Director's Update, April 2, 2023
4/2/2023 • 13 months ago
Dear Patrons,
The Library was delighted to host the Dream Big program in collaboration with the Cambridge Public Library Foundation on Wednesday, March 29, with David Bornstein, Deborah D. Douglas, and Amanda Ripley. The exciting and informative presentations by the distinguished panelists highlighted the importance of journalism and the essential role of journalism in upholding our democratic traditions.
April is National Poetry Month, and the Library will be welcoming the poet Sadie Dupuis, the author of Cry Perfume, who is also a guitarist, songwriter, and singer of the rock band Speedy Ortiz. Cry Perfume was written over a four-year period when Sadie was on tour, after losing loved ones and peers to overdoses. The slick coming together of pop, punk humor, electronic glitch and sampling, and the surprising leaps of improvisation influence the poems in this collection, but beyond music, these poems are informed by Sadie’s larger concerns about justice and organizing. Cry Perfume is a hopeful but realistic inventory of the virtues and evils that emerge when arts and tech collide. Registration is required.
We are pleased to offer the following programs this week.
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. Thank you to our Youth Services librarians for hosting.
Book Groups
Learn more about our Book Groups this week.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, April 3
10-10:20 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 0-12 months.
Come prepared to sit on the floor 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. Unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information. Thank you to our Youth Services librarians for hosting.
Wellness for Seniors: Zumba Gold® (Virtual)
Monday, April 3
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. Join us! Registration is required for each session.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Monday, April 3
3-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 4
1-2:30 p.m.
In this 90-minute class, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. You’ll cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Register here. These workshops are full; waitlists are available.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, April 3
4-4:45 p.m.
It's a weekly block party where you can 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 younger than 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, April 3
6-7 p.m.
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class 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, April 4, and Thursday, April 6
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 5, and Friday, April 7
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.
Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, April 4
2:30-3 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters as you work, get inspired, pick up skills, and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, and mend. Refreshments will be provided.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Tuesday, April 4, 3-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 5, 6-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 6, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, April 7, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 8, 11 a.m.-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.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, April 4
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Wednesday, April 5
1-2:30 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 at designated times. Note: The Epilog Zing laser cutter and Glowforge laser cutter require separate trainings. You must participate in the Glowforge workshop to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, April 5
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding a job? Join us for help with résumés, job hunting, and online applications. No registration is required. Learn more.
The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, April 5
4-5 p.m.
Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to learn about our space and try their hand at making stickers, recording videos in our studio, and more. This is a drop-in event for ages 12-18.
One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau)
Wednesday, April 5
4-4:45 p.m.
Would you like help navigating the library's e-resources like Libby or Hoopla? Or maybe you need some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Book a free one-on-one session at the Boudreau Branch. Some topics we cover include downloading library eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines to your tablet, smartphone, or laptop; navigating databases and other library resources such as Linkedin Learning; using the Internet, and e-mail; setting up devices like smartphones or streaming devices. Scheduled sessions run between 30 and 45 minutes. Please bring your device, cords, and any necessary account information. Library staff cannot be held responsible for damage to patrons’ equipment. If you have questions, please send them to ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Free Drop-In Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, April 5
5-6 p.m.
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Cambridge Public Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. Please contact Megan Andres (mandres@cpsd.us) with questions.
Wet Felting Workshop (O’Connell)
Wednesday, April 5
6-7:30 p.m.
Discover the basics of wet felting in this beginner-friendly workshop! After learning about different types of wool and the processes involved in working with this cozy fiber, you will create a small vessel or pouch using a resist (a stone or block), wool, hot water, soap, and embellishments. This workshop will give you the basic skills you need to continue pursuing this special art form on your own! All materials are supplied. Space is limited. Registration is required. Contact Ingrid, inowak@cambridgema.gov, or call 617-349-4019 if you have questions.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Thursday, April 6
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Would you like to make your own vinyl signs, stickers, or images to transfer to T-shirts and other textiles? In this workshop, you can learn how to use our Roland Camm-1 GS-24 vinyl cutter. You can then design a sticker and cut it with our vinyl cutter! Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop In (O'Connell)
Thursday, April 6
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters. Work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills, and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, cross stitch, and more. All crafts are welcome! Please call 617-349-4019 if you have questions.
Videography 101 (Main)
Thursday, April 6
2-3 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. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, April 6
2-3:30 p.m.
Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation.
Afternoon Games (O’Neill)
Thursday, April 6
3-5 p.m.
Join us to play your favorite board game or complete a puzzle! No registration is required.
Puppetry Studio (Main)
Thursday, April 6
3-5 p.m.
We will select a folktale to adapt for a tiny stage and perform our masterpiece for friends and family. This six-week puppetry workshop is for kids aged 7-10. No experience is necessary!
Thank you to Natalie Zylicz for hosting. This workshop is full.
Teen Room x The Hive (Main)
Friday, April 7
3:30-5 p.m.
Grab a friend for some creative exploration and play! Try your hand at sticker-making, 3D doodling, immersive VR, and more in the Teen Room. This is a drop-in event for ages 12-18.
Cambridge Young Authors' Squad (O'Neill)
Friday, April 7
4-5 p.m.
Young people ages 10-14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. There will be time for share-outs/workshopping, as well as group or solo writing. Snacks are provided! Registration is helpful but not required.
The Hive Safety Training (Main)
Saturday, April 8
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Are you interested in using The Hive? In this workshop you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, 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 The 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. Register here.
Sew a Squidget (O'Neill)
Saturday, April 8
2-3 p.m.
Come sew a "squidget" – a squishy fidget toy! This project is open to children and families who have some experience sewing by hand. Please call 617-349-4023 for more information.
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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries