Director's Update, August 6, 2023
8/7/2023 • 8 months ago
Dear Patrons,
Happy August! I hope you can join us at the Main Library or online this Thursday, August 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., as we welcome Jenny Odell, the New York Times bestselling author of How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy, for a discussion and signing of her latest book, Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock. Registration is required.
There’s still plenty of time to participate in a Summer Reading adventure and enter to win a Porter Square Books gift card. Join us this week for Cosmic Storytime, STEAM Afternoons, Classic Card Games, and more!
The Library is pleased to offer the following programs for the week that begins on Sunday, August 6.
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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, August 7
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.
Summer Reading: After-Camp Hangout (O'Neill)
Monday, August 7
3-6 p.m.
Enjoy games, snacks, and a weekly rotating activity. Beat the heat or just hang out with friends! All youth and their families are welcome.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, Augst 7
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 7
6-7 p.m.
Come join us for a chess challenge. Players of all skill levels and all 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 rather a gathering for individuals who want to play and test their skills against other members of the community.
There's no need to register in advance - 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 7
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.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, August 8
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 8, 3-6 p.m.
Wednesday, August 9, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 10, 3-6 p.m.
Friday, August 11, 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.
One-on-One Tech Help (Central Square)
Tuesday, August 8
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.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Tuesday, August 8 and Thursday, August 10
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 8
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: STEAM Afternoons in the Teen Room (Main)
Wednesday, August 9
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.
Summer Reading: Read and Respond: Creative Writing and Drawing (Central Square)
Wednesday, August 9
4-5 p.m.
Ever wish you could change the ending of a book? Get Creative with us as we complete our Read and Respond summer reading prompt! We will read a story together and then use writing, drawing, or both to craft our own additional chapters. Sharing with the group is encouraged, but not required! Recommended for school-aged kids who are comfortable writing independently.
Sewing Circle (Main)
Wednesday, August 9
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND receive support as you work on your own sewing projects with our Library sewing community. Participants must register but may drop-in any time during the program. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of how to use our Janome sewing machines. Registration is required.
Summer Reading: Classic Card Games (O'Connell)
Wednesday August 9
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Come play Go Fish, Old Maid, war, cribbage, Crazy Eights or other favorite games with a deck of cards! For children ages 5 and up, and their grown-ups.
Serger 101 (Main)
Wednesday, August 9
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.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main)
Thursday, August 10
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 10
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: Cosmic Story Time (O'Connell)
Thursday, August 10
3:30-4:30 p.m.
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for an out of this world story time. Aspiring astronauts will travel to outer space through stories, songs and a craft all about planets, galaxies and the universe. For children of all ages and their grown-ups.
Videography 101 (Main)
Thursday, August 10
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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
English Conversation Practice (O'Neill)
Friday, August 11
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.
Summer Reading: Wildlife Encounters with Mass Audubon (Collins)
Friday, August 11
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 bad weather.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Saturday, August 12
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.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Saturday, August 12
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 Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, August 12
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, August 12
2:30-4 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: Saturday Songs and Stories (O'Neill)
Saturday, August 12
3:30-4 p.m.
Music, movement and stories! Join your librarians for 20 minutes of fun! For children of all ages and their grown-ups.
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All the best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries