Director's Update, October 24, 2021
10/24/2021 • 2 years ago
The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.
Dear Patrons,
Exciting author events with Michelle Zauner and Larry Blum take place this week, in addition to our outdoor kids’ programs, workshops in The Hive, and Fine Free!
The Cambridge Public Library Is Going Fine Free!
We are pleased to announce that the Library is no longer charging late fines, removing barriers to library services for everyone in the community. We also cleared past fines and bills for Cambridge-owned children’s and young adult materials from library accounts.
If you were reluctant to use your library card because you worried about late fines or losing materials, we hope you will now feel more comfortable enjoying everything the Library offers. Learn more about Fine Free on our website. This has been a fruitful collaboration with Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, City Manager Louis A. DePasquale, and Vice-Mayor Alanna Mallon.
The Collins and Boudreau Branches, continued closure
The reopening of the Collins Branch, which was closed on October 4 for upgrades to the roof, gutters, and ventilation system, has been postponed due to construction delays. The book drop at the Collins Branch will also remain closed. The Boudreau Branch and its book drop continues to be closed due to construction impacts. The O’Neill, Central Square, Valente, O’Connell and Main locations remain open. Visit our website for updates on library hours.
Outdoor Programming for Kids
Weekly outdoor programs for young children will be offered (weather permitting) at our Central Square, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations:
- Outdoor Baby Lapsit: Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time with other parents, caregivers, and babies to play and develop language and motor skills.
- Outdoor Sing Along: All ages are invited to sing and dance!
- Outdoor Story Time: All ages are invited to gather for a half hour of stories!
Please see our events calendar for all outdoor youth program details. Registration is not required.
Crying in H Mart: Michelle Zauner in Conversation with Eric Kim (Virtual)
On Monday, October 25, at 6 p.m., Michelle Zauner will join the New York Times food writer Eric Kim for a virtual conversation about her book Crying in H Mart. In her exquisite story of family, food, grief, and endurance, Zauner describes growing up one of the few Asian American kids at her school in Eugene, Oregon; struggling with her mother’s particularly high expectations of her; a painful adolescence; and treasured months spent in her grandmother’s tiny apartment in Seoul, where she and her mother would bond, late at night, over heaping plates of food. Eric Kim was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia by Korean immigrants and just finished his first cookbook Korean American. Registration is required.
ESOL Classes (Central Square/Virtual)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur virtually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Beginner ESOL takes place at 1 p.m. and Intermediate ESOL at 3 p.m.
Intermediate classes will also be offered in person at the Central Square Branch on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m., and Intro ESOL will be offered on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Registration is required for each class.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Tuesday, October 26, at 1 p.m.
Thursday, October 28, at 6:30 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 the basics of the equipment and software. Registration is required.
You must complete Hive Safety Training & Glowforge 101 before participating in this program.
Hive Safety Training & Glowforge 101 (Main)
Tuesday, October 26, at 4 p.m.
Thursday, October 28, at 5 p.m.
In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. You will also create your Hive badge ID using our Glowforge laser cutter and then use it to cut and engrave your own creations. Registration is required.
All makers must sign The Hive User Agreement and Waivers to participate.
Larry Blum Presents: Integrations: The Struggle for Racial Equality and Civic Renewal in Public Education (Main/Virtual)
Join us in the Learning Lab of the Main Library near the tech bar or virtually as Larry Blum presents Integrations: The Struggle for Racial Equality and Civic Renewal in Public Education on Tuesday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m. Racial integration has been sold to the American public as a low-cost route to equality of education. However, integration is a vital component of the moral, civic, and social aspects of education that have been sidelined. Bringing diverse populations into the same classrooms is a necessary foundation for preparing future citizens of our democracy. Registration is required. Participants can select to attend in person or virtually.
Nerd Alert! Swell Gels: Using Jell-O Science to Engineer Cell Therapies (Main)
On Tuesday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., join us to learn about hydrogels, which form the basis of some of our favorite foods as well as cutting-edge biological innovations. In this talk, we demonstrate the fascinating properties of hydrogels in cooking and discuss the directions of ongoing hydrogel research at MIT. All ages are welcome. Registration is required.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Would you like help creating a résumé or looking for a job? Join us on Wednesday, October 27, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Central Square Branch for assistance. No registration is required.
Pajama Story Time (Virtual)
Children and their grown-ups, join us from home on Wednesday, October 27, at 6:45 p.m., for 20-25 minutes of fun and scary songs and stories for a late October treat! Feel free to wear your favorite pajamas or a scary or fun costume! Caregivers are asked to participate with their children. Registration is required.
Hive Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
On Thursday, October 28, from 1 to 4 p.m., anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studios can reserve equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able. Make reservations. Learn more about becoming a badged maker.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. In this workshop on Friday, October 29, at 1 p.m., test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required.
You must complete Hive Safety Training & Glowforge 101 before registering for this workshop.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Would you like to make your own vinyl signs, stickers, or images to transfer to T-shirts and other textiles? In this workshop on Friday, October 29, at 3:30 p.m., 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 Hive Safety Training & Glowforge 101 before registering for this workshop.
3D Printing 101: Design and Creation, Pt.2 (Main)
*Only those who signed up for Part 1 of this series can participate in Part 2 this week.
On Saturday, October 30, at 11 a.m., you can learn how to create objects in digital space and fabricate those creations using our Sindoh 3D printers in this two part series. In part 2, you will create your own customized designs and practice setting up your own 3D print construction.
Note: This is a badging course for 3D printing. You will be badged at the end of the Part 2 workshop. Registration is required.
Stay Connected
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Best wishes,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries