Director's Update, September 17, 2023
9/18/2023 • 7 months ago
Dear Patrons,
My Brother’s Keeper Cambridge, the Library, and Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative are pleased to invite you to the first in a series of community conversations following the release of Harvard’s report disclosing its historical ties to slavery and its commitment of a $100 million endowment to support reparative efforts. This series kickoff will take place on Tuesday, September 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Main Library. The event includes a short film highlighting the report and a panel discussion with Vincent Brown, Melissa Wood Bartholomew, and Terrance Mitchell, moderated by Tony Clark. The panelists will discuss the report and its findings and aim to involve the community in the collective work ahead of us. Learn more and register.
Join us on Tuesday, September 19, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Main Library for Cambridge Cooks, an exciting new series that invites local chefs to the Library to present free cooking demonstrations andclasses. Tres Latinas LLC, a food truck business owned and run by women and started by two friends from Caracas, Venezuela, will begin the series by demonstrating how to prepare arepas. This live demonstration will be followed by a free tasting and a Q&A with the chefs. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Join us at Joan Lorentz Park, outside the Main Library, on Thursday, September 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for Park Sounds with the talented Fabiola Mendéz, a Puerto Rican cuatro player, singer, composer, and educator. Her artistic vision and original music focus on the exploration of her culture, her ancestry, and her identities. Bring your chairs, blankets, and friends. Jenga, cornhole, and other outdoor games will be available. The rain date for this event is Thursday, October 12. Learn more about Fabiola Mendéz.
The Library is pleased to offer the following programs for the week beginning on Sunday, September 17.
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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, September 18
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[1][2] appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
Google Docs Basics (Main)
Monday, September 18
1-2 p.m.
Learn how to create and save your own documents online using Google Docs! You will need a Gmail (Google email) account. Please remember your email and password before you come to the class. Registration is required.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, September 18, 1:15-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 19, 3-6 p.m.
Thursday, September 22, 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.
Serger 101 (Main)
Monday, September 18, 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 20, 1-2:30 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.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, September 18
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.
Daniel Dain Presents: A History of Boston (Main Library)
Monday, September 18
6-7:30 p.m.
The Harvard Book Store welcomes Daniel Dain, the founder and president of the law firm Dain Torpy, for a discussion of his new book, A History of Boston. Cosponsored by the Library. Registration is required.
ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, September 18
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, September 19, and Thursday, September 21
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 20, and Friday, September 22
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, September 19
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.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, September 19
1:30-2:30 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.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, September 19
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.
After School Hangout (O'Neill)
Tuesday, September 19
3-4 p.m.
Welcome back to school and welcome back to the Library! We will have snacks, games, and activities for Upper Schoolers.
Watercolor Painting Workshop (Collins)
Tuesday, September 19
5-7 p.m.
Create beautiful paintings with watercolor! Learn to paint with watercolor at your own pace in a fun and relaxing environment. We will cover techniques in color mixing, observational painting, composition, wet on wet and wet on dry techniques, masking, pressing, shading, light techniques, ink washes, and pattern making. No experience is necessary. Registration is required.
Brooke Lambert is a professional printmaker and painter with a passionate interest and dedication to the arts, teaching, arts organizing, and public art initiatives. She grew up and lived in Maine before moving to Boston to pursue her BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Since graduating in 2017, Brooke has shown her work widely in New England, New York, and beyond. You can see her work in Studio 447 at Western Avenue Studios & Lofts in her current city of Lowell, Mass. She is currently represented by the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition in New York. She is also represented by Akua Inks and Speedball Art Products as part of their Professional Artists’ Network.
Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery Report, Short Film Screening and Discussion (Main)
Tuesday, September 19
5:30-8:30 p.m.
My Brother’s Keeper Cambridge and Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative are pleased to invite you to the first in a series of community conversations aboutr the reparative work ahead between our community and Harvard University. This follows the release of the university’s report disclosing its historical ties to slavery and its commitment of a $100 million endowment to support reparative efforts.
This series kickoff event will take place on Tuesday, September 19, at the Main Library from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. It includes a short film screening highlighting the report and a panel discussion with Vincent Brown, Melissa Wood Bartholomew, and Terrance Mitchell, moderated by Tony Clark. The panelists will discuss the report, its findings, and aim to energize the community about our involvement in the work ahead of us. For more information and to register, please visit MBKandHLS.eventbrite.com. Cosponsored by the Library.
Cambridge Cooks: Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month with Tres Latinas (Main)
Tuesday, September 19
6-7 p.m.
Join us for Cambridge Cooks, an exciting new series that invites local chefs to present free cooking demonstrations and classes at the Library. Learn how to make your own arepas with Tres Latinas! This cooking demonstration will be followed by a free tasting and a Q&A with the chefs.
About the chefs: Tres Latinas LLC is a owned and operated by women. The owners are Eli and Vero, two friends from Caracas with a passion for sharing their delicious Venezuelan arepas with everyone. Their food truck can be found at events across Massachusetts. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Tuesday, September 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 23, 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. 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.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, September 19
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Family STEAM Night - Explore local ponds (O'Neill)
Tuesday, September 19
6:30-7:15 p.m.
Families with elementary school children join us for hands-on activities focused on Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Math. Adults and children will learn and play together! Join partners from Restore Jerry's Pond and Mass Audubon to learn about local ponds and the aquatic invertebrates who live within them!
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Wednesday, September 20, and Friday, September 22
10-11 a.m.
Join us in this 12-week Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 2 practice, which focuses on the mind-body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. Participants must have completed Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 1. Sifu Mynor Diaz has been learning and teaching Tai Chi classes for over 20 years. He has taught at five VA Boston Healthcare System locations and at senior centers. This event is held in person. Due to the meaningfulness of this series, we expect participants to attend all the classes. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Google Docs Tips and Tricks (Main)
Wednesday, September 20
1-2 p.m.
Get more practice with Google Docs! Learn some tips and tricks when you create online documents. You will need a Gmail (Google email) account. Please remember your email and password before you come to prior to the class. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Half-Day Hangout: Anime Afternoon (Valente)
Wednesday, September 20
1-3 p.m.
Join us after the half-day to watch some kid-friendly anime and wind down with some coloring! Snacks will be provided. No registration is required for this drop-in program. Contact the Library at 617-349-4015 for more information.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, September 20
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. No registration is required. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
Sewing Circle (Main)
Wednesday, September 20
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Continue building your machine-sewing skills and receive support as you work on your own sewing projects. Participants must register but may drop in anytime during the program. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of how to use our Janome sewing machines. Registration is required.
Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Wednesday, September 20
7:30-8 p.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.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Thursday, September 21
10-11 a.m.
Saturday, September 23
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.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main)
Thursday, September 21
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, September 21
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.
CPL PARK SOUNDS: Fabiola Mendez (Joan Lorentz Park, Main Library)
Thursday, September 21
6-7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a magical outdoor evening featuring the talented Fabiola Mendez. Bring chairs, blankets and friends. Jenga, cornhole, and other outdoor games will be available. The rain date for this event is Thursday, October 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Artist Talk: Cousins
Thursday, September 21
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Kristen Emack has been photographing her daughter and nieces for over a decade. "There is something sacred about the lives of girls, and their innocent, confident relationships to themselves, their world, and one another is gravitational," explains Emack. She has captured the girls' childhood in an unfiltered way as they move with confidence throughout Cambridge and their environment. Her work is an undeniable celebration of Black girlhood. This exhibit, Emack's first in Cambridge, features the Library's newly acquired photographs from her photo series Cousins and celebrates Emack's work in the community. Registration is required.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Thursday, September 21
6-8:30 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.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Friday, September 22
9:30-11 a.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.
Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mount Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
Friday, September 22
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Join us for a morning walk at the renowned birdwatching spot in our own backyard, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with the summer migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted all year round! A limited supply of binoculars will be available. Registration is required.
The walk will meet at the courtyard of the Collins Branch (64 Aberdeen Ave.) at 10:15 a.m. and head over to the cemetery together. For more information, contact Michael Roberson at mroberson@cambridgema.gov or call the Collins Branch at 617-349-4021.
Drop-in Studio (Main)
Friday, September 22
1-4:30 p.m.
This is an opportunity to check out what The Hive is all about 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-served 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.
Videography 101 (Main)
Saturday, September 23
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.
Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
Saturday, September 23
1-2 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; call or visit the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023).
Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, September 23
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.
Saturday Songs and Stories (O'Neill)
Saturday, September 23
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
Prev. sen. not necessary since no reservations.
Hi Luise, it is a ticketed event, so I think this sentence is relevant