Director's Update, December 11, 2022
12/11/2022 • 16 months ago
Dear Patrons,
The Library is pleased to host Kwan Kew Lai, the author of The Girl Who Taught Herself to Fly, on Thursday, December 15, from 6:30-8 p.m. Kwan Kew will be in conversation with Boston-based writer, Effie Kong. Registration is required to participate in this program.
The Library is also pleased to host the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet in a presentation of the music of Beethoven in the Community on Tuesday, December 13, from 5:30-6:50 p.m. at the Main Library. Internationally recognized for their “fearless, yet probingly beautiful” (The Strad) performances, the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet has rapidly distinguished itself as one of the preeminent ensembles of its generation, dedicated purely to the sound and depth of their music. Inspired performances and exceptional musicianship are hallmarks of the Quartet, having appeared at the world’s most illustrious venues since its founding in 2002. Learn more.
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We are pleased to offer the following programs.
Weekly Activities for Kids
This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations:
Please see the events calendar for further details. Registration is not required. Thank you to our Youth Services librarians for hosting these events.
Book Groups
Learn more about our Book Groups this week.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, December 1210-10:20 a.m.
Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers, and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills. Recommended for 0 to 12 months. Come prepared to sit on the floor one-on-one with your baby in your lap. This program can accommodate 15 babies and their caregivers. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly, and unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. Learn more.
Wellness for Seniors: Low-Impact Fitness (Virtual)
Monday, December 12
11-11:45 a.m.
This virtual class is designed for adults 55+ of all levels to strengthen the muscles, the heart, and the brain--all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace. You will feel the benefits in your mind and body! A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants one hour before the event. Registration for each session is required.
Morning Sing-Along (Main)
Monday, December 12, and Wednesday, December 14
11-11:25 a.m.
It's a Library dance party! All ages. This program can accommodate 130 people. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The entire party must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, December 12, 1:30-4 p.m.
Thursday, December 15, 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Friday, December 16, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 17, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
During this time, anyone who has completed The Hive Safety Training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve The Hive’s equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able. Learn more.
Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
Monday, December 12
3-4 p.m.
Read with a cuddly friend! 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 on Thursday, November 10, by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023). Learn more.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, December 12
4-4:45 p.m.
It's a weekly block party! Join friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! The Children's Room has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don't need to bring your own. Be aware that LEGO pieces are choking hazards for young children, so this program is for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. It can accommodate 30 builders. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. This program starts promptly, and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. Learn more.
Fall ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, December 12
6-7 p.m.
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class this fall! It will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed, and everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013. Learn more.
ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, December 13, and Thursday, December 15
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 14, and Friday, December 16
10:30 a.m.-Noon
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur 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 not required. Learn more.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting, Pt.1 (Main)
Tuesday, December 13, and Wednesday, December 14
3-4 p.m.
Learn how to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials using the Glowforge Pro laser cutter in this 2-day workshop. This series of workshops replaces the previous Glowforge 101 and Glowforge 201 offerings. In part 1 of this course, you will utilize the camera for focusing and scanning your own custom images, properly select materials for your project, and fabricate your first design. 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. Signing up for part 1 of this series registers you to participate in part 2 the next day. You will be badged at the end of the part 2 workshop and are able to reserve the Glowforge Pro for use during designated times. You must complete Hive Safety Training
The Parker Quartet Presents Beethoven in the Community (Main)
Tuesday, December 13
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Join the award-winning Parker Quartet for a performance of Beethoven in the Mezzanine of the Main Library. Internationally recognized for their “fearless, yet probingly beautiful” (The Strad) performances, the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet has rapidly distinguished itself as one of the preeminent ensembles of its generation, dedicated purely to the sound and depth of their music. Inspired performances and exceptional musicianship are hallmarks of the Quartet, having appeared at the world’s most illustrious venues since its founding in 2002. Learn more.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design
Tuesday, December 13
3-4 pm.
Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Sindoh 3D printers. You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing badge for future reservations in The Hive. Before taking this workshop you must complete Hive Safety Training and a create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com prior to arriving at the Library for the course. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create a Tinkercad account. View The Hive's workshop schedule here.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, December 13
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, December 14
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding a job? Join us for assistance with résumés, job hunting, and online applications. No registration is required. Learn more.
Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Wednesday, December 14
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Are you interested in using The Hive? In this workshop you will learn about our makerspace, how to utilize the resources we offer and how to keep safe in The Hive. Find out what you need to get started as a maker in The Hive here. Completion of Hive Safety Training is the entry point to making, innovating, and collaborating in this space. Makers must also sign The Hive User Agreement and Waivers. Registration is required to participate in this workshop.
Celebrate Winter Solstice (Boudreau)
Wednesday, December 14
3:15-3:45 p.m.
Join us as we prepare for the shortest day of the year that's only a week away! Listen to a solstice story and make a beautiful luminary! Please sign up in advance beginning on Monday, December 5 by calling 617-349-4017 or coming by the Boudreau Branch.
After-School Stories and Crafts (Central Square)
Wednesday, December 14
4-5 p.m.
Join us in the Children's Room for a fun craft and related stories. For more information, call 617-349-4010. Recommended for ages 5-10.Learn more.
Podcast Hop: Intro to Podcasting at the Hive and Cambridge Community Television (Main)
Wednesday, December 14
6-8 p.m.
Ready to start your own podcast? The Hive at Cambridge Public Library and Cambridge Community Television are teaming up for this two-session workshop where you'll get a crash course on the basics of Podcasting! In the first session, held at the Hive, you'll get a technical overview of their podcasting equipment, exposure to editing tools, and time to brainstorm your podcasting idea. In the second session, held at Cambridge Community Television, you'll dive into the content of your podcast. You'll learn about CCTV's podcasting tools and how to distribute your podcast across multiple platforms. Instructors: Kassia Roberts, Yanka Petri, & Alfonso Mateo. Please note that the second session of this workshop will take place on Wednesday, December 14, from 6-8 p.m., at the CCTV studio in Central Square (438 Massachusetts Ave) Registration is required.
Songs and Stories (Boudreau)
Thursday, December 15
10:30-10:50 a.m.
Put on your dancing shoes and head over for a morning of singing and dancing! We'll sing and move together and share a story or two. For children of all ages and their grown-ups. Please call 617-349-4017 for more information.
Fiber Crafts Group -- Drop-in (O’Connell)
Thursday, December 15
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters! Join this informal group to work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills, and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, cross stitch, and more. All crafts are welcome! Learn more.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, December 15
2-3:30 p.m.
Join our staff librarian, Janet, for tea, cookies and a jigsaw puzzle. An hour of fun and conversation on a Thursday afternoon!
Paper Cutting Workshop (Central)
Thursday, December 15
3-4:30 p.m.
Learn to create your own Chinese papercuts in this paper cutting workshop presented by Zhonghe (Elena) Li. Elena will show you the techniques to confidently use papercuts to tell your own stories. Registration is required and available on the library website. This workshop will take place on the ground floor at the Central Square Library. This program is co-sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library and Cambridge Arts Council, a local agency of the Mass Cultural Council.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Thursday, December 15
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Learn how to use our Epilog Zing—an industry-standard laser cutting machine. Complete this workshop to earn a badge for the Zing laser cutter. With a badge, you can reserve the Epilog Zing to use on our equipment booking page at designated times. Please note that the Epilog Zing laser cutter and Glowforge laser cutter require separate trainings. You must participate in the Glowforge workshop in order to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required.
Kwan Kew Lai Presents The Girl Who Taught Herself to Fly with Effie Kong (Main)
Thursday, December 15
6:30-8 p.m.
Join Kwan Kew Lai for a reading and discussion of her memoir, The Girl Who Taught Herself to Fly. Kwan Kew met her first Punjabi woman doctor while lying in a hospital bed with a severe kidney infection at the age of fourteen. Watching the woman walk away down the hall, Kwan Kew was convinced she could, and would, carve out her own destiny as a doctor. This memoir weaves in her family’s story of joy, sorrow, loss, love, and endless struggles with poverty and hunger. Kwan Kew will be in conversation with Effie Kong. Registration is required.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Thursday, December 16
7:30-8:30 p.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 studio equipment and software. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
DNA Testing & Genealogy (Main)
Friday, December 17
2-3 p.m.
Learn all about DNA testing, the pros and cons, how it can help with your genealogy research, and which products to use.
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All the best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries