Director's Update, April 21, 2024
4/21/2024 • 1 week ago
Dear Patrons,
Happy National Poetry Month! Do you know a Cambridge student who loves to write poetry? There’s still time to submit an entry to the 25th Annual Youth Poetry Contest. K-8 students who live or go to school in Cambridge are eligible to submit original poetry until April 30. Learn more here.
On Wednesday, April 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., don’t miss Natalie Dykstra, the author of Chasing Beauty: The Life of Isabella Stewart Gardner, talking with the Washington Post art critic Sebastian Smee. Register here.
On Saturday, April 27, from 11 to 11:45 a.m., join us in the Curious George room for Radius Ensemble: Around the World with the String Quartet. This family concert will present a wide variety of classical music and folk songs from all continents. An instrument show-and-tell follows the performance. For children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required.
The Library is pleased to offer the following programs and events for the week that begins on April 22.
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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 22
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 22, Tuesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 25
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 24, and Friday, April 25
10:30 a.m.-Noon
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur every weekday. On Mondays, High Beginner ESOL is from 10:30 a.m.to noon,. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1 to 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.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, April 22, 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 23, 3-6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 24, 6-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 25, 2-6 p.m.
During this period, anyone who has completed The Hive Safety Training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, April 22
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 22
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 us with any questions at 617-349-4027 (voice) or via relay at 711.
ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, April 22
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, and everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, April 22
6-7 p.m.
Come join us for a chess challenge. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate. 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 in advance; simply come 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 e-mail: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, April 23, 1-2:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 25, 7-8:30 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.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, April 23
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 23
4-6 p.m.
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your resume 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 23
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.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Tuesday, April 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 27, 2:30-4:30 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. Registration is required.
You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this program. View The Hive's workshop schedule here.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, April 23
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm
Wednesday, April 24
Friday, April, 26
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.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, April 24
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding jobs? Join us for assistance with job hunting and online applications. No registration is required. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Wednesday, April 24
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 24
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.
This workshop is designed for patrons who already 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.
Connecting with Balance: Build Healthy Digital Habits (Main)
Wednesday, April 24
3-4 p.m.
We use technology every day, from checking e-mails and scrolling social media to online shopping and remote work. This class will share tips on building healthy digital habits to find a balance in your online and offline lives. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Wednesdays of Wonder—WOW! (O’Neill)
Wednesday, April 24
3-4:30 p.m.
Come 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.
The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, April 24
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 drop-in event is designed for ages 12-18.
Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, April 24
4-5 p.m.
Read with Bowie the Therapy Dog from Pets & People! 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 by phone or in person (617-349-4019).
One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau)
Wednesday, April 24
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 at the Boudreau branch:
If you have questions, please send them to ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov. Registration is required.
Sewing 101 two-week series (O'Neill)
Wednesday, April 24
5-7 p.m.
Learn to use a sewing machine! This is a 2-week series of 2-hour classes, designed for ages 7 through adult. Ages 7-11 must participate with an adult. Ages 12 and up may participate alone or with a partner. Please only register if you will be able to attend both sessions.
In this series, you will 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 sewing projects.
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.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, April 24
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.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, April 25
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle—an hour of fun and conversation.
Coffee, Cribbage and Chess! (Boudreau)
Friday, April 26
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Join us on the fourth Friday of the month for coffee, treats, and games (chess, cribbage, dominos, etc.). Bring a friend or meet a new one at the Library!
Series: Collage Studio (Valente)
Friday, April 26
4-5:30 p.m.
Collage is an art form that uses many different materials to create a picture! We will study books that use collage, plan and create our own projects, and host an art opening to share our creative work with family and friends!
Sessions begin on Friday, April 26, and run on Fridays through May 17. This four-week art workshop is for kids ages 8-11. No experience is necessary!
Registration is required. Participants must attend all sessions and have read Scraps by Lois Ehlert before the first session. Stop by the Valente Branch to pick up a copy or call 617-349-4015. For questions about Collage Studio, please e-mail mfrench@cambridgema.gov.
Cambridge Young Authors' Squad (O'Neill)
Friday, April 26
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.
Videography 101 (Main)
Friday, April 26
9:30-10:30 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. Registration is required.
You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Radius Ensemble: Around the World with the String Quartet (Main)
Saturday, April 27
11-11:45 a.m.
Join us for a family concert, featuring a wide variety of classical music and folk songs from all continents. An instrument show-and-tell follows the performance. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Saturday, April 27
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.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. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Saturday Songs and Stories with guest storyteller ashley herring (O'Neill)
Saturday, April 27
3:30-4 p.m.
Music, movement, and stories! Join the storyteller and community member ashley herring for 20 minutes of fun! For children of all ages and their grown-ups. ashley herring (she series) has enjoyed being in her imagination for countless years and promised she would never stop playing. With her ancestors, she dreamed up blackyard, a local grass roots organization, which lifts up and centers the love for Black children in Cambridge and the greater surrounding area. ashley is excited to share songs and stories with you today.
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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.