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Director's Update, March 12, 2023


3/12/202312 months ago

Self-Checkout Machines Ground Floor

Dear Patrons,

We are pleased to host the soprano Morgan Beckford as part of the Sacred Songs and Rituals Series on Tuesday, March 14, at 6 p.m. Beckford and her collaborative pianist, Alexander Morollo, will explore the tradition of the American spiritual and its origins from the mid-1800s through today. The pair will perform works by composers and arrangers such as Harry T. Burleigh, Hall Johnson, Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, and John Carter. Morgan earned her B.A. in Voice and Plan II Honors from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.M. in Voice from the University of Maryland-College Park. This program is supported by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Registration is required.

The Library is also pleased to join Zhuqing Li, the author of Daughters of the Flower Fragrant Garden: Two Sisters Separated by China’s Civil War, a memoir based on the lives of two of the author’s aunts, Jun and Hong. Sisters, they were once a part of a great southern Chinese family. Each other’s best friend, they grew up in the 1930s during the final days of Old China before the tumult of the twentieth century brought political revolution and a fractured national identity. By a quirk of timing, at the end of the Chinese civil war, Jun ended up on an island under Nationalist control and then settled in Taiwan and lived among fellow exiles, at odds with everything the new Communist regime stood for on the mainland. Hong found herself an ocean away on the mainland, forced to publicly disavow both her own family background and her sister’s decision to abandon the party. Registration is required.

                                                                                 ### 

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. 

 

Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, March 13
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 0-12 months.

Come prepared to sit on the floor 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. 

Wellness for Seniors: Combo Dance Fitness & Let Your Yoga Dance® (Virtual)
Monday, March 13
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.

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, March 13, 1-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 14, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 16, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, March 17, 2:30-4:30 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.

Creative Aging: Improv (Main)
Monday, March 13
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. It will be held in person. Space is limited to 15 participants, and registration is required. To gain the most out of this program, participants must commit to all eight sessions. Register hereSponsored by the Cambridge Public Library.

 

LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, March 13
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, March 13
6-7 p.m.

Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class that 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, March 14, and Thursday, March 16
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 15, and Friday, March 17
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.

Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, March 14
1-2:30 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 on our equipment booking page at designated times. Note: 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. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshopRegister here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, March 14
2:30-3:30 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, and mend. Refreshments will be provided. 

Read to a Dog (O’Neill)
Tuesday, May 14
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 or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023).

Sacred Songs and Rituals: Soprano Morgan Beckford Sings African American Spirituals
Tuesday, March 14
6-7:30 p.m.

Morgan Beckford and her collaborative pianist, Alexander Morollo, will explore the tradition of the American spiritual and its origins from the mid-1800s through today. The pair will perform works by composers and arrangers such as Harry T. Burleigh, Hall Johnson, Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, and John Carter. Morgan earned her B.A. in Voice and Plan II Honors from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.M. in Voice from the University of Maryland-College Park. Registration is required. This program is supported by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, March 14
6:30-7:30 p.m.  

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


Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Tuesday, March 14
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Learn how to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials using the Glowforge Pro laser cutter. This two-hour workshop replaces the previous two-part Glowforge 101 offering; the content and length of this workshop and the two-part series are the same. You will start by using the camera on the Glowforge to focus and scan your own images, properly select materials for your project, and fabricate your first design. You will create digital artwork for the Glowforge and learn file formatting for production. Note: This is a badging course for laser cutting. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before participating in this programRegister here.

Family STEAM Night - Paper Circuits (O'Neill)
Tuesday, March 14
6:30-7:15 p.m.

Families with elementary school children enjoy hands-on activities focused on Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Math. Adults and children will learn and play together! The activity for March will be making light-up drawings with paper circuitry! Call 617-349-4023 to learn more.

Half-Day Hangout: Origami (Collins)
Wednesday, March 15
1-2 p.m.

We'll practice the Japanese art of paper folding by turning squares of paper into origami creations. Recommended for children ages 5-10 and their caregivers. Call 617-349-4021 to learn more.


Break a Guinness World Record (O’Neill)
Wednesday, March 15
1-3 p.m.

Come try to break a Guinness World Record! Bring your friends, family, or just yourself! Recommended for ages 6 and up. No registration is required. This week we’ll try to keep two balloons in the air with your head! The record of 6 minutes, 43 seconds, was set by Dylan Demers of the United States in Fargo, North Dakota, on May 23, 2021. Questions? Call 617-349-4023.


Half Day @ Valente: Book Making Kits (Valente)
Wednesday, March 15
1-3 p.m.

Come after your half day and pick up a kit to make your own book! Create your own story, plan your own illustrations, and get creative. Stick around the Youth Area to use our crayons and pencils or take your kit home! One kit per child while supplies last. For more information, please call 617-349-4015.

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square) 
Wednesday, March 15
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.

Afterschool Special: Perler Bead Art (Boudreau)
Wednesday, March 15
2-3 p.m.

Join us as we fuse beads to create your own work of art! Register here.

The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, May 15
3:30-5:30 p.m.

Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to learn about our space and try their hand at making stickers, recording videos in our studio, and more. This is a drop-in event for patrons ages 12-18.

Free Drop-In Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, March 15
5-6 p.m.

Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Cambridge Public Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. Please contact Megan Andres (mandres@cpsd.us) with questions.

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Wednesday, March 15
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Sindoh 3D printers. Before taking this workshop, you will need to complete The Hive Safety Training and create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com. In this workshop, you will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing badge for future reservations in The Hive. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com before arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account before arriving. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Sewing 101 (Main)
Thursday, March 16
9:30-11 a.m.

In this 90-minute class, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. You’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 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. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop In (O'Connell)
Thursday, March 16
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters. 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.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, March 16
2-3:30 p.m.

Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation.

Read to a Dog (Boudreau)
Thursday, March 16
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 for each 10-minute time slot is required. Sign up the day of the program by phone or in person at the Boudreau Branch (617-349-4017).

Afternoon Games (O’Neill)
Thursday, March 16
3-5p.m.

Join us to play your favorite board game or complete a puzzle! No registration is required.

Cook-Along with Liz Barbour: Sheet Pan Meals (Virtual)
Thursday, March 16
4-5 p.m.

Cooking an entire meal on a single sheet pan is the latest cooking trend. Spreading your ingredients on a large pan is simple and gives your meal a crisp, colorful, and intensely flavorful result. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or for two, this method will meet your needs. Join us virtually on Zoom as Chef Liz Barbour of the Creative Feast demonstrates how to prepare two seasonal recipes and give you ideas for many more combinations you will want to try on your own.
Registration is required.

Puppetry Studio (Main)
Thursday, March 16
5-6 p.m.

We will select a folktale to adapt for a tiny stage and perform our masterpiece for friends and family. This six-week puppetry workshop is for kids ages 7-10. No experience is necessary!.This workshop is full.

Fiber Arts Adventure with Lenni: Machine-Sewing Workshop Series (Main)
Thursday, March 16
5:30-8:30 p.m.

Continue building your machine-sewing skills and create bespoke sewn crafts! Design your own fiber arts adventure as you make dinner napkins, high-visibility patches for being seen at night, and custom wearable Hive creations. This four-part series is led by the fiber artist and designer Lenni Armstrong. Skills include identifying and straightening a fabric's grain, straight stitching, making hems, and more. Registration is required. Those registered for the first session will automatically be enrolled in the following weeks. Spots are very limited; kindly enroll only if you plan to attend all four workshops: February 23, March 2, March 9, and March 16. This workshop is designed for patrons who know the basics of our Janome sewing machines. This workshop is full.

Zhuqing Li Presents: Daughters of the Flower Fragrant Garden (Main)
Thursday, March 16
6-7:30 p.m.

Join Zhuqing Li, the author of Daughters of the Flower Fragrant Garden: Two Sisters Separated by China’s Civil War, for a reading and discussion of this memoir about her two aunts, Jun and Hong. Sisters Jun and Hong were once a part of a great southern Chinese family. Each other’s best friend, they grew up in the 1930s during the final days of Old China before the tumult of the twentieth century brought political revolution and a fractured national identity. By a quirk of timing, at the end of the Chinese civil war, Jun ended up on an island under Nationalist control and then settled in Taiwan and lived among fellow exiles at odds with everything the new Communist regime stood for on the mainland. Hong found herself an ocean away on the mainland, forced to publicly disavow both her own family background and her sister’s decision to abandon the party. Registration is required.

Serger Intro (Main)
Friday, March 17
9:30-10:30 a.m.

Are you an intermediate or advanced sewer? This workshop will cover serger machine setup, threading a serger, and identifying correct tension settings with different types of fabric. You will learn about ways to use our Elna Extend 864 Air serger to take your sewing skills to the next level by producing special finishing styles, hemming, trimming and assembling your garments. This workshop is designed for patrons who have experience using a sewing machine. If you are new to machine sewing, we recommend you take our Sewing 101 workshop before using our serger.Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

XR Lab 101 (Main)
Saturday, March 18
9:30-10:30 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. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Pumpernickel Puppets (Main)
Saturday, March 18
11 a.m.-Noon

Join us for a puppet show production of Peter Rabbit by Pumpernickel Puppets. Recommended for children ages 3 and over and their caregivers.

The Hive Safety Training (Main)
Saturday, March 18
11:30 a.m.-12:30 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.

Drop-in Studio (Main)
Saturday, March 18
12:30-4:30 p.m.

This is an opportunity to learn what The Hive is all about and get started exploring and making right away! Learn about our workshop offerings, special programs, and more. Equipment and studios will be available for limited time slots on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is not required. Staff will assist patrons as they are able. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a guardian 18 or older. 

Women's History Month Celebration (O'Neill)
Saturday, March 18
2-3 p.m.

Celebrate Women's History Month with intersectional stories, activities, and crafts!

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All the best!

  

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.  

Director of Libraries