Director's Update, March 27, 2022
3/27/2022 • 2 years ago
The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.
Dear Patrons,
We are hosting CNN commentator, Dr. Chris T. Pernell, on Wednesday, March 30, at 6 p.m. Dr. Pernell will speak about health justice, equity, and access. This program was initially scheduled to take place in February for Black History Month. Registration is required to participate in this virtual program.
###
We celebrate National Library Week from April 3-9. Two weeks ago, at our Staff Appreciation virtual dinner, we recognized Library employees who had attained milestones in their employment at the Library. During National Library Week, we celebrate all the people who keep our libraries running, who provide quality services and resources for our community members to lead their best lives.
On April 7, we are hosting the award-winning author Louise Erdrich in a virtual reading and discussion of her latest novel, The Sentence.The book asks what we owe to the living, the dead, to the reader, and to the book. Louise Erdrich is the author of many novels as well as volumes of poetry, children’s books, and a memoir of early motherhood. Her novel The Round House won the National Book Award for Fiction. Love Medicine and LaRose received the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction. Her recent book, The Night Watchman, won the Pulitzer Prize.
April is Arab American Heritage Month and in celebration, we are hosting a reading and conversation with award-winning Arab American authors Hala Alyan, author of The Arsonists’ City; Randa Jarrar, the author of A Map of Home and the collection of stories Him, Me, Muhammad Ali; and Jess Rizkallah, a Lebanese American writer and illustrator and author of the poetry collection titled, the magic my body becomes. Registration is required to participate in this virtual program.
In celebration of National Poetry Month, which also takes place in April, our Anti-Racism Task Force is hosting Golden (they/them), a Black gender-nonconforming poet, organizer, and the author of A Dead Name That Learned How to Live, and JR Mahung, a Garifuna poet and educator from Belize, and the author of the poetry collection Since When He Have Wings. Registration is required to participate in this virtual program.
###
The Friends of the Cambridge Public Library is bringing back The Secret Gardens of Cambridge on Sunday, June 5, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Rain or shine. Online registration opens Sunday, May 1. For more information about the event, including sponsorships, see the Secret Gardens of Cambridge webpage.
Baby Lapsit (Virtual)
Monday, March 28
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!
- 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 calendar for further details. Registration is not required.
Wellness for Seniors (Virtual)
Monday, March 28
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.
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.
Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 29, 2:30-3 p.m.
Wednesday, March 30, 1-1:30 p.m.
Friday, April 1, 4-4:30 p.m.
In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Before attending workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers. Registration is required.
Equipment and Studio Reservation (Main)
Tuesday, March 29, 6:30-8 p.m.
Wednesday, March 30, 2:30-5 p.m.
Saturday, April 2, 1-3 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.
Resume and Job Application (Central Square)
Wednesday, March 30
1-3 p.m.
Are you looking for assistance creating a resume or looking for a job? Drop by the Central Square Branch Library (45 Pearl St.) for assistance with preparing a resume, conducting a job search online, and completing online applications. No registration is required.
Make Your Mark (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 30
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. Impression will be created through arts, ideas, and words. Registration is required.
Focus on Health with CNN Commentator Dr. Chris T. Pernell (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 30
6-7:15 p.m.
Join us for a talk on heath justice and equity by CNN commentator Dr. Chris T. Pernell. The program is sponsored by The Mayor’s Office, City Manager’s Office, Cambridge Public Library, and the Employees’ Committee on Diversity. Registration is required.
Pajama Story Time (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 30
6:45-7:30 p.m.
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories, and rhymes to wind down the day. Feel free to wear your favorite pajamas! Caregivers are asked to participate with their children. Registration is required.
3D Modeling with Tinkercad (Virtual)
Thursday, March 31
7:30-8:30 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.
The World of Harmonica and the Pocket Musician (Virtual)
Saturday, April 2
12-1 p.m.
Join us for Bob Hennessy’s The Beginners Harmonica syllabus. The series will cover the history of the instrument with music examples of its use in Americana, Blues, Country, Jazz, Pop, and Rock, followed by instructions on basic technics, rhythms, and productive habits. Registration is required.
Videography 101 (Main)
Saturday, April 2
11 a.m.-12 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 required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Warm regards,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries