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Director's Update, December 4, 2022


12/4/202216 months ago

Director McCauley and ALA President with Hive Staff

Dear Patrons,

The Cambridge Public Library, in partnership with the Cambridge Public Schools, is proud to celebrate 515 of our newest library card holders during the month of December! Every 5-year-old kindergartner in the public schools, unless their family opts out at registration, receives their first public library card at school each year. All Massachusetts residents are eligible for their first library card as soon as they turn five years old, and card holders of all ages enjoy access to all library services. Our newest library card holders will receive their cards during the month of December and may borrow whatever they like and as many items as they can care for!

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Dream Big, the Cambridge Public Library Foundation’s annual convocation, will take place on Thursday, December 8, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This hybrid event will explore the reinvention of journalism to support a more equitable and sustainable world with the award-winning journalists David Bornstein, the author of How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas; Deborah D. Douglas, the author of U.S. Civil Rights Trail: A Traveler’s Guide to the People, Places, and Events That Made the Movement; and Amanda Ripley, the author of High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out. Registration is required to participate in this program. You can also register by calling 617-798-0959 or by sending an email to info@cplfound.org.

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We are pleased to offer the second performance in a new music series celebrating sacred songs and rituals funded by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library. The next performance in this series will take place at the Main Library on December 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and will feature Sarah Aroeste, a Ladino singer and songwriter. She will celebrate the culture and sacred songs of the Shepardic Jews who were persecuted from the Iberian Peninsula and found refuge along the Mediterranean. Today, the population of Ladino speakers is so small that it is considered an endangered language by UNESCO. Music is an important vehicle for the preservation of Ladino language and culture. See below for more information.

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In my capacity as president of the Public Library Association, I was pleased to welcome PLA President-elect Sonia Alcántara-Antoine and PLA representatives at the Main Library on Wednesday, November 30.  The PLA team was here for training and received a tour of the Main Library (photo includes PLA and CPL makerspace staff). Alcántara-Antoine will serve as the ALA president from 2023 to 2024.

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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: 

Please see the events calendar for further details. Registration is not required. Thank you to our Youth Services librarians for hosting these events. 

Book Groups 
Learn more about our Book Groups this week.

Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, December 5
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.  

Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Monday, December 5
10:15-11:15 a.m.

Join us for a relaxing walk around Fresh Pond with 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 (64 Aberdeen Ave.) and walk together toward the pond at 10:15 a.m. This is a winter weather walk, so clothing for cold temperatures (such as hats and boots) are suggested. For more information or to ask any questions, please contact Lucy at LFlamm@CambridgeMA.gov.

Wellness for Seniors: Low-Impact Fitness (Virtual)
Monday, December 5
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.

Fall ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, December 5
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.

Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Monday, December 2
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 on our equipment booking page at designated times. Please note that 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. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required.

LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, December 5
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 aged 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.   

Estate Planning for All (Virtual)
Tuesday, December 6
10:30 a.m.-Noon

Estate plans can help you prepare for unexpected changes, offer a sense of security in uncertain times, and ensure that your wishes will be carried out if you become ill, incapacitated, or die unexpectedly. Join us for our Estate Planning Webinar to learn more about the basics of estate planning—including wills, health care proxies, powers of attorney, medical directives, and funeral/memorial planning.  Registration is required to participate in this virtual program.  Cosponsored by the Legal Services Center at Harvard Law School. Please contact Janet at JBorron@CambridgeMA.gov or Lucy at LFlamm@CambridgeMA.gov. You can also call 617-349-4041.

ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, December 6, and Thursday, December 8
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 7, and Friday, December 9 
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.

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Tuesday, December 6
Wednesday, December 7
Saturday, December 10
1:30-4 p.m.
Thursday, December 8
2-4:30 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

Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
Tuesday, December 6
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 Thursday, November 10, by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023). Learn more.

Peter Guralnick Presents the Birth of Rock 'n' Roll: The Illustrated Story of Sun Records and the 70s Recordings That Changed the World (Main)
Tuesday, December 6
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Join the music critic and screenwriter Peter Guralnick, the author of The Birth of Rock 'n' Roll: The Illustrated Story of Sun Records and the 70s Recordings That Changed the World, in conversation with the musician and author Bill Janovitz at this in-person program at the Main Library. Registration is required to participate. This program is cosponsored by the Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library.

The Hive Safety Training (Main)
Tuesday, December 6
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 to participate in this workshop.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, November 6
6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square) 
Wednesday, December 7
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, December 7
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

Podcast Hop: Intro to Podcasting at The Hive and Cambridge Community Television (Main)
Wednesday, December 7
6-8 p.m.

Ready to start your own podcast? The Hive at the library and Cambridge Community Television are teaming up for this two-session workshop where you'll get a crash course on the basics of podcasting! In the first session, held at The Hive, you'll get a technical overview of their podcasting equipment, exposure to editing tools, and time to brainstorm your podcasting idea. In the second session, held at Cambridge Community Television, you'll dive into the content of your podcast. You'll learn about CCTV's podcasting tools and how to distribute your podcast across multiple platforms. Instructors: Kassia Roberts, Yanka Petri, and Alfonso Mateo. Please note that the second session of this workshop will take place on Wednesday, December 14, from 6to 8 p.m., at the CCTV studio in Central Square (438 Massachusetts Ave.). Registration is required.

Film Screening: Art in Public (Valente)
Wednesday, December 7
6-7:45 p.m.

Art In Public is a documentary film illustrating the benefits and necessity of public art in communities through the artists who make it happen in the City of Cambridge. Through artist interviews, the documentary examines the creative processes, public places, and community involvement. It also includes many forms of art, such as murals, performances, sculptures, and installation arts. This film was directed by Weiying Olivia Huang. Registration is required to participate.

Sacred Songs and Rituals: Ladino Music with Sarah Aroeste (Main)
Wednesday, December 7
6:30-8 p.m.

Join us for the second performance in the library’s new music series celebrating sacred songs and rituals from across the world. This program features the international Ladino singer/songwriter, author, and speaker Sarah Aroeste. She will take you on a musical excursion highlighting the Sephardic culture and music from past to present. This event is supported by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library. Registration is required to participate.

Fiber Crafts Group -- Drop-in (O’Connell)
Thursday, December 8
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 (Boudreau)
Thursday, December 8
3-4 p.m.

Read with Ana the Therapy Dog! Therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers of all ages. Registration is required for each 10-minute time slot. Sign up the day of the program by phone or in person (617-349-4017).

Photo-Scanning Party (Boudreau)
Thursday, December 8
4-5 p.m.

It’s time to scan all those photos that have been collecting dust in the basement, closet, and attic. Invite friends, bring your photo albums, and even something to eat and drink: it’s a party! As you share your memories, we will help you digitize your photographs (and documents too). This way you can preserve them or share them online or even get them reprinted. You will have the peace of mind that those memories and moments won’t disappear. To participate, you will need photos and a USB drive (4GB or more recommended) or any hard drive. For more information, contact Ivan at ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov.

Dream Big: Reinventing Journalism to Build Hope, Agency, and Dignity (Hybrid)
Thursday, December 8
6:30-8 p.m.

Join the journalists David Bornstein, Deborah D. Douglas, and Amanda Ripley in a discussion about reinventing journalism to support democracy and a more equitable and sustainable world. Register online, by email, or by phone at 617-798-0959. You can register online at DreamBig2022.eventbrite.com. You can also register by emailing info@cplfound.org or by calling 617-798-0959.

Jazz Performance by the Lilly Jazz Project (O'Neill)
Saturday, December 10
2:30-3:30 p.m.

The Lilly Jazz Project is an energized ensemble originally formed in California. The band’s leader, Darr, moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music, and he found new band members in the Berklee community. Now creating newer sounds and empowering music, the Lilly Jazz Project will be playing a holiday selection of pieces, with an emphasis on Latin and Bossa jazz. 

Dress Your Table: Hivemade Dinner napkins

Saturday, December 10
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND create a set of napkins perfect for dressing your own table or gifting! This pop-up workshop offering will be led by fiber artist and designer Lenni Armstrong. Skills practiced include: identifying and straightening a fabric's grain, straight stitching, making hems, and making fringed edges. This workshop is designed for patrons who know the basics of how to use our Janome sewing machines. 
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All the best,

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries