Director's Update, December 18, 2022
12/18/2022 • 16 months ago
Dear Patrons,
Congratulations to the graduating class of Tech Goes Home! This class is taught by CPL librarians. Students in this 10-week foundational tech literacy class present on their learning and receive a laptop and hotspot upon class completion. This class is an important part of our digital equity work. See photo above.
ESOL classes and the Résumé and Job Application Support class at the Central Square Branch will not be held during the weeks of December 19 and December 26. Classes will resume on January 3, 2023. ESOL at the Valente Branch will still be held on December 19.
All Library locations will be closed from Friday, December 23, through Monday, December 26. I wish you peace, happiness, and health this holiday season.
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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 1910-10:20 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 19
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.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, December 19, 1:30-4 p.m.
Thursday, December 22, 1-8:30 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.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, December 19
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 19
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.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design
Tuesday, December 20
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.
Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Main)
Tuesday, December 20
4-5 p.m.
Teens! Help us plan teen programming at the Library! Earn community service hours! Enjoy free snacks! We meet monthly during the school year. No registration required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting, Pt.1 (Main)
Tuesday, December 20, and Wednesday, December 21
6-7 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 before participating in this program. Registration is required. View The Hive's workshop schedule here.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, December 20
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
Scrabble Hour (Collins)
Wednesday, November 30
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Use your B-R-A-I-N (7 points) for a game of Scrabble! Bring a friend or get to know new neighbors. Boards will be provided. Players of all levels are welcome. Registration is not required, but you are welcome to register if you would like a reminder before the event. Call 617-349-4021 with any questions.
Winter Solstice Social (Collins)
Wednesday, December 21
4-6 p.m.
Join us to celebrate the changing of the seasons at the Collins Branch! You will meet new neighbors, participate in activities, and enjoy refreshments. We’ll be making greeting cards for love ones or neighbors at 4 p.m., and at 5 p.m., we’ll have social hour with treats and a discussion of favorite books and memories of the past year. For more information, contact the Collins Branch at 617-349-4021. All ages are welcome!
After-School Stories and Crafts (Central Square)
Wednesday, December 214-5 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.
Winter Solstice Celebration (O'Neill)
Wednesday, December 21
4-5 p.m.
Join us for a seasonal story time, an illuminating craft and a cozy winter treat to celebrate the shortest day of the year and the beginning of the winter season.
Music on the Mezzanine: Solstice Celebration with Leo Balkovetz and Laura Thomas (Main)
Wednesday, December 21
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us for a solstice celebration on the Mezzanine of the Main Library featuring performances by Leo Balkovetz (tenor) a performer of operatic, choral, and chamber music, and Laura Thomas a Boston-based soprano specializing in early and sacred music. Learn more.
Paper Cutting Workshop (Boudreau)
Wednesday, December 21
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.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In Thursdays (O'Connell)
Thursday, December 22
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.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Thursday, December 221:30-8 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.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, December 22
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!
Photo-Scanning party (Boudreau)
Thursday, December 22
4-5 p.m.
It’s time to scan all those photos that have been collecting dust in the basement, closet, and attic. Invite friends, bring your photo albums, and even something to eat and drink: it’s a party! As you share your memories, we will help you digitize your photographs (and documents too). This way you can preserve them or share them online or even get them reprinted. You will have the peace of mind that those memories and moments won’t disappear. To participate, you will need photos and a USB drive (4GB or more recommended) or any hard drive. For more information, contact Ivan at ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov.
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All the best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries