Director's Update, August 20, 2023
8/21/2023 • 8 months ago
Dear Patrons,
The Valente Branch Library will be closed today, Sunday, August. 20, due to air conditioning issues.
The Cambridge Room, the Library’s archive, will be displaying some items from the collection of Alice K. Wolf, who passed away in January. The exhibition, “The Uncompromising Political Career of Alice K. Wolf,” presents items from her 40-year career as a public servant, which included service on the Cambridge School Committee and on the City Council, as mayor, and as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The exhibition began on August 14 and will run until September 10.
I hope you can join the Cambridge community for a celebration of Alice's life and work at the Main Library on September 9 at 2 p.m. Learn more.
The Library is pleased to offer the programs below for the week beginning on Sunday, August 20.
Weekly Activities for Kids
This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations.
Book Groups
Learn moreabout our Book Groups.
Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, August 21
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.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, August 21, 1:30-4 p.m.
Tuesday, August 22, 3-6 p.m.
Wednesday, August 23, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 24, 2-6 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: Patio Project (Valente)
Monday, August 21
5-6 p.m.
Join us outside in front of the Valente Branch for STEAM activities for all ages! This program will move indoors to the Community Room if the weather is bad. Please call 617-349-4015 for more information.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, August 21
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.
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, August 21
6-7 p.m.
Come join us for a chess challenge. Players of all skill levels and ages are welcome. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. This is not an instructional class but designed for individuals who want to play and test their skills against those of other members of the community. There's no need to register; simply drop by and challenge yourself to improve your mastery of this classic game! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4017 or via email: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov.
ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, August 21
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: Neighborhood Bird Watching at Danehy Park (O'Neill)
Tuesday, August 22
10-11 a.m.
All ages are welcome to join us as we observe birds at Danehy Park. As we explore the urban outdoors, we will discuss birdwatching tips, how to identify an unfamiliar bird, and learn a little bit more about the birds we share our outdoor spaces with. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. Registration is encouraged but not required. The walk will meet at Danehy Park at the entrance off 99 Sherman Street. In the case of bad weather, we will meet on Tuesday, August 29, at 10:00 a.m.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, August 22
1:30-3 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 Epilog Zing to use on our equipment booking page at designated times. Note: The Epilog Zing laser cutter and Glowforge laser cutter require separate trainings. You must participate in the Glowforge workshop in order to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, August 22
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, August 22
5-8 p.m.
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to learn how to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by 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.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Tuesday, August 22
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 custom 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.Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. 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.
Creative Patching (Main)
Tuesday, August 22
6:30-8 p.m.
Creative Patching will focus on how to repair holes, tears, and stains in clothing using fabric patches and hand embroidery techniques. Participants will learn about tools and materials for patching and how to combine fabric patches with simple hand embroidery stitches to create eye-catching visible mends. Jessamy, the instructor, is a Somerville-based textile artist and sustainable fashion designer specializing in creative mending and upcycling. She earned a BFA in Fibers and a Certificate in Fashion Design from the Massachusetts College of Art & Design and has taught mending at the Cambridge Public Library, Make & Mend in Somerville, and the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts in Jamaica Plain. See her work at www.jessamyshay.com.
Summer Reading: Literary Trivia Night!
Tuesday, August 22
6:30-8 p.m.
Come celebrate the end of Summer Reading with an evening of bookish team trivia! Make a team of up to five people or come on your own. Light snacks will be provided.Registration is required.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, August 23
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or looking for jobs? Join us at the Central Square Branch for assistance with résumés, job hunting, and online applications. Support will be available from 1 to 3 p.m. No registration is required. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
Serger 101 (Main)
Wednesday, August 23
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 first.Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Summer Reading: STEAM Afternoons in the Teen Room (Main)
Wednesday, August 23
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.
Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
Wednesday, August 23
3-4 p.m.
Read with a cuddly friend! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023).
Summer Reading: Board Game Afternoon (Main)
Wednesday, August 23, 3-4 p.m.
Thursday, August 24, 1-5 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of board games, JENGA, and more! This program is for children of all ages and their caregivers.
Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, August 23
4-5 p.m.
Read with Bowie the Therapy Dog fromPets & 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.
Sewing Circle (Main)
Wednesday, August 23
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 community. Participants must register but may drop in at any time during the program. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of our Janome sewing machines. Registration is required.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main)
Thursday, August 24
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 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 24
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: Board Games for Teens (Main)
Thursday, August 24
1-5 p.m.
Bring friends and play games - Uno, Sorry!, Taboo, Chess, Connect 4. Or try something new, like Pandemic, Code Names, Snake Oil, and more. Snacks will be provided while supplies last.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Thursday, August 24
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.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Friday, August 25
9:30-11 a.m.
Here 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.
English Conversation Practice (O'Neill)
Friday, August 25
10-11:30 a.m.
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Practice. This group is for those with an intermediate or high skill level of the English language. No testing is required. For more information on other ESOL classes, please call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013. This class is currently full. Please call 617-349-4023 for more information.
Estate Planning for All (Virtual)
Friday, August 25
10:30 a.m.-Noon
The Cambridge Public Library and the Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School are excited to offer Estate Planning for All. Estate plans can help you prepare for unexpected changes, offer a sense of security in uncertain times, and ensure that your wishes will be carried out if you become ill, incapacitated, or die unexpectedly. Everyone—regardless of background or financial situation—can have an estate plan.
We will discuss:
- Financial issues during our lifetimes: power of attorney, homestead declaration, and trustsHealth and medical issues: health care proxy, medical directives, and HIPAA authorization
- Preparing for death: wills and declaration as to remains
Registration is required.
Drop-in Studio (Main)
Friday, August 25
1-4:30 p.m.
This is an opportunity to check out The Hive 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-serve 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 18 or older.
Summer Reading: Nintendo Switch Party! With Cookies! (Main)
Friday, August 25
3-4:30 p.m.
Come play video games using the Library's Switch console and taste test a variety of different cookies before voting on the best one! For ages 10-13.
Videography 101 (Main)
Saturday, August 26
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. https://cambridgepl.libcal.com/event/10877693.Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Saturday, August 26
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. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, August 26
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.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Saturday, August 26
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. Registration is required. 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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Stay Connected
Please subscribe to our email list, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, and visit our website.
All the best!
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries