Director's Update, November 6, 2022
11/6/2022 • 17 months ago
Dear Patrons,
The Library is excited to host the Frances Addelson Shakespeare Players’ presentation of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Main Library Lecture Hall on Sunday, November 6; Tuesday, November 8; and Saturday, November 12. Widely considered Shakespeare’s best comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is also, of all his plays, most accessible to all ages. The November 6 and November 12 performances are sold out, but seats are still available for Tuesday, November 8. Registration is required.
As we approach the end of the year, you or someone you know may have to navigate the holidays as a solo ager (an adult who, because of choice or circumstance, is without the support structure of adult children or close family members). Maximizing our connections with others is always helpful, and despite our best efforts and intentions, we may be left to our own devices during this time of year. On Tuesday, November 8, at 10:30 a.m., we will be hosting a virtual program to discuss and identify useful approaches for solo agers to navigate the ups and downs of the holidays. Registration is required.
Check out our November Newsletter for more information about the events we are offering this month!
All Library locations will be closed on Friday, November 11, in observance of Veteran’s Day.
Outdoor Programs for Kids
This week, these programs will be offered (weather permitting) at our Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, Main, 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.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, November 7
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, November 7
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.
Read to a Dog (O’Neill)
Monday, November 7
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 began on Monday, October 31, by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023). Learn more.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Monday, November 7
3-4 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 training. You must take part in a Glowforge workshop to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. You must first complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required.
Lego Time (Main)
Monday, November 7
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.
Lori Lander Presents Morning Market: The Work of Women, An Artist Talk (Main)
Monday, November 7
5-6 p.m.
Join the artist Lori Lander for a talk about her exhibit now at the Main Library. Morning Market: The Work of Women presents twelve oil paintings that celebrate the work of women in daily markets across the world, characterized by Lander’s use of dynamic colors. This exhibition will be available on Level 2 of the Main Library through November 15. Registration is not required. Learn more.
Evening Story Time (Valente)
Monday, November 7
5:30-5:55 p.m.
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for a special evening event. This program will run for 20-25 minutes, with songs, stories, and rhymes. This program will be held in the Community Room of the Valente Branch, where space is limited. Free 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. Please call 617-349-4015 for more information. Learn more.
Fall ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, November 7
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.
Navigate the Holidays as a Solo Ager (Virtual)
Tuesday, November 8
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Planning ahead is one of the best ways for solo agers to live a dynamic life. Maximizing our connections with others is always helpful, especially as we approach the holiday season. Despite our best efforts and intentions, it may be that we are left to our own devices during this time of year. Throughout our discussion, we will identify useful approaches for solo agers to navigate the ups and downs of the holidays. Registration is required. A Zoom link will be shared with registrants before the program. Presented by Ailene Gerhardt, in partnership with Cambridge Neighbors, and sponsored by the CPL Foundation.
Toddler Story Time (Main)
Tuesday, November 8 & Thursday, November 10
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. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. Learn more.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Tuesday, November 8, 1-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 9, 1-4:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 10, 1-4:30 p.m., and 6-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 12, 1:30-4 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.
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.
Preschool Story Time (Main)
Tuesday, November 8
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. 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, November 8
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
Family STEAM Night (O'Neill)
Tuesday, November 8
6:30-7:15 p.m.
Families with elementary school children are invited to join us for hands-on activities focused on Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Math. Adults and children will learn and play together! This month our focus will be on water pollution and water conservation. For questions, please call 617-349-4023. Learn more.
Coffee and Chat (O’Connell)
Wednesday, November 9
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Stop by for coffee and chat with Library staff and your neighbors. Learn about Library services and meet folks in your community over light refreshments. For more information, call 617-349-4019. Learn more.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, November 9
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding jobs? 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 9
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.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Wednesday, November 9
6-7:30 p.m.
In this 90-minute class, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. 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 best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students 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.
Fiber Crafts Group -- Drop-in (O’Connell)
Thursday, November 10
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.
Origami Creature Bookmarks (Boudreau)
Thursday, November 10
3:15-3:45 p.m.
Celebrate National Origami Day! Watch the magic unfold as we create and decorate zany characters to be our bookmarks. Please sign up in advance beginning on Monday, November 7, at the Boudreau Branch or call 617-349-4017. Learn more.
Afternoon Sing-Along (Main)
Thursday, November 10
4-4:25 p.m.
It's a Library dance party for all ages, and it 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.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Thursday, November 12
10-11 a.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.
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All the best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries