Director's Update, July 9, 2023
7/10/2023 • 10 months ago
Dear Patrons,
I’m back from attending the American Library Association conference in Chicago. A lot of the focus at the annual conference was on intellectual freedom challenges. ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF) reported over 1,200 challenges in the past year. One of my favorite quotes at the Right to Read Rally was by Emily Knox, who encouraged those who are challenging patrons’ rights to read to go ahead and read a banned book from among the 850+ titles being censored. She assured challengers that they will find at least one that they will enjoy reading. Deborah Caldwell Stone from the OIF summed up that the “suppression of ideas is a threat to democracy.” For more information, please see United Against Book Bans and The Freedom to Read Statement, which was authored by the American Library Association and Association of American Publishers seventy years ago.
The Library is pleased to offer the programs below for the week that begins on July 9.
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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, July 10
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 10
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.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, July 10
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 10
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 11, and Thursday, July 13
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 12, and Friday, July 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.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, July 10, 1-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 11, 3-6 p.m.
Thursday, July 13, 3-6 p.m.
Friday, July 14, 1-4:30 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.
Summer Reading: Chalk it Up! (O'Connell)
Monday, July 10
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.
Summer Reading: After Camp Hangout (O'Neill)
Monday, July 10
3-6 p.m.
Visit the O’Neill Branch Library to enjoy games, snacks and a weekly rotating activity. Beat the heat or come to just hang with friends! All youth and their families are welcome.
Summer Reading: Scavenger Hunt (Boudreau)
Monday, July 10
3-3:45 p.m.
Boudreau’s scavenger hunt is back for another summer! Join us at Raymond Park as we experience nature and search for items on our list. No registration is required for this event – simply meet us at Raymond Park by the bulletin board to get started!
Summer Reading: Books on the Big Screen (Main)
Monday, July 10
4-6 p.m.
Lights! Camera! Action! We'll provide the book-inspired movie and the snacks; you bring yourself and your friends for a movie afternoon at the library! For ages 12-18.
Summer Reading: Evening Story Time (Valente)
Monday, July 10
5:30-5:55 p.m.
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for a special evening storytime event. This program will run for 25-30 minutes with songs, stories, and rhymes. This program will be held in the Community Room of the Valente Branch Library. Please call 617-349-4015 for more information.
Summer Reading: Library Sketch Crawl (Boudreau)
Monday, July 10
6:30-7:30 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.
Monday, July 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Boudreau Branch
Tuesday, July 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Collins Branch
Wednesday, July 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Central Square Branch
Thursday, July 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: O'Connell Branch
Friday, July 14, 3-4 p.m.: O’Neill Branch
Saturday, July 15, 10:30-11:30 p.m.: Main Library
Sunday, July 16, 1-5 p.m.: Valente Library
You can also participate in Library sketching at any time throughout Cambridge Public Library’s Summer Reading program using your own supplies. Each Library location sketch you complete can be used for individual entries into our Porter Square Book Store gift card drawing—sketch all seven locations for seven entries! Submit a sketch in an Adventure Entry Submission Form at a service desk or online.
Serger 101(Main)
Tuesday, July 11
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 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.
Summer Reading: Dragon Day (O'Connell)
Tuesday, July 11
2-4 p.m.
Whether you're a fan of Dragon Masters or Wings of Fire, we will have dragon trivia, riddles, games, art, and discussion.
Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, July 11
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.
One-on-One Tech Help (Central Square)
Tuesday, July 11
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 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 for you
- computer hardware and technical maintenance
If you have any questions, please contact syasuda@cambridgema.gov.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, July 11
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.
Summer Reading: Family STEAM Night (O'Neill)
Tuesday, July 11
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Families with elementary school age children join us for hands-on activities focused on Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering and Math. Adults and children will learn and play together! The theme for the July program is WIND. This program may be held indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather. Please call ahead to inquire 617-349-4023.
Summer Reading: Beachy Crafts and Experiments! (Central Square)
Wednesday, July 12
11 a.m.-Noon
Get the summer vibes rolling with some fun crafts and experiments using sand, water, and other beachy things! This will be held outdoors in the Franklin Street Plaza. This event may be rescheduled if the weather is bad. Recommended for school-aged kids.
Summer Reading: STEAM Afternoons in the Teen Room
Wednesday, July 12
3-5 p.m.
Try out a STEAM Kit, make your own buttons or express your creativity with a 3D pen. Every other Wednesday this summer in the Teen Room from 3-5 p.m.
Sewing Circle (Main)
Wednesday, July 12
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.
Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Wednesday, July 12
4:30-5 p.m.
Thursday, July 13
2-2:30 p.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.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Wednesday, July 12
6:30-8 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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main)
Thursday, July 13
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
- computer hardware and technical maintenance
If you have any questions, please contact syasuda@cambridgema.gov.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)
Thursday, July 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.
socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, cross stitch.
Summer Reading: Talewise Presents Science Heroes: Saving Earth Together (Boudreau)
Thursday, July 13
3-3:45 p.m.
In this action-packed story, two unlikely heroes work together to save their town (and the planet) from a super-polluting mastermind! Throughout the adventure, volunteers will help the performer conduct several exciting science experiments that bring this story to life! Together we’ll explore Newton’s Laws of Motion, air pressure, chemical reactions and more! Recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers.
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: Prismatic Magic Lasermania (Main)
Thursday, July 13
6-7 p.m.
A musical laser light show celebration. Recommended for children ages 3 and up and their caregivers.
3D Printing: Game Piece Design (Main)
Thursday July 13
6:30-8 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, July 14
9:30-10:30 a.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 for this workshop. Registration is required.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Saturday, July 15
9:30-10:30 a.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.
Summer Reading: Wildlife Encounters with Mass Audubon (O'Neill)
Friday, July 14
2-2:45 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. This program may be held indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather. Please call ahead to inquire 617-349-4023.
Capoeira with Mestre Chuvisquinho (Main/Joan Lorentz Park)
Saturday, July 15
11 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
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 July 8 through August 5 for Capoeira with Mestre Chuvisquinho.
Summer Reading: Toe Jam Puppet Band (Central Square and Valente)
Saturday, July 15
11-11:45 a.m. (Central Square)
Saturday, July 15
2-2:45 p.m. (Valente)
Join the toe-tapping, finger-snapping fun of the Toe Jam Puppet Band, with lots of singing, dancing, and laughter! Performances are interactive, encouraging audience members to sing and dance along with the band. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Saturday, July 15
11:30 a.m.-12:30 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.
Crafting Corner (O’Neill)
Saturday, July 15
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.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Saturday, July 15
2:30-4:30 p.m.
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll 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