Director's Update, July 16, 2023
7/17/2023 • 9 months ago
Dear Patrons,
We hope you can join us next week at the Main Library for a conversation with Omer Aziz, a lawyer, writer, and former foreign policy advisor in the administration of the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, about his new memoir, Brown Boy, on Wednesday, July 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Register here.
Brown Boy, Aziz’s first book, follows his journey through his education in a tough neighborhood on the outskirts of Toronto to an academic career that took him to Queen’s University in Ontario, Sciences Po in Paris, Cambridge University in England, and Yale Law School. Aziz’s path is fraught with feelings of doubt and insecurity at being a brown-skinned boy in an elite white world. Aziz wrestles with the contradiction of feeling like an Other and his desire to belong to a Western world that never quite accepts him. Brown Boy grapples with the complexities of identity, race, and class.
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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.
Summer Reading: Library Sketch Crawl (Valente)
Sunday, July 16
1-5 p.m.
Get creative by taking part in a self-directed library sketch crawl. Choose from a limited supply of drawing and coloring materials at the service desk to sketch one or more of your favorite Library buildings alongside your neighbors.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, July 17
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, July 17
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.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, July 17, 1-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 18, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 20, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, July 21, 9 a.m.-4:40 p.m.
Saturday, July 22, 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.
Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Monday, July 17
2-3 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 (617-349-4019) or in person at the O'Connell Branch.
Summer Reading: After-Camp Hangout (O'Neill)
Monday, July 17
3-6 p.m.
Enjoy games, snacks, and a weekly rotating activity. Beat the heat or come to just hang out with friends! All youth and their families are welcome.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, July 17
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, July 17
6-7 p.m.
Join us for 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.
ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, July 18, and Thursday, July 20
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 19, and Friday, July 21
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.
Summer Reading: Cozy Up with a Good Book (Main)
Tuesday, July 18
1-5 p.m.
Too hot to do anything? Come to the air-conditioned Teen Room and read (or listen to) a good book! Bean bag chairs, snacks, and reading suggestions provided.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Tuesday, July 18
1:30-2:30 p.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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Summer Reading: BINGO at the Library (Main)
Tuesday, July 18
2-3 p.m.
Five squares in a row and BINGO! Join us for an afternoon of this fun, family game. This program is recommended for children ages 5+ and their caregivers.
Summer Reading: Chalk It Up! (O'Connell)
Tuesday, July 18
2-4 p.m.
Let’s decorate the O’Connell Reading Garden with colorful chalk art. For children of all ages and their grown-ups. (Rain date)
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, July 18
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.
Summer Reading: Paper Engineering (Collins)
Tuesday, July 18
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Each week, participants will take simple paper and cut, fold, and combine it into a new creation. A new activity will be featured in every session. Recommended for children ages 5-12 and their caregivers.
July 18 - Pop-Ups
July 25 - Paper Beads
August 1 - Optical Illusions
One-on-One Tech Help (Central Square)
Tuesday, July 18
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 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
- computer hardware and technical maintenance
If you have any questions, please contact syasuda@cambridgema.gov.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, July 18
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
Summer Reading: Pajama Story Time (O'Neill)
Tuesday, July 18
6:45-7:30 p.m.
Come to the library in your pajamas to listen to stories, read with your children, and enjoy a snack before bed! This program may be held indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather. Please call ahead to inquire at 617-349-4023. This program is recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Pajama Story Time is presented by the Cambridge Public Library and the Center for Families.
Summer Reading: Comic Book Workshop with LJ Baptiste (Main)
Wednesday, July 19
3-4 p.m.
We'll focus on the art of crafting original character-driven comics and cartoons while also studying the work of pros in graphic novels, newspaper comics, and manga! Recommended for ages 8-13.
Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, the Cambridge Public Library Foundation, the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library, the East Cambridge Savings Bank, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Summer Reading: Nintendo Switch in the Teen Room (Main)
Wednesday, July 19
3-5 p.m.
Come to the Teen Room and try out a bunch of different Switch games, from Animal Crossing to Mario Karto to the Legend of Zelda. Play on your own or with friends. Every other Wednesday in the Teen Room this summer.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Wednesday, July 19
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. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Brewery Book Club (Lamplighter)
Wednesday, July 19
7-8:30 p.m.
You’re invited to our July brewery book club, where Lamplighter and the Cambridge Public Library team up to highlight contemporary works from marginalized voices while having a beer.
This month, we’ll read How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creaturesby Sabrina Imbler. We’ll gather in the Lamplighter’s back taproom to discuss the book, what we learned from it, what we found ourselves touched by, and all other thoughts. Registration is required.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main Library)
Wednesday, July 19
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by the Main Library during 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
- computer hardware and technical maintenance
If you have any questions, please contact syasuda@cambridgema.gov.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)
Thursday, July 20
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.
Summer Reading: Scythe Teen Book Discussion (Main)
Thursday, July 20
2-3 p.m.
Join others to discuss the CRLS summer reading book, Scythe by Neal Shusterman. Get your free copy at the Main Library Teen Room. Pizza will be provided.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Thursday, July 20
2-3 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 the vinyl cutter! You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering. Registration is required.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Thursday, July 20
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.
Community Conversations: Cambridge Council on Aging (Collins)
Friday, July 21
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Learn more about resources in our community that support independence and well-being in this discussion with the Cambridge Council on Aging (COA). The department offers a variety of recreational classes (including fitness and art classes), monthly support and discussion groups, special events and guest speakers, trips in and around New England, technology support, and other opportunities that help enhance seniors’ lives. They also offer Medicare consultations and provide referrals to local agencies to support the health, wellness, and safety of seniors. This discussion will feature a brief overview of the programs offered followed by Q&A. Snacks will also be served. This will be an indoor event with air conditioning. Some seating is available.
Summer Reading: Wildlife Encounters with Mass Audubon (O’Connell)
Friday, July 21
3-3:45 p.m.
What better way to learn about wildlife than by observing them in person? Meet wildlife ambassadors and discover the amazing adaptations that help them survive in the wild. Ask questions and learn what you can do to protect the wildlife of Cambridge. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Summer Reading: The Hive Safety Training (Main)
Saturday, July 22
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Are you interested in using The Hive? In this workshop you will learn about our makerspace, how to utilize the 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.
Capoeira with Mestre Chuvisquinho (Joan Lorentz Park)
Saturday, July 22
11 a.m.-Noon
Capoeira is a unique Afro-Brazilian martial art developed initially by African slaves during the colonial period. Renowned for its fluidity, grace, and power, Capoeira combines elements of martial arts, dance, music, spirituality, and acrobatics. It develops strength, coordination, self-confidence, musical skills, flexibility, endurance, confidence, and self-awareness. Join us on Saturdays through August 5. No registration is required.
Isha Kriya - A Guided Meditation for Beginners (Main, Community Room)
Saturday, July 22
11 a.m.-Noon
In this one-hour session you will learn Isha Kriya, a simple 12-18-minute practice, to help you to become meditative effortlessly. Designed by Sadhguru, a self-realized yogi and the foremost authority in the field of yoga. Isha Kriya sessions will be conducted by a trained instructor, after which ongoing online support will be available. Sustain your health and happiness - MEDITATE! Daily practice of Isha Kriya offers:
1. Enhanced clarity
2. Improved health
3. Heightened focus and energy
4. Greater prosperity and a state of peacefulness and joy
Registration is required.
Crafting Corner (O’Neill)
Saturday, July 22
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 and snacks as you chat, share tips, and even inspire others. No registration is required.
Summer Reading: Fun with Bubbles (O'Neill)
Saturday, July 22
2-3:30 p.m.
Join us outdoors to explore and learn with bubbles! We will blow bubbles of all sizes, make bubble wands, and play bubble games! For children of all ages and their grown-ups.
Summer Sundays Party (Valente)
Sunday, July 23
2-4 p.m.
Come see what Sundays in the summer have to offer at the Valente Branch. We'll have activities on hand, information about our Summer Reading program for all ages, and free ice cream!
Stay Connected
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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries