Director's Update, June 18, 2023
6/20/2023 • 11 months ago
Dear Patrons,
It’s been a busy June at the Library! Last Saturday, a City sign dedicated to the Library champion Janet Axelrod was unveiled at a beautiful ceremony in the Lorentz Park outside the Main Library. Friends, family, and community peers gathered for the event, which included remarks from the Axelrod family as well as City Councillor Patty Nolan. Thank you to the Cambridge Public Library Foundation for supporting a reception in the Learning Lab afterward!
I also want to wish a warm congratulations to Library Board of Trustees Chair Kaija Langley on the release of her new novel-in-verse, The Order of Things.
(In the photograph: Tim Plenk, Janet's husband at the lectern.)
2023 Summer Reading Adventure at the Cambridge Public Library, June 26-August 25!
Starting on June 26, the Library invites everyone to pick up an Adventure Guide and adventure together for our annual summer reading program! Readers of all ages and abilities can participate by
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Tuesday, June 20
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 registering for this program. View The Hive's workshop schedule here.
One-on-One Tech Help (Central Square)
Tuesday, June 21
5-8 p.m.
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want 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
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.
Celebrating Juneteenth through the Arts
Tuesday, June 20
6-8 p.m.
Join us for an exciting commemoration of Juneteenth with music, theater, and poetry featuring the actress Alexandria Danielle King; the historian and artist David Barkley, aka Ebony Three Arrows; the singers and songwriters Alana Womack and Pelaiah Auset; the poet and performer Denise Washington; the African master drummer Nko Fallou; and the cellist Joshua Leak. Registration is required. This program is sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Tuesday, June 20
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 24
2:30-4:30 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.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, June 21
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 2 (Main)
Wednesday, June 21
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.
Serger 101 (Main)
Wednesday, June 21
1-2 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 fabrics. 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 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 is required.This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, June 21
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.
Get Creative! Series: Embroidery
Wednesday, June 21
2-3:30 p.m.
It's the first day of summer. Come and embroider with us! All skill levels are welcome. Materials will be provided; you are also welcome to bring your own. Registration is required. This workshop is full, a waitlist is available.
Pride Flag Art Workshop for Children and Families (Boudreau)
Wednesday, June 21
3-4 p.m.
Join the local artist and activist Noah Stang-Osborne in a creative workshop for children and families that uses storytelling and art to explore the meaning, history, and significance of the pride flag. For children ages 5-11 and their caregivers.
The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, June 21
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.
One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau)
Wednesday, June 21
4-4:45 p.m.
Would you like help navigating the Library's e-resources, such as Libby or Hoopla? Or maybe you need some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Book a free one-on-one session. Some topics we cover are downloading Library eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines to your tablet, smartphone, or laptop; navigating databases and other resources such as LinkedIn Learning; using the Internet and e-mail; and 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.
Family Pride Concert with Carrie Ferguson (O'Connell)
Wednesday, June 21
4-5 p.m.
The singer Carrie Ferguson presents a family concert for Pride Month, offering children and families welcoming and inclusive messages about accepting feelings, celebrating differences, and loving themselves exactly as they are.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, June 21
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 21
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.
Ilyon Woo Presents Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey From Slavery to Freedom with Dr. Myisha Eatmon
Wednesday, June 21
6-7:30 p.m.
Join the New York Times best-selling author Ilyon Woo for a discussion of her new book, Master Slave Husband Wife.
In 1848, a year of international democratic revolt, a young, enslaved couple, Ellen and William Craft, achieved one of the boldest feats of self-emancipation in American history. Master Slave Husband Wife is the true story of the Crafts’ long journey to freedom, as they traveled another 1,000 miles on the abolitionist lecture circuit; escaped slave hunters, following the passage of an infamous new Fugitive Slave Law; and were forced to flee again, this time from the United States. Ilyon Woo is the author of Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey From Slavery to Freedom, and The Great Divorce: A Nineteenth-Century Mother’s Extraordinary Fight Against Her Husband, the Shakers, and Her Times. She has written for the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, and Time Magazine, and has received support from the Whiting Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities, among others.
Dr. Myisha S. Eatmon is an assistant professor in African and African American Studies and History at Harvard University. Registration is required. This program is sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main)
Thursday, June 22
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 during 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 22
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 22
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!
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Thursday, June 22
10-11 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. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering. Registration is required.
Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Thursday, June 22
3-3:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 24
9:30-10:30 a.m.
In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent out an hour before the workshop starts. Before taking workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
Afternoon Games (O’Neill)
Thursday, June 22
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.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Thursday, June 22
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.
Videography 101 (Main)
Friday, June 23
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, June 24
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.
MOVE DOWN
Drop-in Studio (The Hive)
Friday, June 23
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 aged 18 or older.
Wellness for Seniors: Introduction to Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Friday, June 23
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 for more than 20 years. He has taught classes at five VA Boston Healthcare System locations and at senior centers. This event is held in person. Due to the popularity of this series, we expect participants to attend all the classes. Register here. This class is full. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Jazz in Conversation with Poetry: The Joel Larue Smith Trio with poet Patrick Sylvain (Main/Joan Lorentz Park)
Saturday, June 24
1-3 p.m.
Join the Joel Larue Smith trio in a musical conversation with the poet Patrick Sylvain at Joan Lorentz Park!
Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, June 24
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.
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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries