Director's Update, April 7, 2024
4/5/2024 • 3 weeks ago
Dear Patrons,
Monday, April 8, is a total solar eclipse: the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Patrons must wear specialized eye protection to view the eclipse safely. Join us at the Main Library and the Valente and O’Connell branches to watch the eclipse together.
This week is National Library Week! Participate in Right to Read Day on Monday, April 8, or thank a library employee on Tuesday, April 9, National Library Workers Day. Learn more about National Library Week here. I want to give a big shout out to the staff here at the Cambridge Public Library. I am deeply grateful for the work our staff do every day. The resources, events, and services we offer would not be possible without library staff!
On Wednesday, April 13, come to The Hive to learn how to fix your torn clothing, broken electronics, appliances, computers, toys, sewing machines, bicycles, fabric items, and more at the Fixit Clinic. Fixit Coaches will share their time, tools, and expertise to consult with you on the disassembly, troubleshooting, and repair of your item. Registration is required.
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.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, April 8
10-10:20 a.m.
Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time with other parents and caregivers to help babies 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.
ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Monday, April 8; Tuesday, April 9; and Thursday, April 11
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 10, and Friday, April 13
10:30 a.m.-Noon
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur every weekday. On Mondays, High Beginner ESOL is 10:30 a.m.-Noon. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-2:30 p.m. 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.
Wellness for Seniors: Low-Impact Fitness® (Virtual)
Monday, April 8
11-11:45 a.m.
This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen muscles, the heart, and the brain—all while having fun and moving to great music! Dress comfortably and take everything at your own pace. You will feel the benefits in mind and body! Registration is required for each session. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration: Outdoor Music at Main! (Main)
Monday, April 8
1-2 p.m.
As we gather to view the eclipse, Dan Walker performs original songs outside the Main Branch in Joan Lorentz Park. Dance and celebrate our first outdoor performance of the season and get ready for the eclipse with neighbors and friends!
About the musician: Drawing from folk, blues, and R&B influences, Dan Walker crafts songs that resonate with audiences on a deeply emotional level. His lyrics weave tales of love, loss, and the intricacies of life, while his melodies carry the listener on a nostalgic trip through time. Note: If the weather is bad, this performance will take place in the Lecture Hall.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, April 8, 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 9, 3-6 p.m.
Thursday, April 11, 2-6 p.m.
Friday, April 11, 1-4:30 p.m.
During this period, anyone who has completed The Hive Safety Training and is badged to use equipment or studios can reserve equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration: Indoor Eclipse Livestream (Main)
Monday, April 8
2:30-4 p.m.
Join us for a livestream of the 2024 solar eclipse. If the weather is bad, or just because you savor the AC, we will be live streaming the event in the Lecture Hall.
2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration: Eclipse Watch Party! (O'Connell)
Monday, April 8
3-4 p.m.
Join us for an Eclipse Watch Party! We will head outside to enjoy the solar eclipse while we play with chalk art and bubbles and enjoy some eclipse-themed refreshments. Here in Cambridge, the eclipse will be at its maximum (92%) at 3:29 p.m. We will have some eclipse glasses to share, but supplies are limited, so please bring your own if you can! Questions? Contact us at 617-349-4019 or email Abby at aclinger@cambridgema.gov.
2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration: Draw the Eclipse!: Sidewalk Chalk Art (All Ages) (Valente)
Monday, April 8
3-4 p.m.
Experience this astronomical phenomenon in a group! We will hand out solar eclipse glasses and invite everyone to draw what they see using sidewalk chalk. This event is part of the Library's 2024 Eclipse Celebration. Check out our calendar or ask at your branch library about other events in this special program.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, April 8
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 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.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Monday, April 8
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 in the Teen Room on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact us with any questions at 617-349-4027 (voice) or via relay at 711.
ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, April 8
6-7 p.m.
Join us for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)! This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, April 8
6-7 p.m.
Come join us for a chess challenge. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. This is not an instructional class, but rather a gathering for individuals who want to play and test their skills against other members of the community. There's no need to register —simply drop by and challenge yourself to improve your mastery of this classic game!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4017 or via email: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov.
CPL Nature Club: Spring Showers Story Time and Craft (O'Neill)
Tuesday, April 9
11 a.m.-Noon
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for stories, followed by an outdoor walk around the Library (weather permitting) and a simple nature craft.
Google Photos Basics (Main)
Tuesday, April 9
11 a.m.-Noon
Learn how to use Google Photos to organize and save your photos and videos!
In the class, you will learn how to:
- Store photos and videos
- Organize and understand features of Google Photos
- Share photos with friends and family
A laptop will be available for use during the class. You will need a Gmail (Google email) account. Please remember your e-mail and password before the class. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, April 9
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 in order to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design
Tuesday, March 26
1-2:30 p.m.
Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Sindoh 3D printers. 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. Before taking this workshop, you will need to complete The Hive Safety Training and create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, April 9
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.
Drop-in Tech Help (Central Square)
Tuesday, April 9
4-6 p.m.
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your résumé and support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours. No registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact library@cambridgema.gov.
STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)
Tuesday, April 9
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs start with students' interest in building a better world and introduce them to the underlying science and math principles that will bring their solutions to life. Youth in 7th and 8th grades are invited to join iFp on a journey into the world of artificial intelligence with “Smart Cars AI: Driving Innovation for All.” This 13-week adventure invites students to dive into the world of self-driving cars at the intersection of technology and innovation.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, March 26
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Board Game Night for Adults (Valente)
Tuesday, April 9
6-7:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening of board games. We have: Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Scrabble, chess, checkers, Boggle, Bananagrams, and more! Feel free to bring a board game to play with others. We will provide pizza and beverages.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Tuesday, April 9, 7-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 13, 3-4:30 p.m.
In this workshop, 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 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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm
Wednesday, April 10
Friday, April 12
10-11 a.m.
Join us 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. 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. Note: We will be running two separate Tai Chi Paradigm series this year, a Wednesday series and a Friday series. Due to its subject matter, we expect participants to attend all the classes. Please register for only one series. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Fiber Crafts Group — Drop-in (O’Connell)
Wednesday, April 10
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, and cross stitch.
English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Wednesday, April 10
1-2:30 p.m.
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Practice. This group is for those with an intermediate or high level of English language skill. No testing is required. For more information on other ESOL classes, please call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
Serger Training (Main)
Wednesday, April 10
1-2:30 p.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. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, April 10
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding jobs? Join us for help with job hunting and online applications. No registration is required. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
Wednesdays of Wonder—WOW! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, April 10
3-4:30 p.m.
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration is required. This week we will be exploring collage with natural materials.
Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, April 10
3:30-5 p.m.
Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to come learn about our space and try their hand at sticker making, video recording in our studio, and more. This is a drop-in event for ages 12-18.
One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau)
Wednesday, April 10
4-4:45 p.m.
Would you like help navigating the Library's e-resources like Libby or Hoopla? Or maybe you need some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Book a free one-on-one tech help session.
Some topics we cover include:
● downloading eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines to your tablet, smartphone, or laptop
● navigating databases and other resources such as LinkedIn Learning
● using the Internet and e-mail
● setting up devices like smartphones or streaming devices
Guidelines for basic tech help:
● scheduled sessions run between 30 and 45 minutes.
● please bring your device, cords, and any necessary account information.
● library staff cannot be held responsible for damage to patrons’ equipment.
If you have questions, please send them to ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, April 10
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 on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact 617-349-4027 with any questions.
Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Wednesday, April 10
6-6:30 p.m.
In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. The Zoom link will be sent out an hour before the workshop starts. Registration is required.
Before taking workshops in person in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
Videography 101 (Main)
Wednesday, April 10
7:30-8:30 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. Registration is required.
You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Puzzle Swap (Main)
Thursday, April 11
2-4 p.m.
Donate your gently used jigsaw puzzles and browse a collection of fun new puzzles to take home! Puzzles of all sizes for all ages are welcome.
Donation policy:
· Make sure your puzzle has all the pieces.
· Rubber band or tape the box so it won't fall open.
· Drop off puzzles at the Main Library Q&A desk Monday, April 8-Wednesday, April 10
Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
Thursday, April 11
2-4 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).
Fiber Arts Adventure with Lenni: A Machine-Sewing Workshop Series (Main)
Thursday, April 11
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Continue building your machine-sewing skills and create bespoke sewn crafts! Project options are tailored on two tracks: those who are familiar with our Janome machines and beginner sewers and those who are intermediate sewers. This four-part series is led by the fiber artist and designer Lenni Armstrong. Registration is required. Those registered for the first session will automatically be enrolled in the following weeks. Spots are very limited; kindly only enroll if you plan to make all four workshops. All sessions meet in the Rossi Room. This intermediate workshop is designed for patrons who know the basics of how to use our Janome sewing machines. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Cambridge Cooks on National Fondue Day! (Main)
Thursday, April 11
6-7 p.m.
We're putting the "fun" in fondue on National Fondue Day! Let's celebrate by learning the art of fondue with the help of Chef Simone from the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. Registration is required.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Thursday, April 11
7-8:30 p.m.
Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Sindoh 3D printers. 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. Before taking this workshop, you will need to complete The Hive Safety Training and create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Cambridge Young Authors' Squad (O'Neill)
Friday, April 12
4-5 p.m.
Young people ages 10-14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. There will be time for share-outs/workshopping, as well as group or solo writing. Snacks are provided! If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful but not required.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Saturday, April 13
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. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Fixit Clinic (Main)
Saturday, April 13
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Learn to fix your torn clothing, broken electronics, appliances, computers, toys, sewing machines, bicycles, fabric items, etc., at the Fixit Clinic. Fixit coaches will share their time, tools, and expertise to consult with you on the disassembly, troubleshooting, and repair of your item. Gain the confidence and knowledge to make repairs and teach others to do the same. This event takes place in The Hive, on L1 of the Main Library. Open to all ages. Registration is required. This event is brought to you by the Library, the Cambridge Department of Public Works, and the Fixit Clinic. Register to participate: bit.ly/itemcheckin Volunteer to be a coach: bit.ly/inpersoncoachsignup.
Drop-in Maker Studio (O'Neill)
Saturday, April 13
1-3 p.m.
Come to the Library to create something special! Use your own supplies or try out our equipment! You can use our 1-inch button maker, 2.5-inch button maker, 3-D Doodle pens, or Janome sewing machines. The Library will provide basic supplies.
This drop-in program is for people who feel comfortable using these machines on their own. The Library will not provide instruction. Anyone wishing to use the sewing machines must have completed a Sewing 101 training through the Library. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Voices of Poetry: Four Poets (Main)
Saturday, April 13
2-4 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of great poetry and music in celebration of National Poetry Month, featuring a quartet of acclaimed poets—Doug Anderson, January Gill O'Neil, Shanta Lee, and Lloyd Schwartz—accompanied by the music of the singer-songwriter Gabriella Simpkins.
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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries
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The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information, contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice) or via relay at 711.