Director's Update, April 23. 2023
4/23/2023 • 12 months ago
Dear Patrons,
Happy 2023 National Library Week!
Happy National Library Week! Each April since 1958, the American Library Association kicks off a week of celebration to support our nation’s libraries. Starting today, until Saturday, April 29, the Cambridge Public Library joins this nationwide celebration to highlight the essential role libraries play in the well-being and development of community members. The theme for National Library Week this year is “There’s More to the Story,” which highlights how libraries often offer a wide variety of services, programs, and resources that go beyond simply books. The CPL is often a home away from home for our patrons; it’s a place to work, dream, and learn, and we want everyone who comes in to feel welcome. Libraries offer a place of rest, public meeting spaces, space for personal, professional, and educational development, and programming, as well as a cultural spot for community engagement. The CPL is proud to serve the Cambridge community every day, and we’re thrilled to join this week of celebration.
Right to Read Day – Monday, April 24
On Monday, April 24, we’re kicking off National Library Week with Right to Read Day, a day for book lovers and library advocates to take action against the censorship attacks that are currently gripping the nation. Take the day to celebrate your right to read freely and keep an eye out on the American Library Association website, where the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2022 will be announced.
National Library Worker's Day – Tuesday, April 25
On Tuesday, April 25, the CPL will be celebrating National Library Workers Day, which recognizes the immense value of our library workers, from librarians to clerks, to assistants, to custodians, to administrators, and more. Without our excellent staff, we wouldn’t be able to provide the services, programs, and, frankly, the heart that the Library is so renowned for in our community and beyond. If you see a library worker on Tuesday (or any day!), be sure to say thanks for all they do!
24th Annual Youth Poetry Contest (K-8)
The CPL is excited to present our 24th Annual Youth Poetry Contest for K-8 students who live or attend school in Cambridge! Poems will be judged for content, creativity, and style. Winners will be notified in early May before prizes are awarded at a reading ceremony on Thursday, June 1, at 6 p.m. Submit your original poems by Saturday, April 29, either by email to Amanda Gazin at agazin@cambridgema.gov or by mail to: Poetry Contest, Cambridge Public Library, Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St., Cambridge, MA 02139. Poems in languages other than English are welcome but must include English translations. Thank you to all our collaborators and the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library for their support!
Pictured: Emma Henson, Alison Mortimer, Rachel Weinreb, Leah Malo
Thank you to all the interns who made up the Social Work team with Marie Mathieu, the Library’s Social Worker, this past school year! We appreciate your service for the Cambridge Public Library.
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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.
Book Groups
Learn more about our Book Groups this week.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, April 24
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.
Wellness for Seniors: Zumba Gold® (Virtual)
Monday, April 24
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.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, April 24, 1-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 25, 3-6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 26, 6-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 27, 2-6 p.m.
Saturday, April 29, 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.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, April 24
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 there’s no 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.
ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, April 24
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 25, and Thursday, April 27
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 26, and Friday, April 28
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.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, April 25
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.
Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, April 25
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.
Hive Pop-Up: Cricut Stickers (O'Neill)
Tuesday, April 25
3-4 p.m.
All ages are welcome to this Hive Pop-up. Learn how to use the Cricut smart cutting machine to design, print, and cut your own stickers!
Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Main)
Tuesday, April 25
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. The April meeting will be a special extended TAB meeting to judge the Teen Poetry Contest submissions. No registration is required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, April 25
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Tuesday, April 25
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Learn how to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials using the Glowforge Pro laser cutter. This two-hour workshop replaces the previous two-part Glowforge 101 offering; the content and length of this workshop and the two-part series are the same. You will start by using the camera on the Glowforge to focus and scan your own images, properly select materials for your project, and fabricate your first design. You will create digital artwork for the Glowforge and learn file formatting for production. Note: This is a badging course for laser cutting. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before participating in this program. Register here. These workshops are full; waitlists are available.
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 2 (Main)
Wednesday, April 26
10-11 a.m.
Join us in this 12-week Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 2 practice, which focuses on the mind- body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching tai chi classes for over 20 years. He has taught classes at five VA Boston Healthcare System locations and at senior centers. To join, you need to have completed Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 1. Due to the popularity of this series, we expect participants to attend all the classes. This event is held in person. Register here. These workshops are full. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Wednesday, April 26
10:15-11:15 a.m.
Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with the park ranger Tim Puopolo! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. The walk will meet in the courtyard of the Collins Branch (64 Aberdeen Ave.) and leave for the pond at 10:15 a.m. For more information, please contact Lucy at LFlamm@CambridgeMA.gov. Register here.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, April 26
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.
Videography 101 (Main)
Wednesday, April 26
1:30. -2:30 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.
Read to a Dog (O’Neill)
Wednesday, April 26
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 Wednesday April 26 by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023).
The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, April 26
3:30-5:30 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.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, April 26
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 Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. Just drop by! Please contact Megan Andres (mandres@cpsd.us) with questions.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Thursday, April 27
10:30-11:30 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 studio equipment and software. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop In (O'Connell)
Thursday, April 27
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.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, April 27
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 27
3-5 p.m.
Join us to play your favorite board game or complete a puzzle! No registration is required.
The Margret and H. A. Rey Curious George Lecture: Stuart Gibbs (Main)
Thursday, April 27
6:30-8 p.m.
Kids and families are invited to meet Stuart Gibbs, the author of bestselling middle-grade series like Spy School, FunJungle, and Charlie Thorne. He will talk about his work, answer questions, and sign books. Porter Square Books will have books available for sale.
This annual lecture is an initiative developed with the Cambridge Public Library, the Curious George Fund, and the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. The series aims to bring the community together to celebrate outstanding, engaging books for young readers. Registration is not required.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Thursday, April 27
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Sindoh 3D printers. In this workshop, 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 will need to complete The Hive Safety Training and create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Wellness for Seniors: Introduction to Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Friday, April 28
10-11 a.m.
Join us in this 12-week Introduction to Tai Chi Paradigm practice, which focuses on the mind- body connection. Tai chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. No previous experience is necessary. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching tai chi classes for over 20 years. He has taught at five VA Boston Healthcare System locations and at senior centers. Due to the popularity of this series, we expect participants to attend all the classes. This event is held in person. This workshop is full. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Drop-in Studio (Main)
Friday, April 28
1-4:30 p.m.
This is an opportunity to check out what The Hive is all about and get started exploring and making right away! Learn about our workshop offerings, special programs, and more. Equipment and studios will be available for limited time slots on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is not required. Staff will assist patrons as they are able. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a guardian 18 or older.
Teen Room x The Hive (Main)
Friday, April 28
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 28
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 29
9:30-10:30 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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Fair Housing for All (Main)
Saturday, April 29
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
አማርኛ (Amharic)
عربي (Arabic)
বাংলা (Bengali)
English
Kreyòl ayisyen (Haitian Creole)
Português (Portuguese)
简体中文 (Simplified Chinese)
Español (Spanish)
Join us for the City of Cambridge's Fair Housing for All event on Saturday, April 29, at the Main Library’s Community Room and Lecture Hall. Register only if you would like a reminder email. Register here.
From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., representatives from City departments, local organizations, and nonprofits will be available to answer questions and provide resources related to fair and affordable housing in Cambridge, including:
- Affordable housing programs
- Homelessness, eviction, and foreclosure prevention services
- Landlord-tenant mediation resources
- Legal resources
- Enforcement of housing discrimination laws
Additionally, two panels are available to the community in the Lecture Hall:
Panel #1 - Fair Housing
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Lecture Hall on L2
Panel #2 - Advocacy
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Location: Lecture Hall on L2
Questions? Please contact Phoebe, Project Coordinator, at PWest@CambridgeMA.gov or at 617-349-7225; or, Lucy, Librarian, at LFlamm@CambridgeMA.gov.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Saturday, April 29
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.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.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Saturday, April 29
12:30-3:30 p.m.
Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. Test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, April 29
1:30-3 p.m.
Fibers crafters of all skill levels are welcome to drop in for companionable crafting! Bring your project and enjoy tea, snacks, and conversation with other crafters. Chat, share tips, and even inspire others. No registration is required. Thank you to Kerri McQuown for coordinating.
Saturday Screens (O'Neill)
Saturday, April 29
3-4:45 p.m.
Join us on the last Saturday of the month for family movies! Snacks will be provided. The April film will be Wall-E (2008- Disney Pixar), rated G, running time 108 minutes.
Stay Connected
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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries