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Director's Update, January 22, 2023


1/22/202314 months ago

O'Connell Branch Library

Dear Patrons,

This past week, we were pleased to host Dr. Annette Gordon-Reed for the 48th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on Thursday, January 19, at the Main Library. Among her many fascinating insights, Dr. Gordon-Reed spoke about how the perceptions of Dr. King have changed since his death. She said that Dr. King’s views were once considered too radical but today are widely embraced. She also observed that his views are often used today to oppose things that he stood for. She encouraged the audience to look beyond the superficial evaluation of Dr. King’s legacy, which primarily highlights his contributions to civil rights while obfuscating his call for economic justice and his opposition to war to gain a better perspective of his legacy. Thanks to Dr. Gordon-Reed for joining us and thanks to all who helped put on such an insightful, important program! 


The Library will be hosting an exhibit of Cambridge Black Trailblazers, curated by the Cambridge Black History Project, from January 26 through February 28. The exhibit, which will be on display in the second-floor lobby and on L2, celebrates fifteen extraordinary Black Cantabrigians whose lives and accomplishments have often been overlooked. They include:

  • Roy Allen, Actor, TV Stage Manager, Director, Producer, Creator
  • Joyce London Alexander, Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge
  • Barbara Ward Armstrong, Artist, Musician, Creator
  • Olive Benson, Innovative Hair Care Entrepreneur
  • Calvin Burnett, Daring Artist and Gifted Teacher
  • Dr. June Christmas, Pioneer in Public Health
  • Dr. Cheryl Townsend Gilkes, Faith and Action
  • Charles LeRoy Gittens, Secret Service Agent
  • Johnny Hodges, Jazz Saxophonist Extraordinaire
  • Kittie Towle Knox, Cycling Pioneer and Champion Racer
  • Gertrude Wright Morgan, Teacher and a Force for Change
  • Henry F. Owens, Entrepreneur
  • Elizabeth Miller Rawlins, Teacher, Educational Leader, and Advocate for Educational Equity and Opportunity
  • Gus Solomons Jr., Contemporary Dancer, Innovator, and Mentor
  • Leon West, Chef

Illustrated bookmarks, created by the Cambridge Black History Project detailing the lives of these Black Trailblazers, will be available. Join us for an opening reception on January 26 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.

Finally, I am excited to inform you that the Valente Branch Library and King Open/Cambridge Street Upper Schools and Community Complex building won the People’s Choice Award for the Most Beautiful Building in Metro Boston. The Complex received 50% of over 3000 votes in this category. Thank you for voting for the Valente Branch Library and King Open/Cambridge Street Upper Schools and Community Complex!



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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.  

Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Monday, January 23
10:15-11:15 a.m.

Join us for a 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 (64 Aberdeen Ave.) and leave at 10:15 a.m. This is a winter walk, so warm clothing is suggested. For more information, please contact Lucy at LFlamm@CambridgeMA.gov.


Wellness for Seniors: Combo Dance Fitness & Let Your Yoga Dance® (Virtual)
Monday, January 23
11-11:45 a.m.

Join us for this fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful combo: We start with some high-energy (low-impact) dance fitness, then work our way through the seven energy centers (chakras) with Let Your Yoga Dance. You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful, happy mind/body/spirit. It’s good for everybody! Registration is required for each session.

Creative Aging: Improv (Main)
Monday, January 23
2-4 p.m.


Learn how to seamlessly integrate interactive improv games, scenes, and skillful storytelling that all come together with performance in this series of classes offered in collaboration with Improv Boston. This 8-week course will meet on Mondays from 2 to 4 p.m.,from January 23 through March 20. This will be held in person at the Main Library. Space is limited to 15 participants, and registration is required. To gain the most out of this program, we expect all participants to commit to all eight sessions. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation

Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting, Parts 1 and 2 (Main)
Monday, January 23, and Tuesday, January 24
3:30-4:30 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, you will use the camera for focusing and scanning your own 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 productionNote: 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.

LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, January 23
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, January 23
6-7 p.m.

Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class! 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)
Tuesday, January 24, and Thursday, January 26
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 25, and Friday, January 27
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.

Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
Tuesday, January 24
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 by calling 617-349-4023 or visiting the O’Neill Branch. Learn more.


Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, January 24
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Sewing 101 (O'Neill)
Tuesday, January 24
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Learn to use a sewing machine! This is a 4-week series of 60-minute classes for ages 7-18. Ages 7-11 must participate with an adult. Ages 12-18 may participate alone or with an adult. In this series, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. We will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when problems arise. As we learn together, we’ll work on one or two simple projects. Please register only if you will be able to attend all four sessions.


Participants may use this series to become badged for the sewing machines at The Hive. If you wish to do this, please complete The Hive Safety Training before the end of the workshop series. This series is part of the O'Neill Community Quilt Project. Visit our calendar for more event listings.

Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting, Parts 1 and 2 (Main)
Tuesday, January 24, and Wednesday, January 25
7-8 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, you will use the camera for focusing and scanning your own 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.


Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 1 (Main)
Wednesday, January 25
10-11 a.m.

Join Sifu Mynor Diaz in this 12-week Tai Chi practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. Due to the popularity of this series, we expect participants to attend all classes. This workshop is open to participants who have attended the Fall session. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Learn more and register.

Valentine Card Workshop for Adults (O’Connell)
Wednesday, January 25
1-2:30 p.m.

Flex your creative muscles in this fun card making workshop! Learn to make your own cards using Valentine's Day as a theme. All materials provided. Registration required.

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, January 25
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.


Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Wednesday, January 25
Choose a session: 2-3 p.m. or 5-6 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 on our equipment booking page to use 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 to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

Afternoon Games! (O’Neill)
Wednesday, January 25
2:30-4:30 p.m.

Join us at the O’Neill Branch to play your favorite board game or complete a puzzle after school! To learn more, please call 617-349-4023.

Teen Hangout in The Hive (Main)
Wednesday, January 25
3:30-4:30 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.

After-School Stories and Crafts (Central Square)
Wednesday, January 25
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.

A Conversation on Native American Sovereignty with Larry Spotted Crow Mann (Main)
Wednesday, January 25
6:30-8 p.m.

Join us for a conversation on Native American sovereignty with Larry Spotted Crow Mann, a multitalented Indigenous artist with a career over three decades long. He is a nationally acclaimed author and an award-winning writer, poet, cultural educator, traditional storyteller, and tribal musician whose work centers around the intersection of cultural and environmental awareness, spirituality, and youth sobriety in the Indigenous community. Mann is also the author of three books, including Drumming & Dreaming, The Mourning Road to Thanksgiving (2015 Native American WordCraft Circle of Honors winner), and the internationally acclaimed Tales from the Whispering Basket. Registration is required.


Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)
Thursday, January 26
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Drop in with 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! Please call 617-349-4019 if you have questions.

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Thursday, January 26, 1-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 28, 12:30-4:30 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.


Janet’s Puzzle Party

Thursday, January 26
2-3:30 p.m.

Join our staff librarian, Janet, for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation on a Thursday afternoon.

Make a Zine! (Boudreau)
Thursday, January 26
3:15-3:45 p.m.

Learn to make your own little book out of just one sheet of paper. Write your own story, fill it with drawings, or decorate it however you'd like! Registration is required.

Create a Quilt Square (O’Neill)
Thursday, January 26
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Community members of all ages and sewing abilities are invited to create a square for our Community Quilt. Using fabric markers, glue, or a needle and thread, the unique piece of fabric art you create will contribute to our collective creation. Create a Quilt Square will also take place on Thursday, January 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m., and Saturday, February 4, 2-3 p.m. We will work on constructing our quilt on Saturday, February 11, 1:30-4:30 p.m. This series is part of the O'Neill Community Quilt Project. Visit our calendar for more event listings.

Photo-Scanning Party (Boudreau)

Thursday, January 26
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 bring something to eat and drink: it’s a photo-scanning party! Registration required.As you share your memories, we will help you to 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. 

You will need:

  • Photos
  • USB drive (4GB available or more recommended) or any hard drive.

Videography 101 (Main)
Friday, January 27
10-11 a.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.

Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 1 (Main)
Friday, January 27
10-11 a.m.

Join Sifu Mynor Diaz in this 12-week Tai Chi practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine.  We expect participants to attend all classes. This workshop is open to participants who have attended the Fall session. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Learn more and register.

Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Friday, January 27
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.

Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Saturday, January28
10-11 a.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 our studio equipment and software. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Thank you to the STEAM team for hosting.   

Stay Connected

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All the best,

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries