Director's Update, April 9, 2023
4/9/2023 • 12 months ago
Dear Patrons,
Happy Spring! To celebrate National Poetry Month, the Library is pleased to host Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz/Sad13) on Thursday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m. Dupuis will be presenting her latest brilliant collection, Cry Perfume, published by the award-winning local independent publisher, Black Ocean. The slick performativity of pop, punk humor, electronic glitch and sampling, and the surprising leaps of improvisation influence the poems of Cry Perfume, but beyond music, they are informed by Dupuis’s larger concerns about justice and organizing. Dupuis is the guitarist, songwriter, and singer of Speedy Ortiz, as well as the producer and multi-instrumentalist behind Sad13. She holds an MFA in Poetry from UMass Amherst, where she also taught writing, and contributes to Spin, Tape Op and more. Dupuis also heads the record label Wax Nine, edits its poetry journal, and is an organizer with the Union of Musicians & Allied Workers. Registration is required.
On Saturday, April 22, at 2 p.m., the Library will welcome five acclaimed poets: Toni Bee, the former poet populist and poetry ambassador of Cambridge and author of the recently released book, 22 Again; Eileen Cleary, the author of Child Ward of the Commonwealth (Main Street Rag Press, 2019), which received an Honorable Mention for the Sheila Margaret Motton Book Prize, and 2 a.m. with Keats (Nixes Mate Books, 2021); Deborah Leipziger, the author of the chapbook Flower Map (Finishing Line Press, 2013) and the poetry collection Story & Bone (Lily Poetry Review, 2023); Michael McInnis, the founder of the Primal Plunge, Boston’s only bookstore dedicated to 'zine and underground culture and small press literature; and Lloyd Schwartz, the poet laureate of Somerville and the author of several books of poetry, including Who’s on First?: New and Selected Poems (University of Chicago Press, 2021); Little Kisses (University of Chicago Press, 2017); Cairo Traffic (University of Chicago Press, 2000); Goodnight, Gracie (University of Chicago Press, 1992), and These People (Wesleyan University Press, 1981). He is also the editor of two volumes of collected works by Elizabeth Bishop: Elizabeth Bishop: Poems, Prose, and Letters (Library of America, 2008), co-edited with Robert Giroux. Registration is required.
I am pleased that the Library is resuming its collaboration with Grow Native Massachusetts to host a talk in the popular Evening with Experts Series. On April 12, at 7 p.m., Rebecca McMackin, the director of horticulture at Brooklyn Bridge Park and a Loeb Fellow at Harvard, will give a talk, “The Language of Flowers: Understanding Pollination Ecology.” From bees to butterflies to birds and bats, pollinator partners shaped the evolution of flowers, giving us so much of the beauty we appreciate today. Join us to learn more about this exciting dynamic. Registration is required.
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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. Thank you to our Youth Services librarians for hosting.
Book Groups
Learn more about our Book Groups this week.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, April 10
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 10
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 10, 1-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 11, 3-6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 12, 6-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 13, 2-6 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 10
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.
Seed Swap (Collins)
Monday, April 10
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Bring all the extra, leftover garden seeds you don't think you'll get to this year! We will have envelopes and pens to help keep them straight. Don't have any seeds? Just come anyway! We will have extras, and you can swap garden stories.
Fall ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, April 10
6-7 p.m.
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class that 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, April 11, and Thursday, April 13
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 12, and Friday, April 14
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 11
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 11
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.
Spring Bird Watching Walk at Mount Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
Tuesday, April 11
3-4 p.m.
Join us y for a springtime walk at the renowned birdwatching spot in our own backyard, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with the spring migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted throughout the year! A limited number of binoculars will be available. The walk will meet at the courtyard of the Collins Branch (64 Aberdeen Ave.) at 3:00 p.m. and head over to the cemetery together. For more information, contact Michael Roberson at mroberson@cambridgema.gov or call the Collins Branch at 617-349-4021. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, April 11
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Tuesday, April 11
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 13
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 for Tuesday’s session, and register here for Thursday’s session. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 2 (Main)
Wednesday, April 12
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 is an in-person event; register here. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, April 12
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.
Serger 101 (Main)
Wednesday, April 12
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Are you an intermediate or advanced sewer? This workshop will cover serger machine setup, threading a serger, and identifying correct tension settings with different types of fabric. You will learn about ways to use our Elna Extend 864 Air serger to take your sewing skills to the next level by producing special finishing styles, hemming, and trimming and assembling your garments. This workshop is designed for patrons who have prior experience using a sewing machine. If you are new to machine sewing, we recommend you take our Sewing 101 workshop before using our serger. Registration required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Wake Up Your Senses (O'Neill)
Wednesday, April 12
3-4 p.m.
Kids in grades 3-5 can come to the Library to destress and decompress by waking up their senses! Make a stress ball, a rain stick, or explore other sensory activities. For more information, contact the O'Neill Branch at 617-349-4023.
The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, April 12
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 12
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. Please contact Megan Andres (mandres@cpsd.us) with questions.
MCBA Chat (O'Connell / Virtual)
Wednesday, April 12
6:30-7 p.m.
Come talk about this year's Massachusetts Children's Book Award nominees before the final votes are in! Tell us about your favorites and what you think should win! For ages 8-14.
Registration required.
Grow Native Presents: The Language of Flowers: Understanding Pollination Ecology
Wednesday, April 12
7-8:30 p.m.
The vast majority of plants rely on pollinators to reproduce. From bees to butterflies, to birds and bats, these pollinator partners shaped the evolution of flowers, giving us so much of the beauty we appreciate today. However, these exciting dynamics, in which a flower’s pollen is carried to a stigma, are fraught with trickery, bribery, thievery, and wild sexual acrobatics. Join Rebecca McMackin, a horticulturist, garden designer, and 2023 Harvard Loeb Fellow, to learn the essentials of pollination ecology. Why do plants have flowers? How did they evolve? Why are they so pretty and smell so good to us, nonpollinating primates? By the end of the lecture, you will be able to “read” flowers and come to know the true desires of the organisms you cultivate. Registration is required.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Thursday, April 13
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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop In (O'Connell)
Thursday, April 13
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.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, April 13
2-3:30 p.m.
Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation.
Read to a Dog (Boudreau)
Thursday, April 13
3-4 p.m.
Read with Ana the Therapy Dog! Therapy dogs provide warm and supportivereading 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 by phone or in person at the Boudreau Branch (617-349-4017).
Upper School Brain Break - Cuddle a Therapy Dog (O'Neill)
Thursday, April 13
3-4 p.m.
Decompress after the MCAS with a cuddly friend! A trained therapy dog will be available for upper schoolers (grades 6-8) after school hours. Registration for each 10-minute time slot begins at 3 p.m. in person at the O'Neill Branch.
Afternoon Games (O’Neill)
Thursday, April 13
3-5 p.m.
Join us to play your favorite board game or complete a puzzle! No registration is required.
Tarot Readings for Teens (Main)
Thursday, April 13
3-5 p.m.
Tarot tells the story of your life in pictures and is known as a mirror to the soul. Join the healer, artist, and educator Laura Campagna of Laura Campagna Astrology for drop-in tarot readings. This program is for teens ages 12-18.
Wellness for Seniors: Introduction to Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Friday, April 14
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 classes 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 is an in-person event; register here. This workshop is full.
Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation
Drop-in Studio (Main)
Friday, April 14
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.
The Hive Safety Training (Main)
Saturday, April 15
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.
Videography 101 (Main)
Saturday, April 15
11:30 a.m.-12:30 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.
Creative Build (O'Neill)
Saturday, April 15
2-4 p.m.
Join in on creative building fun with K'Nex and Gears! All building materials are supplied by the Library. Please note that some building pieces are choking hazards for young children. For children ages 5 and up and their caregivers.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Saturday, April 15
2:30-4 p.m.
In this 90-minute class, you will learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. You will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We will also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we will 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.
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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries