Director's Update, June 11, 2023
6/11/2023 • 11 months ago
Dear Patrons,
On Sunday, June 11, at 2 p.m. in the Joan Lorentz Park, join our annual commemoration of the Supreme Court decision making interracial marriages legal in all states. The program will include games, music, food and lots of family entertainment. It’s sponsored by the City of Cambridge Citizens' Committee on Civic Unity, the Mayor's office, the City Manager's office, and the Cambridge Public Library.
The Friends of the Cambridge Public Library invite you to a used book sale benefitting the Cambridge Public Library! We have 3,000+ used children's (fiction and non-fiction), Young Adult, and adult fiction books donated by the public. The sale will be on Saturday, June 17 from 11am-5pm and Sunday, June 18, from 12-4p.m. at 31 Brattle Street (former location of the Brattle Square Florist). There is a Friends-only preview sale on Saturday 10-11a.m.and you can become a Friend of the Library at the door for $20. Children's books starting at $1, Adult books are $2-3. All proceeds benefit the Cambridge Public Library. More details on the book sale:http://www.cambridgepubliclibraryfriends.org/used-book-sale
All Library locations will be closed on Friday, June 16 for Staff Development Day, and Monday, June 19 for Juneteenth.
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Here are the week’s programs:
Activities for Kids
This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations.
Sing-Alongs
Story Times
Book Groups
Learn more about our Book Groups.
Baby Lapsit (Main)Monday, June 12
10-10:20 a.m.
Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time 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: Low-Impact Fitness (Virtual)
Monday, June 12 (Virtual)
11-11:45 a.m.
This class is designed for people 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 mind and body! A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. Registration for each session is required.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Monday, June 12
3-4:30 p.m. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Wednesday, June 14
2:30-4 p.m. This workshop is fully booked.
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. Register here.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, June 12
4-4:45 p.m.
It’s a weekly block party! Bring 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.
ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, June 12
6-7 p.m.
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)! This class will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, June 12
6-7:30 p.m.
Come join us for a chess challenge. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. This is not an instructional class, but a gathering for individuals who want to play and test their skills against other members of the community. There's no need to register -- simply drop by and challenge yourself to improve your mastery of this classic game!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4017 or via email: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov.
ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, June 13, and Thursday, June 15
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 14, and Friday, June 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.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Tuesday, June 13
1-3 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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Creative Aging: Storytelling: Planting Seeds, Growing Community (Main)
Tuesday, June 13
2-4 p.m.
This series of classes, A Garden of Stories, is community-based storytelling, in which older adults learn how to tell personal stories through sharing and connecting with their community. The eight-week course will occur every Tuesday, 2-4 p.m., through June 27 and will be held in person. Space is limited to 15 participants. Register here. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, June 13
2:30-3:30 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, June 13, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 14, 6-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 15, 2-8:30 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.
One-on-One Tech Help (Central Square)
Tuesday, June 13
5-8 p.m.
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by the Central Square Branch for our drop-in hours! A laptop will be available for use during the session. We can help you with:
- Setting up e-mail accounts and learning how to use e-mail
- Searching for resources online
- Smartphone and mobile app questions
- Accessing library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, June 13
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
Navigating Solo: Planning Tools for Aging Well | Session 4: Assessing and Enhancing Your Support System (Virtual)
Tuesday, June 13
6:30-7:45 p.m.
Navigating Solo: Planning Tools for Aging Well meets every other Tuesday from May 2 through June 27 at 6:30 p.m. You must register for each virtual session. A Zoom link will be sent to all participants 1 hour before the event. In partnership with Cambridge Neighbors and facilitated by Ailene Gerhardt. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Ailene Gerhardt, a Board-Certified Patient Advocate at Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, will explore the unique considerations and planning needs of solo agers ( adults who, because of choice or circumstance, are without the family support structure of adult children or close family members). Ailene will review specific needs related to health care, community, and programs and resources available to support solo agers. Learn more about her work with solo agers: https://www.beaconpatientsolutions.com/solos. Cambridge Neighbors (www.cambridgeneighbors.org) is a membership-based nonprofit that provides a variety of supports, both practical and social, to older adults in Arlington, Belmont, Cambridge, Somerville, and Watertown who wish to remain safely and independently in their homes and communities as they age for as long as possible.
To register for:
- Session 4: June 13: Assessing and Enhancing Your Support System, please click here.
- Session 5: June 27: Bringing It All Together & Developing an Organized Solo Aging Plan, please click here.
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 2 (Main)
Wednesday, June 14
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. Participants must have completed Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 1. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi for over 20 years. He has taught at five VA Boston Healthcare System locations and at senior centers. This event is held in person. Register here. This workshop is full.
Get Creative! Series: Acrylic Painting Workshop (Main)
Wednesday, June 14
2-4 p.m.
Learn how to create beautiful and colorful acrylic paintings with the professional printmaker and painter Brooke Lambert! In this class you will be introduced to painting with acrylic, including techniques in color mixing, observational painting, and composition. At your own pace, you will learn how to paint still lifes using acrylic paint in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This class will cover wet on wet and wet and dry brush techniques, sgraffito/combing, overlays/glazing, gel mediums, pattern making, and masking. You will come away from this class with beautiful paintings of your own and a greater understanding and appreciation for the medium of acrylic painting. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Family Pride Concert with Carrie Ferguson (Collins)
Wednesday, June 14
3:30-4:15 p.m.
The singer Carrie Ferguson presents a family concert for Pride Month, offering families welcoming and inclusive messages about accepting feelings, celebrating differences. and loving themselves exactly as they are. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers.
Pride Flag Art Workshop for Children and Families (Central Square)
Wednesday, June 14
4-5 p.m.
Join the local artist and activist Noah Stang-Osborne in a creative workshop that uses storytelling and art to explore the meaning, history, and significance of the Pride flag. Recommended for ages 5-11 and their caregivers.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Wednesday, June 14
1-2:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 17
2:30-4 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 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. These workshops are full; waitlists are available.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, June 14
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.
Creative Build (O'Neill)
Wednesday, June 14
2-4 p.m.
Join 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.
The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, June 14
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.
Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, June 14
4-5 p.m.
Read with Bowie the Therapy Dog from Pets & People! Therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers of all ages. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required. Sign up by phone or in person at the O'Connell Branch (617-349-4019). Thank you to Christy Meisler for coordinating.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, June 14
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 any questions.
Sewing Circle (Main)
Wednesday, June 14
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Continue building your machine-sewing skills and receive support as you work on your own projects with our Library sewing community. Participants must register but may drop in at any time. This program is designed for patrons who know how to use our Janome sewing machines. Registration is required.
Urban Cycling Basics (Boudreau)
Wednesday, June 14
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join the Cambridge Community Development Department for a cycling workshop. You will learn about traffic safety, preparing your bike for riding in an urban environment, and biking signals and timing. Please contact the Boudreau Branch at 617-349-4017 with questions. Registration is helpful but not required.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Thursday, June 15
10-11 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 the vinyl cutter! You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering. Registration is required.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main)
Thursday, June 15
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by the Main Library for our drop-in hours! Sessions will be limited to 30 minutes for each patron. A laptop will be available for use during the session. We can help you with:
- accessing library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources on your devices
- e-mail and searching the Web
- smartphone and mobile app questions
We are not able to help you with:
- installing advanced software programs
- completing online transactions for you
- computer hardware and technical maintenance
If you have any questions, please contact syasuda@cambridgema.gov.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O'Connell)
Thursday, June 15
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: The Sequel (Main)
Thursday, June 15
2:35-3:35 p.m.
Join us for four additional weeks of Puzzle Party! Back by popular demand, the party will continue in the Learning Lab for four sessions in June. Come one, come all!
Crafting for Pride (O'Neill)
Thursday, June 15
3-4:30 p.m.
Celebrate Pride month with wearable crafts at the Library! We will make buttons, bracelets, and lanyards with messages of Pride and allyship.
Afternoon Games (O’Neill)
Thursday, June 15
3-5 p.m.
Join us to play your favorite board game or complete a puzzle! We are now offering outdoor games too, including hula hoops, cornhole, ring toss, and an assortment of sports balls. No registration is required.
Yoga Nidra (Main)
Thursday, June 15
6:30-8 p.m.
Join us for Yoga Nidra, deep relaxation for stress relief. Suitable for all levels, no yoga or meditation experience required. Please bring a yoga mat, wear comfortable clothes, and bring any props that will make you comfortable while lying on the floor – a blanket, bolster, eye pillow, etc. Registration required.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Thursday, June 15
7-8 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. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Saturday, June 17
9:30-11:30 a.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.
Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, June 17
1:30-3 p.m.
Fiber 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.
Cambridge Youth Gamelan Orchestra (Main)
Saturday, June 17
3-4:30 p.m.
Join the Cambridge Youth Gamelan as we celebrate the end of our fifth season! In this performance, you will hear traditional Balinese music performed on the gamelan gong kebyar, one of the most popular ensembles in Bali. You will learn how the music is arranged in complex rhythmic and melodic layers and how the musicians learn to play. At the end of the performance, audience members will be invited onstage to try out the instruments and learn a short piece of music together. Cosponsored by the Library.
Gary Victor: Literature, Engagement, and Citizenship (Main)
Sunday, June 18
2-4 p.m.
This event will introduce the larger Haitian community of Cambridge and Somerville to Gary Victor, who will discuss the role of literature and citizenship in Haiti's current political turmoil. Victor is a well-known Haitian writer, playwright, and scriptwriter for television and radio. His radio sketches and the uncompromising tone of his television series on the manners of the Haitian bourgeoisie provoke controversy and discussion. The event will be moderated by the poet and literary and social critic Dr. Patrick Sylvain. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.