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Director's Update, May 15, 2022


5/15/20221 year ago

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 1 year ago.

Katie Kitamura
Dear Patrons,

Here are a few program highlights:

Join Katie Kitamura, the author of Intimacies, on Wednesday, May 18. She will be talking with Rivka Galchen, a staff writer at The New Yorker and the author of Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch. Registration is required.

The Library is happy to welcome back the Haitian Croissant for another virtual edition of Napsnacks on Saturday, May 21. In celebration of Haitian Flag Day, the chef and blogger Ayida Solé will demonstrate and walk us through Haitian Spaghetti. Please visit our website for the suggested list of ingredients. Registration is required.

On Thursday, May 26, the Library will be hosting two poets, Yanyi, the author of the collection Dream of the Divided Field, and Victoria Chang, the author of the collection The Trees Witness Everything. Registration is required to participate in this virtual program.

Below is our full list of programs. Enjoy your week!

                                                                                                                                                   ###

Book Groups
Learn more about our Book Group offerings this week.

Outdoor Programs for Kids

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

• Baby Lapsit: Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time with other parents, caregivers, and babies to play and develop language and motor skills.
• Sing-Along: All ages are invited to sing and dance!
• 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, May 16
11-11:45 a.m.

Put on your dancing shoes 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 for each session.

3D 101: Design and Creation, Parts 1 & 2 (Main)

Monday, May 16, and Tuesday, May 17
2-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 19, and Friday, May 20
3-4:30 p.m.

Learn how to create objects in digital space and fabricate them using our Sindoh 3D printers in this two-part series. In Part 1, you will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer and gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad. In Part 2, you will create designs and practice setting up your own 3D print construction. You must complete Hive Safety Training and create a free Tinkercad account before registering for this workshop. Registration is required.

Note: This is a badging course for 3D Printing. Signing up for Part 1 allows you to participate in Part 2 the next day. You will be badged at the end of the Part 2 workshop.

Family Game Night (Valente)
Monday, May 16
5:30-7 p.m.
Challenge your family or meet new friends over board games and puzzles. Play an old favorite or learn a new game. The Valente Branch will supply the games. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Learn more.

ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesdays and Thursdays
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays and Fridays
10:30 a.m.-Noon

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur at the Central Square Branch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. 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 required for each class.

Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Tuesday, May 17
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 21
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.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 the studio equipment and software. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required.

Bicycle Maintenance Workshop (Valente)
Tuesday, May 17
5:30-7:30 p.m.

Would you like to tune your bike up for spring riding? This hands-on workshop, held in collaboration with Cambridge’s Community Development Department, will cover the ABCs (Air, Brakes, Chain) of bicycle maintenance, with time at the end for any specific questions you may have about basic repairs. Bring your own bike or work on one provided by the instructor. Registration is required.

Career Skills: Changing Careers (Virtual)
Tuesday, May 17
6-7:30 p.m.

The online Career Skills workshop series is presented by the employment specialist Gary Gekow. On Tuesday, May 17, we will cover tips for a Successful Virtual Interview. Registration is required.

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, May 18
1-3 p.m.

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

Katie Kitamura in Conversation with Rivka Galchen (Main)
Wednesday, May 18
6-7:30 p.m.

Join Katie Kitamura as she discusses her novel Intimacies with Rivka Galchen, the author of Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch. Intimacies is a story about an unnamed woman working as an interpreter in an international court. A woman of many languages and identities, she is looking for a place to finally call home. Supported by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Registration is required.

Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Thursday, May 19
1-1:30 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.

Read to a Dog (Boudreau)
Thursday, May 19
3-4 p.m.

Read with Ana the Therapy Dog! Therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental companions for new or experienced readers of all ages. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required. Sign up the day of the program in person at the Boudreau Branch or by phone at 617-349-4017. Learn more.

Videography 101 (Main)
Thursday, May 19
7:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, May 20
10-11 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. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required.

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)

Friday, May 20
12-2 p.m.
Saturday, May 21
1:30-4:30 p.m.

During this time period, anyone who has completed Hive Safety 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. Learn more.

Mental Health First Aid Training (Main)
Saturday, May 21
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. You’ll build the skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

This course will be taught in collaboration with the Cambridge Public Library and We Heal Ourselves with Love and Empowerment (WHOLE). The instructors are Marie Mathieu, the Cambridge Public Library Social Worker, and the Reverend Lorraine Thornhill. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required.

Napsnacks: Haitian Spaghetti (Virtual)
Saturday, May 21
12:30-1:30 p.m.

The Library is happy to welcome back the Haitian Croissant for another edition of Napsnacks. In celebration of Haitian Flag Day, the chef and blogger Ayida Solé will walk us through Haitian Spaghetti. Supported by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Please visit our website for the suggested list of ingredients. Registration is required.

Dinoman Presents Dinosaurs - Outdoors (O'Neill)
Saturday, May 21
2-3 p.m.

Join us outdoors at the O'Neill Branch for Dinoman Presents Dinosaurs! With magic, merry mayhem, and magnificent props, Dinoman takes the audience on a trip throughout the Mesozoic era. How do we know dinosaurs were here? What is a fossil? How are they made? This program is fun and informative for all ages. In case of bad weather, this program will be moved to Saturday, May 28, at 2 p.m. Registration is not required. Learn more.

Stay Connected

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Warm wishes,

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries