Director's Update, May 14, 2023
5/15/2023 • 11 months ago
Dear Patrons,
A Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and caregivers!
Last week, the Library hosted a retirement party for Nancy Woods, a member of the Board of Trustees for twenty-five years who has had a tremendous impact on the Library. She was instrumental in getting the Main Library’s renovation off the ground. The celebration was a special time for Nancy, myself, and friends old and new to share memories and stories. I was also pleased to present Nancy with an official resolution from the City Council commending her for her years of service. She will be truly missed. Thank you, Nancy, and thank you to the Foundation for its support on this important evening!
Cambridge families: Apply to DHSP After-school Programs Lottery through May 26
Are you looking for after-school options for the fall of 2023? Apply to the Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) After-school Programs Lottery through May 26! Through a single application, families can apply to three of the DHSP’s after-school programs for the 2023-2024 school year: Child care After-school programs, Community Schools after-school programs, and Youth Center Pre-Teen/Middle School programs. For more information and to apply online, visit www.cambridgema.gov/AfterschoolLottery.
Get ready for Summer Sundays at the Valente Branch Library!
Take advantage of our wI-fI and library computers, check out a STEAM kit, find your next book to read, and stay cool with us at the Valente Branch on Sunday afternoons all summer!
From July 2 through August 27, the Valente Branch will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays! During this time, the Main Library will be closed.
Coming soon! Portuguese Poetry in Translation: Adam Mahler on Camilo Pessanha in conversation with Bruno Carvalho (Valente)
Join us on Wednesday, May 24, from 6-7:30 p.m. for this exciting poetry event at the Valente Branch (826 Cambridge St.)! This bilingual program will include readings in both Portuguese and English. It is free and open to the public and funded by the Manuel Rogers, Sr. & Mary R. Rogers Endowment Fund. Register here: https://cambridgepl.libcal.com/event/10509465.
Camilo Pessanha (1867-1926) was a Portuguese writer who spent much of his adult life in Macau, a Portuguese colonial enclave. The author of Clepsydra, an enigmatic collection of poems, Pessanha was a key figure in Portuguese modernism, emulated and admired by writers like Fernando Pessoa. Adam Mahler will present his new translation of Clepsydra and discuss its history and significance to Portuguese literature as well as the translation process. Mahler will be talking with the author Bruno Carvalho, a professor of Romance Languages and Literatures and African and African American Studies at Harvard University, where he also co-directs the Harvard Mellon Urban Initiative.
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Here are the week’s 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.
Sing-Alongs
Story Times
Book Groups
Learn more about our Book Groups this week.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, May 15
10-10:20 a.m.
Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time 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. Thank you to our Youth Services librarians for hosting.
Wellness for Seniors: Meditation (Main)
Monday, May 15
10-11 a.m.
Join us for a guided meditation focused on the breath and body to foster loving connections with the world. You will leave class knowing how to meditate on your own. The instructor, John Mercuri-Dooley, has been studying meditation for more than 30 years and has taught for organizations such as the Cambridge Center for Adult Education, the Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, and the Cambridge Citywide Senior Center. Registration is required. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Wellness for Seniors: Zumba Gold® (Virtual)
Monday, May 15
11-11:45 a.m.
Put on your dancing shoes to improve flexibility and balance, strengthen muscles, and have fun! The certified Zumba Gold® instructor Emily B. will lead you through 45 minutes of low-impact and easy choreography in your own home through Zoom. Join us! Registration is required for each session.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Monday, May 15
3-4:30 p.m.
In this 90-minute class, you will learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. You will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. Register here. These workshops are full; waitlists are available.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, May 15
4-4:45 p.m.
It’s a weekly block party! Bring 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.
ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, May 15
6-7 p.m.
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class at a beginner level. No testing is needed, and everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013. Learn more.
Hive Drop-in Event: Sticker Making (Boudreau)
Monday, May 15
6-8 p.m.
Kids (ages 10+), teens, and adults are invited to this Drop-In Hive event. Learn how to use the Cricut smart cutting machine to design, print, and cut your very own stickers!
ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, May 16, and Thursday, May 18
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 17, and Friday, May 19
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.
CPL International Briefing: The Situation Sudan with Alex de Waal (Virtual)
Tuesday, May 16
12-1:30 p.m.
The recent political violence in Sudan has claimed the lives of many civilians. Join Alex de Waal for a Cambridge Public Library International Briefing on the situation in Sudan. De Waal, widely known as the foremost expert on Sudan, is the executive director of the World Peace Foundation and the author of The Real Politics of the Horn of Africa. This event will take place on Zoom. Registration is required.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Tuesday, May 16
1-3 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 program. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Creative Aging: Storytelling: Planting Seeds, Growing Community (Main)
Tuesday, May 16
2-4 p.m.
This series of classes, A Garden of Stories, is community-based storytelling where older adults learn how to tell personal stories through sharing and connecting with their community. The eight-week course will occur every Tuesday, 2-4 p.m., from May 9 through June 27 and will be held in person. Space is limited to 15 participants. Due to its popularity and to gain the most out of this program, we expect participants to commit to all eight sessions. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, May 16
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters as you work, get inspired,
pick up skills, and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, and mend. Refreshments will be provided.
Navigating Solo: Planning Tools for Aging Well (Virtual)
Every other Tuesday (May 2-June 27)
Tuesday, May 16
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us for this five-session workshop exploring the needs of solo agers (adults who, through choice or circumstance, are without a family support structure). Ailene Gerhardt, a board-certified patient advocate, will explore the special considerations and planning needs of solo agers related to health care and community and discuss the programs and resources available.
- May 16: Health Care Decision-Making & The Value of Advance Care Planning
- May 30: Evaluating Your Current Support System
- June 13: Assessing and Enhancing Your Support System
- June 27: Bringing It All Together & Developing an Organized Solo Aging Plan
Presented as part of the Cambridge Public Library’s Active Older Adults Lecture and Workshop Series in partnership with Cambridge Neighbors. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Registration is required for each session.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, May 16
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Tuesday, May 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, May 19, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m.-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.
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 2 (Main)
Wednesday, May 17
10-11 a.m.
Join us in this 12-week Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 2 practice, which focuses on the mind-body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. Participants must have completed Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 1. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for over 20 years. He has taught at five VA Boston Healthcare System locations and at senior centers. This event is held in person. Due to the popularity of this series, we expect participants to attend all the classes. Register here. This workshop is full.
Half-Day Hangout (Collins)
Wednesday, May 17
1-2 p.m.
Visit the Collins Branch for a fun after-school activity. In May, we will craft bead critter lizards. Recommended for children ages 5-10 and their caregivers.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Wednesday, May 17
1-2:30 p.m. and 6:30-8 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 Zing to use on our equipment 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 workshop. Register here. These workshops are full; waitlists are available.
Break a Guinness World Record (O'Neill)
Wednesday, May 17
1-3 p.m.
Try to break a Guinness World Record! Bring your friends, family, or just yourself! Light snacks will be provided. Recommended for ages 6 and up. This month we'll attempt to break the world record for the farthest paper airplane throw! Lazar Krstić currently holds the Guinness World Record with a throw of 200 feet 5 inches in Salzburg, Austria, in May 2022. Questions? Call 617-349-4023.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, May 17
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.
Get Creative! Series: Bookmaking (WHERE?)
Wednesday, May 17
2-3:30 p.m.
Are you interested in making your very own journal/book? Come join us and learn from Faith Hale on Creativebug! Materials will be provided. Registration is required.
Half-Day Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, May 17
2-4:30 p.m.
Make your own luggage tag for any upcoming adventures or furry friends! The screening of Paddington begins at 2:30 p.m. Film screening license generously funded by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.
The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, May 17
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 ages 12-18.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, May 17
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 Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. Just drop by! Please contact Megan Andres (mandres@cpsd.us) with any questions.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Thursday, May 18
10:30.-11:30 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 studio equipment and software. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering. Registration is required.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop In (O'Connell)
Thursday, May 18
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.
Videography 101 (Main)
Thursday, May 18
2-3 p.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. Registration is required.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, May 18
2-3:30 p.m.
Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation.
Afternoon Games (O’Neill)
Thursday, May 18
3-5 p.m.
Join us to play your favorite board game or complete a puzzle! No registration is required.
Know Your Rights Clinic for Teens (Main)
Thursday, May 18
3:30-5 p.m.
Calling all teens – get educated and empowered about your rights! Come learn from a local attorney with the National Lawyers Guild about what to do if you are ever confronted by law enforcement.
Fiber Arts Adventure with Lenni: A Machine-Sewing Workshop Series
Thursday, May 18
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 wearable Hive-made creations. This four-part series is led by the fiber artist and designer Lenni Armstrong!
The 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: May 18, May 25, June 1, and June 8. This workshop is designed for patrons who know how to use our Janome sewing machines. Register here.
Cooking Concepts Series: Vegan Cooking Potluck (Collins)
Thursday, May 18
6-7 p.m.
Join us for a discussion of vegan cooking based on the cookbook Veganomicon, by Isa Chandra Moskowitz! Check out a copy and feel free to bring a dish to share! Whether you’re an experienced vegan cook or hope to learn tips and tricks about how to cook tasty vegan food on a budget, you’re welcome! You don’t need to bringing a dish to join. This event will take place in the courtyard of the Collins Branch. In the event of bad weather, it will be moved inside. For more information, contact Michael at mroberson@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4021. Register here.
The Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Thursday, May 18
7:30-8 p.m.
In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Registration is required register here. The Zoom link will be sent out an hour before the workshop starts. Before taking workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
Wellness for Seniors: Introduction to Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Friday, May 19
10-11 a.m.
Join us in this 12-week Introduction to Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind-body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. No previous experience is necessary. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for more than 20 years. He has taught classes at five VA Boston Healthcare System locations and at senior centers. This event is held in person. Due to the popularity of this series, we expect participants to attend all the classes. Register here. This class is full. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Thank you to our Adult Services librarians for coordinating.
Teen Room x The Hive
Friday, May 19
3:30-5 p.m.
Grab a friend for some creative exploration and play! Try your hand at sticker-making, 3D doodling, immersive VR, and more in the Teen Room. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 12-18.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Saturday, May 20
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. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Qi Gong with Sunling Liew (Joan Lorentz Park, Main)
Saturdays in May
10-11 a.m.
Every Saturday in May, the Library will offer a Qi Gong workshop led by Sunling Liew, an experienced Qi Gong practitioner. Qi Gong is a traditional Chinese mind-body practice that consists of five easy exercises and meditation. Qi Gong is influenced by the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. The practice component includes four gentle exercises that are done while standing along with a peaceful sitting meditation. Space is limited and registration is required. Thank you to our Adult Services librarians for coordinating.
Dinoman (Main)
Saturday, May 20
11 a.m.-Noon
With magic, merry mayhem, and magnificent inflatable dinosaurs, Dinoman will take you on a trip throughout the Mesozoic Era. Recommended for children ages 4 and up and their caregivers.
Woof Wellness with Therapy Dogs (Joan Lorentz Park, Main)
Saturday, May 20
Noon-2 p.m.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, when we raise awareness about mental health, combat its associated stigma, and advocate for policies that support community members and families dealing with mental health. To mark this month, the Office of Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and the Library are collaborating on this Woof Wellness program. Community members will have the opportunity to spend a few minutes with therapy dogs and learn about their important role in providing comfort and healing. Registration is required.
Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, May 20
1:30-3 p.m.
Fiber crafters of all skill levels are welcome to drop in for companionable crafting! Bring your project and enjoy tea, snacks, and conversation with other crafters. Chat, share tips, and even inspire others. No registration is required.
Bike Maintenance Basics (O'Neill)
Saturday, May 20
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Learn how to care for your bike! Join Tenzin Choephel from the Cambridge Community Development Department and learn the basics of bike maintenance, including:
- ●The anatomy of the bike
- ●Removing wheels
- ●Fixing flats
- ●Chain maintenance
- ●Pre-ride check
- ●Seat height
- ●Portable tool kit
- ●Keeping your bike healthy withproper maintenance
You do not need to bring a bike. No registration is required. For more information, please call 617-349-4023.
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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries