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Director's Update, November 21, 2021


11/21/20212 years ago

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.

Collins Branch

Dear Patrons,

I am full of gratitude for your love and use of the Library! Thanks as well to our staff, who make coming to the Library such a welcoming experience, and to our board volunteers for championing and raising funds for our libraries.

Branch Updates

The Collins Branch and its book drop re-opens on Monday, November 22. Its regular hours of operation are: Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Boudreau Branch continues to be closed until further notice due to construction impacts. As soon as we can open this branch safely, we will. Library hours and locations can be found here.

Thanksgiving Holidays

All CPL locations will be closed on Thursday, November 25, and Friday, November 26, in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday.

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 join us for a half hour of stories!

Please see our events calendar for all outdoor youth program details. Registration is not required.

Wellness for Seniors: Zumba Gold (Virtual)

On Monday, November 22, at 11 a.m., join us virtually to improve flexibility and balance, strengthen muscles, and have fun! The certified NB Zumba Gold instructor Emily B. will lead you through 45 minutes of low-impact and easy choreography in your own home through Zoom. Registration is required.

Correctional: A Memoir by Ravi Shankar (Main)

On Monday, November 22, at 6:30 p.m., Ravi Shankar’s bold and complex self-portrait—and portrait of America—challenges us to rethink our complicity in the criminal justice system and mental health policies that perpetuate inequity and harm. Correctional dives into the inner workings of his mind and heart, framing his unexpected encounters with law and order through the lenses of race, class, privilege, and his bicultural upbringing as the first and only son of South Indian immigrants. Registration is required.

ESOL Classes (Central Square/Virtual)

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur this week virtually on Tuesday. 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 Tuesday at 11 a.m., and Beginner ESOL will be offered on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Registration is required for each class.

Sewing 101 (Main)

Learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety in this 90-minute class on Tuesday, November 23, at 3:30 p.m. 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 practices. Registration is required.

You must complete Hive Safety Training or Hive Safety Training & Glowforge 101 before registering for this workshop.

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)

Would you like some help creating a résumé or looking for jobs? Join us on Wednesday, November 24, from 1 - 3 p.m., at the Central Square Branch for help with résumés, job hunting, and online applications. No registration is required.

Hive Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)

On Wednesday, November 24, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able. Make reservations.

Learn more about becoming a badged maker.

Studio Recording 101 (Main)

Are you interested in podcasting, audio production, or video production? The Hive has two state-of-the-art recording studios! On Wednesday, November 24, at 3:30 p.m., join this workshop to become familiar with the basics of the equipment and software. Registration is required.

You must complete Hive Safety Training or Hive Safety Training & Glowforge 101 before registering for this workshop.

Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)

On Saturday, November 27, at noon, you can learn how to use our Epilog Zing and Inkscape graphics software to customize and laser cut a cardboard virtual reality headset to explore virtual worlds. Completion of this workshop earns you a badge for the Zing laser cutter, which allows you to reserve it at designated times. Note: You must participate in the separate Glowforge 201 workshop in order to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. Registration is required.

You must complete Hive Safety Training or Hive Safety Training & Glowforge 101 before registering for this workshop.

Stay Connected

Please subscribe to our email list, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, and visit our website.

Best wishes,

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries