Director's Update, August 27, 2023
8/28/2023 • 8 months ago
Dear Patrons,
Happy end of summer!
I want to share how proud I am of the Library team for delivering another year of excellent programming and services! Between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, we hosted more than 1,600 programs for adults and seniors, serving 23,000 participants, and over 1,400 programs for children and teens, with over 36,000 participants. We processed 1.7 million item check-ins and renewals, over 8,500 museum pass reservations, and provided over 443,000 wi-fi sessions. Our programming and services relate to strategic priority areas: welcome and inclusion, arts and ideas, learning and literacy and community and democracy. We are also thrilled that you continue to highly rate the Library’s services in the City’s Resident Opinion Survey (90% good or excellent in the 2022 study).
The Cambridge Room, the Library’s archive, is displaying some items from the collection of Alice K. Wolf, who passed away last January. The exhibition, “The Uncompromising Political Career of Alice K. Wolf,” presents items from her 40 years 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. Join us for a celebration of Alice Wolf’s life and legacy at the Main Library on Saturday, September 9, at 2 p.m.
The Library is pleased to offer the following programs for the week beginning August 27.
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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, August 27
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.
Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Monday, August 27
10:15-11:45 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 and leave together at 10:15 a.m. Registration is required.
Serger 101 (Main)
Monday, August 27
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, August 27
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, August 27
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.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Tuesday August 29
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.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, August 29
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.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Tuesday, August 29, 3:30- 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 31, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, September 1, 9 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 (Central Square)
Tuesday, August 29
5-8 p.m.
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want 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.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, August 29
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.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, August 29
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Summer Reading: Rockabye Beats (Boudreau)
Wednesday, August 30
11-11:45 a.m.
Come join Rockabye Beats for an interactive, musical program! 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.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, August 30
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or looking for jobs? Join us 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.
One-on-One Tech Help (Boudreau)
Wednesday, August 30
4-4:45 p.m.
Would you like help navigating the library's e-resources like Libby or Hoopla? Or maybe you need some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Book a free one-on-one tech help session:
Some topics we cover include:
- Downloading library eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines to your tablet, smartphone, or laptop.
- Navigating databases and other library resources such as LinkedIn Learning.
- Using the Internet and e-mail.
- Setting up devices like smartphones or streaming devices.
Guidelines for basic tech help:
- Scheduled sessions run between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Please bring your device, cords, and any necessary account information.
- Library staff cannot be held responsible for damage to patrons’ equipment.
If you have questions, please send them to: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Wednesday, August 30
6:30-7:30 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 our vinyl cutter! Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
The Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Thursday, August 31, 10-11 a.m.
Saturday, September 2, 9:30-10:30 a.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.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main)
Thursday, August 31
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want 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 31
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.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Thursday, August 31
2-4 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. 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.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Thursday, August 31
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 is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
English Conversation Practice (O'Neill)
Friday, September 1
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.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Saturday, September 2
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, September 2
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, September 2
2:30-4 p.m.
In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. We 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.
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All the best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries