Director's Update, November 27, 2022
11/27/2022 • 16 months ago
Dear Patrons,
Join the Cambridge Public Library Foundation for a discussion about the reinvention of journalism to support democracy and a more equitable and sustainable world on Thursday, December 8, from 6:30-8 p.m. Panelists include:
David Bornstein is an award-winning journalist and the co-founder and CEO of Solutions Journalism. Bornstein is the author of How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas and The Price of a Dream: The Story of the Grameen Bank.
Deborah D. Douglas is co-editor in chief of The Emancipator, a news collaboration between the Boston Globe and BU's Center for Antiracist Research. An award-winning journalist, Douglas is author of U.S. Civil Rights Trail: A Traveler’s Guide to the People, Places, and Events That Made the Movement.
Amanda Ripley is a New York Times bestselling author, an investigative journalist and the co-founder of Good Conflict, LLC. Her books include High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out, The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way, and The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes—and Why. RSVP online at DreamBig2022.eventbrite.com, by emailing info@cplfound.org, or by calling 617-798-0959.
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We are pleased to offer the following programs.
Weekly Activities for Kids
This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations:
Book Groups
Learn more about our Book Groups this week.
Wellness for Seniors: Low-Impact Fitness (Virtual)
Monday, November 28
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 your mind and body! A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Registration for each session is required.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, November 28
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 28
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.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Monday, November 28, and Tuesday, November 29
3:30-4:40 p.m.
Tuesday, November 29, and Wednesday, November 30
7:30-8:30 p.m.
Learn how to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials using the Glowforge Pro laser cutter in this two-day workshop. These workshops replace the previous Glowforge 101 and Glowforge 201 offerings. In Part 1 of this course, you will use the camera for focusing and scanning your own custom images, properly select materials for your project, and fabricate your first design. In Part 2, you will create digital artwork for the Glowforge and learn file formatting for production. Note: This is a badging course for laser cutting. Signing up for Part 1 of this series registers you for Part 2 the next day. You will be badged at the end of the Part 2 workshop and can reserve the Glowforge Pro during designated times. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before participating in this program.
ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, November 29
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 30
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.
Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Main)
Tuesday, November 29
4-5 p.m.
Teens! Help us plan teen programming at the library! Earn community service hours! Enjoy free snacks! We meet monthly during the school year. No registration is required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, November 29
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
Scrabble Hour (Collins)
Wednesday, November 30
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Use your B-R-A-I-N (7 points) for a game of Scrabble! 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. Call 617-349-4021 with any questions.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, November 30
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding a job? Join us for help with résumés, job hunting, and online applications. No registration is required. Learn more.
After-School Stories and Crafts (Central Square)
Wednesday, November 30
4-5 p.m.
Join us in the Children's Room for a fun craft and related stories. Recommended for ages 5-10.For more information, call 617-349-4010. Learn more.
Family Game Night (O’Neill)
Wednesday, November 30
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 617-349-4023 for more information. Learn more.
Fraud Awareness for Seniors (Collins)
Thursday, December 1
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Financial fraud can happen to anyone. The best way we can protect ourselves from fraud is to learn exactly how it takes place. Join us for an interactive fraud awareness workshop discussing how scammers attempt to victimize elders and how to make sure our information is safe. This workshop is presented in collaboration with Cambridge Savings Bank. A limited number of seats are available. Register here or call 617-349-4021 to register.
Fiber Crafts Group -- Drop-in (O’Connell)
Thursday, December 1
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.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Thursday, December 1
1-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 3
1:30-4 p.m.
During this time, 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.
Photo-Scanning Party (Boudreau)
Thursday, December 1
4-5 p.m.
It’s time to scan all those photographs that have been collecting dust in the basement, closet, and attic. Invite friends and bring your albums and something to eat and drink—it’s a photo-scanning party! As you share your special memories, we will help you to digitize your pictures (and documents, too). This way you can preserve them or share them online or even reprint them. You will have the peace of mind that those memories and moments won’t disappear. To participate, you will need your photos and a USB drive (4GB or more recommended) or any hard drive. Registration is required.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Friday, December 2
3:30-4:30 p.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.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Saturday, December 3
10-11:30 a.m.
In this 90-minute class, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. We’ll 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-best practices when using a sewing machine. As we learn, we’ll work on a simple project—a drawstring bag—which most of us will be able to complete by the end of the class. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Saturday Songs and Stories (O'Neill)
Saturday, December 3
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