Director's Update, October 23, 2022
10/23/2022 • 1 year ago
The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 1 year ago.
Dear Patrons,
The Library is pleased to host the coastal engineering and hydrodynamics scientist Dr. Julia Hopkins and the architect Gabriel Cira on October 25 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. They will discuss a new type of nature-based coastal infrastructure for flood protection being built right here in Cambridge. The Emerald Tutu, an interconnected biomass-based network of floating mini-islands, uses living plant ecosystems engineering to create a nature-based alternative to hard concrete and steel flood walls and berms, known as "gray infrastructure," which buffers shorelines from incoming waves and influxes of storm surge. Registration is required.
The Library is also pleased to introduce a new series, Small Press Spotlight, to celebrate small independent presses. The series will kick off virtually on Wednesday, October 26 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. with a presentation about Dorothy, A Publishing Project, featuring its founder, Danielle Dutton, and two authors published by Dorothy, Caren Beilin and Giada Scodellaro. Registration is required.
Early voting began at the Main Library and the Valente Branch Library on Saturday, October 22. Early voting with run until November 4 at both locations, based on the following schedule.
We are happy to offer the following programs this week.
Outdoor Programs for Kids
This week, these programs will be offered (weather permitting) at our Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations:
- Preschool Story Time: Recommended for children ages 3-5.
- Sing-Along: All ages are invited to sing and dance!
- Songs and Stories: All ages are invited to sing, dance, and share a story!
- Story Time: All ages are invited to join us for a half hour of stories!
Please see the events calendar for further details. Registration is not required.
Book Groups
Learn more about our Book Group offerings this week.
Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Monday, October 24
10:15-11 a.m.
Join us for a 45-minute relaxing walk around Fresh Pond with the park ranger Tim Puopolo! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. The walk will meet in the courtyard of the Collins Branch and walk toward the pond at 10:15 a.m. Learn more.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, October 24
10-10:20 a.m.
Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for 0 to 12 months.
Come prepared to sit on the floor one-on-one 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. Learn more.
Wellness for Seniors: Low-Impact Fitness (Virtual)
Monday, October 24
11-11:45 a.m.
This virtual class is designed for adults 55+ of all levels to strengthen the muscles, the heart, and the brain--all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace. You will feel the benefits in mind and body!
A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Registration for each session is required.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Monday, October 24
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Friday, October 28
3:30-4:30 p.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.
Fall ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, October 24
6-7 p.m.
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class this fall! It 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. Learn more.
ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesdays and Thursdays
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays and Fridays
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. Learn more.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Tuesday, October 25
2-4 p.m.
Wednesday, October 26
6-8 p.m.
Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out with our Sindoh 3D printers. Before taking this workshop, complete The Hive Safety Training and create a Tinkercad account. 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. Parents may need to assist participants under the age of 18 to create an account before arriving. Registration is required.
Preschool Story Time
Tuesday, October 25
4-4:20 p.m.
We invite children and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. Recommended for children ages 3-5. This program can accommodate 45 people. 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. Learn more.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, October 25
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
Family Game Night (Valente)
Tuesday, October 25
5-6:30 p.m.
Challenge your family or meet new friends over board games and puzzles. Play an old favorite or learn a new game. The Library will supply games and snacks. No registration is required for this drop-in event. Contact Valente at 617-349-4015 for more information. Learn more.
The Emerald Tutu: A New Method to Protect Urban Coastlines from Flooding (Main)
Tuesday, October 25
6:30-8 p.m.
The coastal engineering and hydrodynamics scientist Dr. Julia Hopkins and the architect Gabriel Cira will present their project for a new type of nature-based coastal infrastructure for flood protection being built right here in Cambridge. The Emerald Tutu, an interconnected biomass-based network of floating mini-islands, uses living plant ecosystems engineering to create a nature-based alternative to hard concrete and steel flood walls and berms, known as "gray infrastructure," which buffers shorelines from incoming waves and influxes of storm surge. Learn more and register.
Pajama Story Time (O’Neill)
Tuesday, October 25
6:45-7:30 p.m.
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us 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! Pajama Story Time is presented by the Cambridge Public Library and the Center for Families. Learn more.
The Hive Safety Training and Badge Making (Main)
Tuesday, October 25
7-8 p.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. You will also create your Hive badge ID using our laser cutter. Find out what you need to get started 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. Registration is required.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, October 26
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or looking for jobs? Join us for assistance with résumés, job hunting, and online applications. No registration is required. Learn more.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Wednesday, October 26
1-4:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 27
1:30-8 p.m.
Friday, October 28
9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, October 29
1-4:30 p.m.
During this time period, anyone who has completed The Hive Safety Training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve The Hive’s equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able. Learn more.
Fall Bird Watching Walk at Mount Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
Wednesday, October 26
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Join us for a relaxing walk to a renowned bird watching spot in our own backyard, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn bird watching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with the autumn migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted year round. A small number of binoculars will be available. Participation is limited to those who register, and registration is required. The walk will meet in the courtyard of the Collins Branch and head over to the cemetery around 3:45. For more information, contact Michael Roberson at mroberson@cambridgema.gov or call the Library at 617-349-4021.
After School Stories and Crafts (Central Square)
Wednesday, October 26
4-5 p.m.
Join us in the Children's Room for a fun craft and related stories. For more information, call 617-349-4010. Recommended for ages 5-10. Learn more.
Family Game Night (O’Neill)
Wednesday, October 26
6-7 p.m.
Challenge your family or meet new friends over board games and puzzles. Play an old favorite or learn a new game. The Library will supply games. All ages are welcome. No registration is required for this drop-in event. Call the Library at 617-349-4023 for more information. Learn more.
SMALL PRESS SPOTLIGHT: Dorothy, A Publishing Project featuring Danielle Dutton, Caren Beilin, and Giada Scodellaro (Virtual)
Wednesday, October 26
6-7:15 p.m.
Dorothy, A Publishing Project, is an award-winning feminist press dedicated to works of fiction or nonfiction, mostly by women, which was founded in 2009 by Danielle Dutton and Martin Riker. The press was named for Dutton’s Great-aunt Dorothy, a librarian, children’s book author, and bookmobile driver who delivered books to rural desert communities.
Over the years, Dorothy has published books by an array of established innovative writers including Renee Gladman, Cristina Rivera Garza, Amina Cain, Nathalie Léger, Caren Beilin, and Leonora Carrington, and it launched the publishing careers of Nell Zink, Azareen Van der Vliet Oloomi, Jen George, and Giada Scodellaro. In 2020, Dutton and Riker won the Golden Colophon Award for Paradigm Independent Publishing from the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses. Zoom links will be sent to registrants one hour before the event starts. Registration is required.
Scrabble Hour (Collins)
Thursday, October 27
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Use your B-R-A-I-N (7 points) for a game of Scrabble at the Collins Branch! Bring a friend or get to know new neighbors. Boards will be provided. Players of all levels are welcome. Registration is not required, but you are welcome to register if you would like a reminder before the event. Learn more.
Financial Literacy 101: Fraud (Central Square/Virtual)
Thursday, October 28
7-8 p.m.
Managing one’s own money in today’s world is tricky. The best way we can protect ourselves from fraud is to learn exactly how it takes place and share this information with others. Scam artists prey on victims by earning their trust, by taking advantage of their greed, and by using scare tactics. They attack through postal mail, on the internet, by phone, and even by diving into dumpsters. Developing a healthy skepticism will help to protect us from these criminals. By learning and applying the concepts from these interactive workshops, participants will better understand and practice managing their money wisely, begin to build savings, avoid unmanageable debt, improve their credit, and shield themselves from fraud. Through an interactive game, “Red Flag Alert!” we see scams acted out and learn the safest way to respond to these threats.
This workshop is one of four workshops in collaboration with Cambridge Savings Bank. This event is hybrid. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link one hour before the event starts. Registration is required.
Spooky Costume Parade! (O’Connell)
Friday, October 28
4-5 p.m.
Come show off your spooky, silly, sparkly, or magical costume in the O'Connell Reading Garden! We'll sing songs, read some not-too-scary stories, and draw with sidewalk chalk. For kids of all ages and their grown-ups. In case of bad weather, this event will move indoors. Learn more.
Sewing Workshop: Make a Simple Vest (Main)
Saturday, October 29
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Join the local designer Lenni Armstrong in designing and sewing a vest. Participants will create a custom garment using trimmings that may include bias tape, buttons, edging, and hand-cut high-visibility reflective designs. Previous sewing experience is not required.
Please note: This workshop does not fulfill the requirements of Sewing 101. Completion of Sewing 101 is required to book sewing machines in The Hive for independent use during Equipment & Studio Reservations. Learn more and register.
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All the best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries