Director's Update July 2, 2023
7/3/2023 • 10 months ago
Dear Patrons,
The Library’s annual Summer Reading Adventure program for all is underway. I invite you to pick up an Adventure Guide so we can adventure together! 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! Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, the Cambridge Public Library Foundation, the East Cambridge Savings Bank, the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of the former Cambridge City Councillor, Vice Mayor, and State Representative Saundra Graham on June 23. In 1971, she was the first black person to be elected to the Cambridge City Council. From 1976 to 1977, Graham served as Vice Mayor of Cambridge. In 1976 she was elected to represent the Fourth Middlesex District at the State House, becoming the first black woman to represent Cambridge at the State House, where she served until 1988. Graham served as chairwoman of the Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus and was a member of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators during her time at the State House and served on the Joint Committee on Housing and Urban Development. The Graham Parks School in Cambridge is named after both Saundra Graham and Rosa Parks. We thank Saundra Graham for her service and extend our condolences to her family and loved ones.
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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 3
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 3
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.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Monday, July 3
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 8
9:30-10:30 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.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, July 3
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 3
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 4, and Thursday, July 6
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 5, and Friday, July 7
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.
One-on-One Tech Help (Central Square)
Tuesday, July 4
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
- computer hardware and technical maintenance
If you have any questions, please contact syasuda@cambridgema.gov.
Summer Reading: Nintendo Switch in the Teen Room (Main)
Wednesday, July 5
3-5 p.m.
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 to 5 p.m.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Wednesday, July 5
3:30-5:30 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.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Thursday, July 6, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, July 7, 1-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 8, 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.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, July 5
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.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Wednesday, July 5
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: Sulinha Boucher Trio (Collins)
Thursday, July 6
11-11:45 a.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 the berimbau and the pandeiro. This trio features Sulinha Boucher on vocals and acoustic guitar, Erico Menino on percussion, and Gabriel Maia on electric guitar. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main)
Thursday, July 6
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 6
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.
Videography 101 (Main)
Thursday, July 6
2-3 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 for this workshop. Registration is required.
Summer Reading Kickoff with Jenny the Juggler (O'Connell)
Thursday, July 6
2-2:45 p.m.
Jenny the Juggler connects with people through juggling, magic, music, and more to create fabulous experiences with unforgettable memories for any occasion! For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Puzzle Party: The Sequel (Main)
Thursday, July 6
2:30-3:30 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!
Summer Reading: Scavenger Hunt (Boudreau)
Thursday, July 6
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 – simply meet at Raymond Park by the bulletin board to get started! The rain date is Monday, July 10, at 3 p.m.
Afternoon Games (O’Neill)
Thursday, July 6
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.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Thursday, July 6
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.
Wellness for Seniors: Introduction to Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Friday, July 7
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 its popularity, we expect participants to attend all the classes. Register here. This class is full. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Summer Reading: Outdoor Story Time (Main)
Friday, July 7
11-11:30 a.m.
Celebrate the great outdoors and all things summer at a special story time in Joan Lorentz Park, outside the Main Library. Songs, stories, and sidewalk chalk are included. For children of all ages and their caregivers. In case of bad weather, this program will be canceled.
Summer Reading: Take and Make Blendies (O'Neill)
Friday, July 7
2-4 p.m.
Come explore symmetry, balance, and colors with Blendies! Recommended for ages 4 and up and their caregivers.
Summer Reading: Wildlife Encounters with Mass Audubon (Boudreau)
Friday, July 7
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: Ideas, Not Theories (Main)
Saturday, July 8
11 a.m.-Noon
Founded and directed by Reynaliz Herrera, IDEAS, NOT THEORIES is a theatrical percussion company for unconventional instruments such as bicycles, tap and body percussion, water, brushes, as well as traditional instruments such as marimbas and drums. The musical works are linked through a storyline, comedic physical theater, and original characters. The performance is a unique, quirky, and creative artistic experience. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Crafting Corner (O’Neill)
Saturday, July 8
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.
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All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries