Director's Update, June 13, 2021
6/13/2021 • 2 years ago
The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.
Dear Patrons,
It has been heartwarming to welcome you back to the Main Library since the beginning of June. This week, the Children’s Room at the Main Library is open Tuesday and Wednesday, 1-5 p.m., and Thursday, 12-4 p.m. Seating continues to be available in the Reading Room and on the patio. The Boudreau Branch, Central Square Branch, Collins Branch, O’Neill Branch, and Valente Branch open their doors this week as well. Please see our website up-to-date times. We’re excited to be offering even more hours next week, starting on June 21. We also have a new social worker, Marie Mathieu, who is based at the Central Square Branch. Drop in at 45 Pearl Street to meet her on Tuesday, June 22, 1-3 p.m.
We are delighted to continue seeing familiar faces and being introduced to new patrons!
Juneteenth Holiday
The Cambridge Public Library will be closed on Friday, June 18, and Saturday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. Juneteenth (June 19th), which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, was designated an annual state holiday in Massachusetts in July 2020.
Book drops at all CPL locations will remain open for returns over this holiday period.
Healing the Historical Trauma of Slavery through Genealogical Research
On Thursday, June 17, at noon, the Library’s Cambridge Room will hold a workshop with Sharon Leslie Morgan, a renowned genealogist and the founder of Our Black Ancestry Foundation, as we learn about historical trauma and how it affects people today. Morgan will introduce the STAR (Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience) model for healing historical trauma and show how genealogical research can help heal the trauma of slavery. Registration is required.
2021 Juneteenth Celebration: Chun Yu and Michael Warr present Two Languages/One Community
On Thursday, June 17, at 6 p.m., the Library will hold a special virtual Juneteenth program. We welcome the poets Michael Warr and Chun Yu to recognize and celebrate the holiday, as we learn what it means for us today to be free and united. Two Languages/One Community began as a workshop that uses writing and translation to facilitate the exchange of cultural and life experiences between Black/African American and Chinese communities. Members of these communities are often isolated from each other, even though they live in the same neighborhood or work together. Registration is required.
Meet-and-Greet with Library Social Worker
On Tuesday, June 22 from 1-3 p.m., join us on the newly renovated ground floor of the Central Square Branch Library to welcome our new Library Social Worker, Marie Mathieu. Marie will be available to answer questions, to talk about her role at the Library, and to schedule one-on-one sessions for help with issues such as:
- Referrals to area agencies
- Completing applications
- Resource navigation
- Mental health/substance abuse linkage and referral
Nuestra trabajadora social está disponible para conectarle con los servicios y recursos que necesita.
Travayè sosyal nou an disponib pou konekte ou ak sèvis ak resous ke ou bezwen yo.
Interlibrary Loan Is Back!
Starting on Monday, June 14, we will begin accepting interlibrary loan requests. If you are looking for an item and can’t find it in the Minuteman or Commonwealth catalog, please submit an interlibrary loan request. We’ll do our best to find a lender for you!
Virtual ESOL Classes
Virtual English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Introductory ESOL takes place at 11 a.m., beginner ESOL at 1 p.m., and intermediate ESOL at 3 p.m. Registration is required for each class. Please see the Library’s online events calendar for more details.
Family Night with DrumatiX
Experience a fun, funny, and high-energy blend of tap dance, body percussion, and drumming with various drums, found objects, and invented instruments on Tuesday, June 15, at 5:30 p.m. In a live interactive performance, the ensemble leader Noa Barankin will explore a box full of household objects that she can transform into musical instruments. Registration is required.
Library at Home: Family History
On Wednesday, June 16, at 3 p.m., learn how to find your family roots with Ancestry Library, African American Heritage, and HeritageQuest Online with your Cambridge Public Library card! Registration is required.
Tweens & Teens Comics Workshop
On Wednesday, June 16, at 4 p.m., join Matt Ryan of Free Lunch Studios during the Tween/Teen Virtual Hangout hour for a comics workshop that will help you learn how to be a better visual storyteller. The first session was held last week, but everyone is welcome to sign up for this session! Registration is required.
Career Skills: Preparing for a Successful Virtual Interview
In this final session of the Career Skills workshop series, presented by the employment specialist Gary Gekow, you will learn how to prepare for a successful virtual interview. Join us on Wednesday, June 16, at 6 p.m. Registration is required.
A Taste of the Caribbean with Chef Malcolm Green
The Library is excited to welcome back the Cambridge native and Master Chef Season 4 contestant Malcolm Green on Wednesday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month with a taste of the Caribbean! Chef Malcolm will be honoring his Jamaican roots in this virtual cooking demonstration with one of his favorite dishes, Jamaican Stew Fish. Registration is required.
Join Us for Story Time
We invite children and their grownups to join us from home for 20-25 minutes of engaging stories. Plan to sing along and move around!
We are happy to offer these Story Time programs this week:
Registration is required for each event.
Wellness for Seniors: Let Your Yoga Dance®
Wellness for Seniors: Let Your Yoga Dance® is a virtual class on Thursday, June 17, at 11 a.m. Breathe, stretch, and dance your way to a blissful body, joyous heart, and a steady, quiet mind! Open to all levels and abilities. Registration is required.
Save the Date: Acclaimed Author, Cathy Park Hong in Conversation with Courtney Sato
The Library is pleased to welcome acclaimed author, Cathy Park Hong in Conversation with Dr. Courtney Sato, on Monday, June 28, from 6-7:15 p.m. Cathy Park Hong's most recent book, Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning (One World/Random House), was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in General Non Fiction. Registration is required to participate in this event.
Stay Connected
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Best wishes,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries