Noon

Get more practice with Google Drive! Learn some tips and tricks to organize your files and images. A Gmail account is required for this class. Please remember your password. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.

English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Wednesday, May 1
1-2:30 p.m. 
 
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Practice. This group is for those with an intermediate or high level of English language skill. No testing is required. For more information on other ESOL classes, please call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013. 

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, May 1
1-3 p.m.    
     
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding jobs? Join us for assistance with job hunting and online applications. No registration is required. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.        
 
Sewing 101 (Main)
Wednesday, May 1
1-2:30 p.m.

In this workshop, you’ll 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.   

Wednesdays of Wonder—WOW! (O’Neill)
Wednesday, May 1
3-4:30 p.m.
     
Come 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.

Sewing 101 two-week series (O'Neill)
Wednesday, May 1
5-7 p.m.

Learn to use a sewing machine! This is a 2-week series of 2-hour classes, designed for ages 7 through adult. Ages 7-11 must participate with an adult. Ages 12 and up may participate alone or with a partner. Please only register if you will be able to attend both sessions.

In this series, you will learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. We will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when problems arise. As we learn together, we’ll work on one or two simple sewing projects.

Participants may use this series to become badged for the sewing machines at The Hive. If you wish to do this, please complete The Hive Safety Training before the end of the workshop series.

Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Thursday, May 2, 10-11 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. 

One-on-One Tech Help (Main)
Thursday, May 2
11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Sign up for tech help! Appointments are limited to 30 minutes for each patron. Register here. 

Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)

Thursday, May 2

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 2-part Glowforge 101 offering; the content and length of this workshop and the 2-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.

Note: This is a badging course for laser cutting. Registration is required.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, May 2
2:30-3:30 p.m.

Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle—an hour of fun and conversation.

CPL Presents: Kathy Greeley, the Author of Testing Education (Main Library)
Thursday, May 2
5:30-7:30 p.m. 

Join the debut author Kathy Greeley, a long-time teacher in the Cambridge and Boston Public School systems, for a reading and conversation about her new book, Testing Education: A Teacher’s Memoir. Both a critique of the widespread standardized testing and curricula that have proliferated in the past twenty years in the American public education system and an impassioned memoir by a lifelong teacher who was a firsthand witness to such systemic changes, Testing Education is a necessary reminder of "what real teaching and learning looks like."

Kids' Zine Collective (O'Neill)
Friday, May 3
4-5 p.m.

What's a zine? And how do you make one? Come find out! Kids are invited to explore making, copying, sharing, and swapping zines. Making zines will include activities like writing, drawing, and collage. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Snacks are provided!

Series: Collage Studio (Valente)
Friday, May 3
4-5:30 p.m.

Collage is an art form that uses many different materials to create a picture! We will study books that use collage, plan and create our own projects, and host an art opening to share our creative work with family and friends! 

Sessions run on Fridays through May 17. This 4-week art workshop is for kids ages 8-11. No experience is necessary!

Registration is required. Participants must attend all sessions and read Scraps, by Lois Ehlert. Stop by the Valente Branch to pick up a copy or call 617-349-4015. For questions about Collage Studio, please e-mail mfrench@cambridgema.gov.


Mental Health First Aid Training (Main)
Saturday, May 4
9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adults. You’ll build skills and gain the confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support. After the course you'll be able to: 

• Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.

• Recognize common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.

• Understand how to interact with a person in crisis.

• Know how to connect a person with help.

• Use self-care tools and techniques.

Registration is required. A waitlist will become available when the space is filled.

Questions? Contact Marie Mathieu, Assistant Director of Clinical Services of Cambridge's Community Safety Department. Marie can be reached at MMathieu@CambridgeSafety.org.

The Hive Safety Training (Main)
Saturday, May 4
9:30-10:30 a.m.

Are you interested in using The Hive? In this workshop you will learn about our makerspace, how to use the resources we offer, and how to keep safe in The Hive. 

Find out what you need to get started as a maker in The Hive here.
Completion of The Hive Safety Training is the entry point to making, innovating, and collaborating in this space. Makers must also sign The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.

Family Board Game Afternoon (Valente)
Saturday, May 4
2:30-4 p.m.

Challenge your family or meet new friends over giant board games in the Community Room at Valente. The Library will supply games and snacks. No registration is required for this drop-in event recommended for children ages 5 and up with their caregivers. Contact the Library at 617-349-4015 for more information. 

Stay Connected

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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.