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Director's Update, March 20, 2022


3/20/2022 • 2 years ago

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.

Dear Patrons,

The weather is getting warmer and spring is in the air. At the Library, we look forward to the blooms on the weeping willow and other trees at Joan Lorentz Park. I hope you will join us for one of the many exciting Library offerings this week.

Baby Lapsit (Virtual)
Monday, March 21
10-10:20 a.m.

Enjoy time with other parents, caregivers, and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Come prepared to sit with your baby in your lap. Registration is required.  

Outdoor Programs for Kids
This week, these outdoor programs for young children will be offered (weather permitting) at our Central Square, Collins, Main, O’Connell, and Valente locations:  

  • Outdoor Songs & Stories: All ages are invited to sing, dance, and share a story!
  • Story Time: All ages are invited to join us for a half hour of stories!  

Please see the events calendarfor further details. Registration is not required. 

Wellness for Seniors (Virtual)
Monday, March 21
11-11:45 a.m. 

Breathe, stretch, and dance your way to a blissful body, joyous heart, and a steady, quiet mind! Open to all levels and abilities. Registration is required for each session. 

The Pineapple Project (Virtual)
Monday, March 21
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Enjoy a fun and engaging original show that explores gender, creativity, and each child's freedom to be who they are. Recommended for children ages 4-8. Registration is required.

Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 22
6:30-7 p.m.

In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Before attending workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers. Registration is required.  

Audio Engineering in GarageBand (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 22
7:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, March 25
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Get started with audio editing for podcasts, music, audiobooks, and other creative sound projects using GarageBand, the sound creation software found on Mac and iOS devices. You will become familiar with the GarageBand interface, explore the basics of audio engineering, and learn more about resources and tools you can use at home and in The Hive to create sound. This course is open to everyone. You do not need to take Hive Safety Training before attending this virtual workshop. Registration is required.

Career Skills: Online Job Search and Résumé Submission (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 22
6-7:30 p.m.

Join us for the online Career Skills workshop series, presented by the employment specialist Gary Gekow. On March 22, we will cover Online Job Searches and Résumé Submission. Registration is required to participate in this workshop.

ESOL Classes (Virtual)
Tuesdays and Thursdays 
11 a.m.-Noon, 1-2 p.m., and 3-4 p.m.
Wednesdays and Fridays
10:30 a.m.-Noon 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur virtually on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Beginner ESOL takes place at 1 p.m., Intermediate ESOL at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Higher Beginner ESOL at 10:30 a.m. Registration is required for each class.

Résumé and Job Application (Central Square)
Wednesday, March 23
1-3 p.m.

Are you looking for assistance creating a résumé or looking for a job? Drop by the Central Square Branch for assistance with preparing a résumé, conducting a job search online, and completing online applications. No registration is required. 

Make Your Mark (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 23
4-5 p.m.

Join us for a 2-part workshop led by Zahirah Nur Truth of ZNT Arts. We will be using everyday objects found at home to create texture, explore creativity, and leave an impression. Impressions will be created through arts, ideas, and words. Registration is required to participate in this workshop.

Urban Gardening: Seed Starting (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 23
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Starting vegetable seeds at home helps you become a more self-sufficient gardener, save money, and grow the food that you want. Learn where to find seeds, when to start, and how to care for your seedlings. We'll cover standard and repurposed materials you can use, go over the best practices for light setups, and troubleshoot common problems. Presented by the Trustees Boston Community Gardens Program. Registration is required.

Mending Matters (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 23
6:30-8 p.m.

Learn how to get more life out of your clothes or put household textiles to new uses in this monthly hands-on workshop! The artist Jessamy Kilcollins will demonstrate different techniques and provide guidance on your projects. A limited number of supply kits will be available for registered participants to pick up at the Valente Branch. Registration is required.

Family Steam Night: Kitchen Scrap Gardening (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 23
6:30-7:15 p.m.

Families with elementary school children are invited to join us virtually for hands-on activities focused on Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Math. Adults and children will learn and play together! We will be preparing for the spring and exploring kitchen scrap gardening using materials you have at home. Registration is required.

Graphic Design with Google Drawings (Virtual)
Thursday, March 24
7:30-8:30 p.m.

Learn the fundamentals of Google Drawings, a free web-based application, to design and edit your very own images. Basic computer skills and a free Gmail account are necessary for this course, which is open to everyone. You do not need to take Hive Safety Training before attending this virtual workshop. Registration is required.

3D Modeling with Tinkercad (Virtual)
Thursday, March 24
6-7 p.m.

Learn the fundamentals of Tinkercad, a free, web-based application, to design and edit objects for 3D printing. Basic computer skills are necessary for this course, which is open to everyone. You do not need to take Hive Safety Training before attending this virtual workshop. Registration is required. 

Paper Bead Making with Alex Makes Art (Virtual)
Friday, March 25
4-5 p.m.

Allow Alex Makes Art to bring some color into your weekly schedule! Learn how to create projects that can be modified for all ages using everyday household items. Registration is required.

Equipment and Studio Reservation (Main)
Saturday, March 26
11 a.m.-3 p.m.

During this time period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Learn more about becoming a badged maker. Staff will assist participants as they are able. Registration is required. 

Lotus Flower Lantern Craft Workshop (Virtual)
Saturday, March 26
Noon-1:30 p.m. 

Learn how to make lovely lotus flower lanterns using colored paper and wire frames. A limited supply of kits (frame, petals, and leaves and the glue) will be available at the Main Library for registered participants. Registration is required to participate in this workshop. 

Warm regards, 

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries