Director's Update, November 13, 2022
11/13/2022 • 17 months ago
Dear Patrons,
The Library is hosting the poet Jennifer Elise Foerster, the author of The Maybe-Bird (The Song Cave, 2022), on Tuesday, November 15, from 6 to 7:15 p.m., to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Foerster uses new poetic forms and a highly conceptual framework in her book to build poems from myth, memory, and historical documents, resurfacing the Mvskoke language and story of southeastern U.S. history. Foerster will be talking with Cedar Sigo, the author of numerous books of poetry including Language Arts (Wave Books, 2014), Royals (Wave Books, 2017), and All This Time (Wave Books, 2021). Registration is required to participate in this virtual program.
To celebrate Transgender Awareness Month, the Library is delighted to co-sponsor SpeakUp, SpeakOut, a panel discussion highlighting the experience of transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming youth, with the Cambridge Healthy Children's Task Force, Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission, and Project 10 East (P10). This hybrid event will take place on Wednesday, November 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is required to participate in person or online.
The Library was pleased to host Lori Lander on Monday, November 7. Lander gave a talk about her exhibition, Morning Market: The Work of Women, on display at the Main Library through November 15. The paintings celebrate women at work in daily markets around the world. (see photo above.)
We are also pleased to offer the following programs.
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 Groups this week.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, November 14
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, and 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, November 14
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 one hour before the event. Registration for each session is required.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, November 14, Friday, November 18, and Saturday, November 19
1:30-4 p.m.
Thursday, November 17
1-4 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.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, November 14
4-4:45 p.m.
It's a weekly block party! Join 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 up 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. Learn more.
Fall ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, November 14
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.
Toddler Story Time (Main)
Tuesday, November 15
Thursday, November 17
11-11:20 a.m.
We invite children ages 2-3 and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. 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, and unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. Learn more.
Preschool Story Time (Main)
Tuesday, November 15
4-4:20 p.m.
We invite children ages 3-5 and their caregivers for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. 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, and unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. Learn more.
The Hive Safety Training (Main)
Tuesday, November 15
6:30-7:30 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. 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. Registration is required.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, November 15
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
Pajama Story Time (O’Neill)
Tuesday, November 15
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! Pajama Story Time is presented by the Cambridge Public Library and the Center for Families. Learn more.
Teen Half-Day Hangout in The Hive (Main)
Wednesday, November 16
1-4:30 p.m.
Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to come learn about our space and try their hand at video recording in our studio, virtual reality, and more. This is a drop-in event designed for ages 12-18. Learn more.
Half-Day Hangout: Button Making (O'Neill)
Wednesday, November 16
1-3 p.m.
Hang out and make some buttons! Learn how to use a button maker (on loan from The Hive makerspace at the Main Library) and turn your own designs into wearable art. Learn more.
Half-Day Hangout: Take & Make Activity Kits (Valente)
Wednesday, November 16
1-3 p.m.
Looking for a fun afternoon activity? Stop by the Valente Branch after school gets out to grab a STEAM-based activity kit. Make it in the Children's Area or take it home with you! Take and Make kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 1 p.m. while supplies last. Learn more.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, November 16
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding a job? Join us for assistance with résumés, job hunting, and online applications. No registration is required. Learn more.
Ancestry for Genealogy Research (Main)
Wednesday, November 16
1-2 p.m.
Learn to use ancestry.com like a pro. This class will cover basic searches, tips to make your searches more precise, and all the information available at Ancestry. Registration is required.
Half-Day Hangout: Tissue Paper Flowers (Collins)
Wednesday, November 16
1-2 p.m.
Visit the Collins Branch for a fun after-school activity. In November, we'll create flowers made from tissue paper. Build a bouquet to take home for yourself or share with someone special. Recommended for children ages 5-10 and their caregivers. Learn more.
Half-Day Hangout: Choose Your Own Afternoon (Main)
Wednesday, November 16
3-4 p.m.
Board games, puzzles, and pop-up books. For children of all ages and their caregivers. Learn more.
After-School Stories and Crafts (Central Square)
Wednesday, November 16
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.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Wednesday, November 16
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 17
7:30-8:30 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 studio equipment and software. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Transgender Awareness Month Panel: Speak Up, Speak Out (Hybrid/Main)
Wednesday, November 16
6-8:30 p.m.
This Transgender Awareness Month, the Cambridge Healthy Children's Task Force, with the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission, the Cambridge Public Library, and Project 10 East (P10), are proud to present a panel discussion on the experience of transgender and nonbinary youth featuring members of SpeakOUT Boston and local community members. Join us to connect with other transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming youth, their caregivers and allies, and those who want to be better allies to the LGBTQIA+ community! This event is hybrid. You can register to come in person or attend the webinar session. Zoom links will be sent to registrants one hour before the event starts.
Songwriting with the Lilly Jazz Project (O'Neill)
Wednesday, November 16
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Songwriting for beginners! In this workshop, you can explore music closely as it relates to writing songs from start to finish. Hear how original lyrics can come to life in song and spoken word. You have an opportunity to share your efforts through the workshop. Learn more.
Videography 101 (Main)
Wednesday, November 16
7:30-8:30 p.m.
Step into The Hive's state-of-the-art recording studio and film a short video of yourself in front of our green screen. Then, spend some time becoming familiar with video editing software while working with your footage. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required.
Fiber Crafts Group -- Drop-in (O’Connell)
Thursday, November 17
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters! Join this informal group to work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills, and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, cross stitch, and more. All crafts are welcome! Learn more.
Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
Thursday, November 17
3-4 p.m.
Read with a cuddly friend! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required and begins on Thursday, November 10, by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023). Learn more.
Know Your Rights Clinic for Teens (Main)
Thursday, November 17
3:30-5 p.m.
Calling all teens – get educated and empowered about your rights! Come learn from a local attorney about what to do if you are ever confronted by law enforcement. Learn more.
Afternoon Sing-Along (Main)
Thursday, November 17
4-4:25 p.m.
It's a Library dance party for all ages! This program can accommodate 130 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, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. Learn more.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Thursday, November 17
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Learn how to use our Epilog Zing—an industry-standard laser-cutting machine. Complete this workshop to earn a badge for the Zing laser cutter. With a badge, you can reserve the Epilog Zing to use at designated times.
Note: The Epilog Zing laser cutter and Glowforge laser cutter require separate trainings. You must participate in the Glowforge workshop in order to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Written Law: A Conversation Between Michael Meltsner and Daniel Medwed (Main)
Thursday, November 17
6-7:30 p.m.
Join Michael Meltsner and Daniel Medwed for a reading followed by a conversation and audience Q&A.
Meltsner, the lawyer in famous civil rights cases, including Mohammad Ali’s, and the University Distinguished Professor of Law at Northeastern, is presenting his new novel, Mosaic: Who Paid for the Bullet? It tells the story of a 1960s murder of a charismatic woman doctor who courted danger trying to dismantle a racially segregated health care system in a large southern city.
Medwed is a law professor and a WGBH legal analyst. His new novel, Barred, is an exposé of how our legal system makes it nearly impossible to overturn wrongful convictions. He argues that our justice system’s stringent procedural rules are largely to blame for the ongoing punishment of the innocent. Offering clear explanations of legal procedures alongside heart-wrenching stories of their devastating impact, Barred exposes how the system is stacked against the innocent and makes a powerful call for change. Registration is required.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Friday, November 19
10-11 a.m.
Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. Test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Outdoor Dino-vember Story Time (Valente)
Saturday, November 19
2-2:25 p.m.
Children and their caregivers are invited to join us for a very special Saturday afternoon as we share dinosaur stories! Dinosaur clothing or costumes are encouraged but not required. This program will be held in the reading garden on the Berkshire Street side of the Valente Branch. In the event of bad weather, we will move indoors to the Program Room, where seating is limited. Please call 617-349-4015 for more information. Learn more.
Saturday Songs and Stories (O'Neill)
Saturday, November 19
3:30-4 p.m.
Music, movement, and stories! Join your librarians for 20 minutes of fun! For children of all ages and their grown-ups. Learn more.
Stay Connected
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All the best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries