Director's Update, June 27, 2021
6/27/2021 • 2 years ago
The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.
Dear Patrons,
It is super, seeing you back in our libraries. Beginning on Monday, June 28, we are delighted to open the O’Connell Branch to visitors on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays from 10 am. to 6 p.m.
As part of the Library’s commitment to presenting diverse authors and recognizing that as a community we are learning about anti-racism, equity, and inclusion, we are engaging in challenging conversations across experiences and perspectives. I hope you will join us on June 28 for a special event with the Pulitzer Prize finalist Cathy Park Hong, the author of Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning. See more information below.
And if you haven’t yet done so, make sure you register for the Library’s Summer Reading!
Summer Reading Is Free, Fun, and for Everyone!
Kids, teens, and adults, too, join us all summer long for “Book Adventures,” free programs and fun activities running from June 28 through August 27. Registration is now open!
To participate:
Step 1. Register here.
Step 2. Check your email for confirmation and instructions to receive your free Summer Reading tote bag (while supplies last).
Step 3. On June 28, start enjoying “Book Adventures,” free programs and fun activities for all ages.
Virtual Book Groups
Book groups are an excellent way to join neighbors and friends in the joy of reading! We offer these virtual book groups this month:
Cathy Park Hong presents Minor Feelings in conversation with Courtney Sato
On Monday, June 28, at 6 p.m., join us for a special event featuring the 2021 Pulitzer Prize Finalist Cathy Park Hong, the author of Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning, in conversation with Courtney Sato. In Minor Feelings, the poet and essayist Cathy Park Hong fearlessly and provocatively blends memoir, cultural criticism, and history to expose fresh truths about racialized consciousness in America. Part memoir and part cultural criticism, this collection is vulnerable, humorous, and provocative—and its relentless and riveting pursuit of vital questions around family and friendship, art and politics, identity and individuality, will change the way you think about our world. Registration is required. This program is made possible with generous support from the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Virtual ESOL Classes
Virtual English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Introductory ESOL takes place at 11 a.m., beginner ESOL at 1 p.m., and intermediate ESOL at 3 p.m. Registration is required for each class. Please see the Library’s online events calendar for more details.
Summer Reads for Everyone
Whether you're traveling or staycationing this summer, whether you're 8 years old or 65, summer is for reading! On Wednesday, June 30, at 3 p.m., join a virtual discussion with our outstanding children's, teen, and adult librarians as they recommend their most highly anticipated books this summer! Registration is required.
Cambridge Neighbors Welcomes Richard J. Fein
A published poet and a member of Cambridge Neighbors, Richard Fein will be reading poetry from his latest book, Losing It, followed by a moderated conversation and audience Q&A on Wednesday, June 30, at 1:30 p.m., via Zoom. Registration is required.
Join us for Story Time
We invite children and their grownups to join us from home for 20-25 minutes of engaging stories. Plan to sing along and move around!
We are happy to offer these Story Time programs this week:
- Virtual Preschool Story Time: Tuesday, June 29, at 4 p.m. Ages 3-5. Registration is required.
- Virtual Pajama Story Time: Wednesday, June 30, at 6:45 p.m. Registration is required.
- Outdoor Story Time: Thursday, July 1, at 11 a.m. Held in Joan Lorentz Park outside the Main Library. In the event of rain, this program will move indoors. Registration is not required.
Registration is required.
Stay Connected
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Best wishes,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries