Director's Update for July 30, 2023
7/30/2023 • 9 months ago
Dear Patrons,
Happy summer! On August 10, from 6-7:30 p.m. we are hosting Jenny Odell, the author of the New York Times bestsellerHow to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy (Penguin-Random House, 2022) for a discussion of her latest book, the New York Times bestseller Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock (Penguin-Random House, 2023). This event is sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Registration is required.
Have you participated in our Summer Reading program yet? Readers of all ages and abilities can participate by reading and completing activities throughout the summer. Participants who share their reading and activity progress with the Library will be entered into drawings for gift cards from Porter Square Books. First-time submissions receive a free Cambridge Public Library journal while supplies last. Learn more here! Please pick up an Adventure Guide and adventure together for our annual summer reading program!
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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. Thank you to our Youth Services librarians for hosting.
Sing-Alongs
Story Times
Book Groups
Learn more about our Book Groups.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, July 31
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 31
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.
Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Monday, July 31
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Tim Puopolo! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. The walk will meet in the courtyard of the Collins Branch (64 Aberdeen Ave.) and leave together towards the pond at 10:15 am. Registration is required. For more information or with any questions, please contact Lucy at LFlamm@CambridgeMA.gov.
Summer Reading: After-Camp Hangout (O'Neill)
Monday, July 31
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.
Serger 101 (Main)
Monday, July 31
3:30-4:30 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, trimming, and assembling your garments. This workshop is designed for patrons who know how to use 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.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, July 31
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 31
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.
Summer Reading: Cozy Up with a Good Book (Main)
Tuesday, August1, 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.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Tuesday, August 1
1:30-3 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.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, August 1
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, August 1
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Each week, participants will take a simple piece of 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. On August 1, we’ll focus on optical illusions.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Tuesday, August 1, 4-8:30 p.m.
Friday, August 4, 9 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 5, 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.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main)
Tuesday, August 1
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 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.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, August 1
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, August 1
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! This program may be held indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather. Please call ahead to inquire 617-349-4023.
Summer Reading: Scythe Teen Book Discussion (Main)
Wednesday, August 2
1-2 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.
Summer Reading: Nintendo Switch in the Teen Room (Main)
Wednesday, August 2
3-5 p.m.
Come to the Teen Room and try out a bunch of different Switch games, from Animal Crossing to Mario Kart to The Legend of Zelda. Play on your own or with friends. Every other Wednesday in the Teen Room this summer from 3-5 p.m.
Summer Reading: Afrikan Dance and Drums with Wyoma (Main)
Wednesday, August 2
3-3:45p.m.
Dance your spirit! Have Fun! Wyoma shares this spirit through a participatory presentation of traditional Afrikan dance and culture. For children of all ages 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: Paper Weaving (Boudreau)
Wednesday, August 2
3-3:45 p.m.
Come to our paper weaving workshop to learn how to make a beautiful bookmark or placemat you’ll be using for years to come! Please register in advance for this event, as space is limited.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Wednesday, August 2
3:30- 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 with a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class.Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Summer Reading: Sulinha Boucher Trio (Valente)
Wednesday, August 2
6:30-7:15 p.m.
Join us for a performance of original songs in the style of Bossa Nova and Baiao accompanied by the sounds of Brazilian instruments like Berimbau and pandeiro. This trio features Sulinha Boucher on vocals and acoustic guitar, Erico Menino on percussion and Tom Yates on electric guitar. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Videography 101 (Main)
Wednesday, August 2
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.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main)
Thursday, August 3
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, August 3
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: Afrikan Dance and Drums with Wyoma (Main)
Thursday, August 3
3-3:45p.m.
Dance your spirit! Have Fun! Dance is a very primal form communication. It's something very deeply rooted in us. This is what Wyoma shares through this participatory presentation of traditional Afrikan dance and culture to families. For children of all ages and their caregivers. This performance will be outdoors. In case of inclement weather it will be moved to August 10 at 2 p.m.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Thursday, August 3
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.
Summer Reading: Learn Ukulele with Julie Stepanek (Boudreau)
Thursday, August 3
3-3:45 p.m.
Want to try an instrument that is fun and easy to play? Join Julie Stepanek as she shows the fundamentals of ukulele playing. No experience necessary. Ukuleles will be provided. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up. Registration is required.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Thursday, August 3
5:30-6:30 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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Thursday, August 3
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.
Thank you to the STEAM team for hosting.
English Conversation Practice (O'Neill)
Friday, August 4
10-11:30 a.m.
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Practice. This conversation group is for those with an intermediate or high level of English language skill. No testing is required. For more information on other ESOL classes, please call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013. Class is currently full. Please call the O'Neill Branch at 617-349-4023 for more information.
Summer Reading: Wildlife Encounters with Mass Audubon (Collins)
Friday, August 4
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 will be held outdoors and move indoors in case of inclement weather.
Capoeira with Mestre Chuvisquinho (Main/Joan Lorentz Park)
Saturday, August 5
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 from July 8 through August 5. No registration is required.
Isha Kriya: A Guided Meditation for Beginners (Main)
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 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:
- Enhanced clarity
- Improved health
- Heightened focus and energy
- Greater prosperity and a state of peacefulness and joy
Registration is required.
Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, August 5
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: Rockabye Beats (Central Square)
Saturday, August 5
11-11:45 a.m.
Come join Rockabye Beats for an interactive, musical program experience! We'll sing, play, explore instruments, dance, pretend, learn a little Spanish, and show off our goofy side. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
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All the best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries