Director's Update, November 14, 2021
11/14/2021 • 2 years ago
The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.
Dear Patrons,
Join us this week for one (or more!) of our fabulous programs at the Cambridge Public Library!
Branch Updates
I know that many of you await the reopening of the Boudreau and Collins branches. These continue to be closed until further notice due to construction impacts. As soon as we can open these branches safely, we will! Library hours and locations can be found here.
Outdoor Programming for Kids
Weekly outdoor programs for young children will be offered (weather permitting) at our Central Square, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill and Valente locations:
- Outdoor Baby Lapsit: Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time with other parents, caregivers, and babies to play and develop language and motor skills.
- Outdoor Sing Along: All ages are invited to sing and dance!
- Outdoor Story Time: All ages are invited to join us for a half hour of stories!
Please see our events calendar for all outdoor youth program details. Registration is not required.
Wellness for Seniors: Zumba Gold (Virtual)
On Monday, November 15, at 11 a.m., join us virtually 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. Registration is required.
Housed in Cambridge: Drop-in Hours (Main)
On Monday, November 15, at 3 p.m., drop in to meet the Housed in Cambridge team and find out about housing resources in Cambridge. Learn more about affordable rental opportunities, get help navigating financial assistance programs for housing, or get advice about housing rights. Registration is not required.
Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
On Monday, November 15, at 3 p.m., read with a cuddly friend at the O'Neill Branch Library! 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 and begins one week in advance by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023).
Creative Ways for Solo Agers to Navigate the Holidays with Ailene Gerhadt (Virtual)
Maximizing our connections with others is always helpful, especially as we approach the holiday season. Despite our best efforts and intentions, it may be that we are left to our own devices in finding pleasure at this time of year. On Tuesday, November 16, at 10:30 a.m., we will identify useful approaches for older individuals to navigate the ups and downs of the holidays. We will be led by Ailene Gerhardt, an independent board-certified patient advocate, with expertise in solo aging issues. Registration is required.
ESOL Classes (Central Square/Virtual)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur virtually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Beginner ESOL takes place at 1 p.m. and Intermediate ESOL at 3 p.m.
Intermediate classes will also be offered in person at the Central Square Branch Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m., and Beginner ESOL will be offered on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Registration is required for each class.
Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Tuesday, November 16, at 1 p.m.
Wednesday, November 17, at 7:30 p.m.
In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Registration is required.
Before taking in-person workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. In this workshop on Tuesday, November 16, at 4 p.m., test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required.
You must complete Hive Safety Training & Glowforge 101 before registering for this workshop.
Financial Literacy 101: Managing a Checking Account (Virtual)
In this session on Tuesday, November 16, at 6 p.m., we explore how to get good value from a bank by avoiding fees and keep close control over our money. Checking accounts give us convenient access to our money and help us manage our finances carefully. Register for this event.
This event is part of four interactive workshops in collaboration with Cambridge Savings Bank:
- Workshop 3: Credit (Tuesday, November 30)
- Workshop 4: Fraud (Tuesday, December 14)
Participants are welcome to register for just one or all of the workshops. For more information or with any questions, please contact Lucy at lflamm@cambridgema.gov or (617)-349-4010.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding jobs? Join us on Wednesday, November 17, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Central Square Branch Library for help with résumés, job hunting, and online applications. No registration is required.
3D Printing 101: Design and Creation, Part 2 (Main)
*Only those who signed up for Part 1 of this series can participate in Part 2 this week.
On Wednesday, November 17, at 5:30 p.m., you can learn how to create objects in digital space and fabricate those creations using our Sindoh 3D printers in this two-part series. In Part 2, you will create your own designs and practice setting up your own 3D print construction. Note: This is a badging course for 3D printing. You will be badged at the end of the Part 2 workshop. Registration is required.
Pajama Story Time (Virtual)
Children and their grown-ups, join us from home on Wednesday, November 17, at 6:45 p.m., for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories, and rhymes! Feel free to wear your favorite pajamas! Caregivers are asked to participate with their children. Registration is required.
Hive Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Thursday, November 18, from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Friday, November 19, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve this equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able. Make reservations. Learn more about becoming a badged maker.
Joan Naviyuk Kane presents Dark Traffic (Virtual)
On Thursday, November 18, at 6 p.m., the renowned poet Joan Naviyuk Kane will join us virtually to discuss her new book. Dark Traffic creates landmarks through language, exploring motherhood, indigenous experience, feminism, climate crises and more. Registration is required.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting, Part 2 (Main)
*Only those who signed up for Part 1 of this series can participate in Part 2.
On Friday, November 19, at 1 p.m., learn how to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials using the Glowforge Pro laser cutter in this two-part series. In Part 2, you will create digital artwork for the Glowforge, and learn file formatting for production.
Note: This is a badging course for laser cutting. You will be badged at the end of the Part 2 workshop and can then reserve the Glowforge Pro for use during designated times. Registration is required.
Hive Safety Training & Glowforge 101 (Main)
In this workshop on Saturday, November 20, at 11 a.m., you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. You will also create your Hive badge ID using our Glowforge laser cutter and learn how to cut and engrave your own creations using this device. Registration is required.
All makers must sign The Hive User Agreement and Waivers to participate.
Stay Connected
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Best wishes,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries