Director's Update, September 24, 2023

9/25/2023 • 7 months ago

Dear Patrons,

This week, the Library is excited to host several events as part of the Cambridge Science Festival, a celebration showcasing the leading edge in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Across the Library’s branches, you can control a robot using your brain, learn about the science of ice cream, participate in some hands-on entomology, and more!

The Library is pleased to offer the following programs for the week beginning on Sunday, September 24.

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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 25
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 babies 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, September 25, 1:15-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 26, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 28, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, September 29, 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.

LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, September 25
4-4:45 p.m.

It’s a weekly block party! Bring friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures as you 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, 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, September 25
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, and everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

Chess Hour (Boudreau)

Monday, September 25

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. This is not an instructional class, but a gathering for individuals who want to 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 call us (617-349-4017) or e-mail ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov.

ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, September 26, and Thursday, September 28
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 27, and Friday, September 29
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.

Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Main)
Tuesday, September 26
4-5 p.m.

Teens! Help us plan teen programs for the Library! Earn community service hours! Enjoy free snacks! We meet monthly during the school year. No registration is required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.

Basic Tech Classes (Main)

September schedule

Join us for Basic Tech Classes this September! Learn how to use e-mail, search the Internet, and add to your tech skills. Pick and choose the classes that are right for you. Look for new classes each month. Registration is required to participate in each class.

Mouse and Keyboard (in person) Tuesday, September 26, 5:30-6 p.m.

Internet Basics (in person) Tuesday, September 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Internet Safety (in person) Wednesday, September 27, 6-7 p.m.

Intro to Library e-Resources (in person) Friday, September 29, 2-3 p.m.

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Tuesday, September 26
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.

Cambridge Science Festival: Design with Us: Marvel's Hero Project & STEM on Stage, Short Film Screenings (Main)
Tuesday, September 26
6:30-8:30 p.m.

How can design thinking and STEM innovation change our world? Join Design with Us and STEM on Stage for a STEAM-inspired evening with double short film screenings featuring pioneering innovators Jordan Reeves in Marvel's Hero Project and Humanity Needs Dreamers: A Visit with Marie Curie — plus fun trivia with prizes and more! Registration is required.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, September 26
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.

Eyes in the Field: Participatory Science as an Essential Practice for Conservation Research (Valente)
Tuesday, September 26
6:30-7:45 p.m.

The recent discovery of a marbled salamander larva by Earthwise Aware volunteers in the Middlesex Fells illustrates the importance of participatory science to conservation research. In addition to collecting critical data, these science programs can foster a vigorous research community of scientists, field leaders, and local experts. This event is part of the Cambridge Science Festival, a celebration of the leading edge in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). A multifaceted, multicultural event, it makes science accessible, interactive, and fun, highlighting the impact of STEAM in all our lives. Registration is required.

Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Wednesday, September 27, and Friday, September 29
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 low-impact movements. 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.

Delilah: Life-sized, Inflatable North Atlantic Right Whale (Main)
Wednesday, September 27
Noon-6 p.m.

With Delilah, a life-sized, inflatable North Atlantic right whale, Whale & Dolphin Conservation educators will teach you all about marine mammalogy. Through hands-on activities, you'll learn about the whale’s internal and external anatomy!

This event is part of the Cambridge Science Festival, a celebration of the leading edge in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). A multifaceted, multicultural event, the Festival makes science accessible, interactive, and fun, highlighting the impact of STEAM in all our lives.

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, September 27
1-3 p.m.

Would you like 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 27
5:30-8:30 p.m.

Continue building your machine-sewing skills and receive support as you work on your own projects. Participants must register but may drop in anytime during the program. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of our Janome sewing machines. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

One-on-One Tech Help (Boudreau)
Wednesday, September 27
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:

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

Science Story Slam (Main)
Wednesday, September 27
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Watch talented young storytellers compete for $5,000 in cash prizes! The Science Story Slam is an invitation to all U.S. high school students to share their stories about science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) at the Library. Listen to stories in fictional or actual scenarios that explain a scientific concept, gripping accounts of how a scientific discovery came about, or more personal narratives of how the pursuit of science has affected the storyteller. Finalists will compete in front of celebrity judges, including the New York Times reporter Kate Zernike and the best-selling author Paul Tremblay!

Cambridge Science Festival: Evening Family Story Time - Stories About Scientists (O'Connell)
Wednesday, September 27
6:30-7:30 p.m.

We invite children and their caregivers to join us for a special event: learning fun things about the lives of famous scientists like Jane Goodall and George Washington Carver. This program will be held indoors and will run 20-25 minutes. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for more information.

XR Lab 101 (Main)
Thursday, September 28
9:30-10:30 a.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.

The Hive Safety Training (Main)
Thursday, September 28
10-11 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.

Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Thursday, September 28
10:15 -11 a.m.

Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with the 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 . Registration is required. You can also register for our October walk.

One-on-One Tech Help (Main)
Thursday, September 28
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 28
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, September 28
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. 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.

Cambridge Science Festival: Preschool Science Story Time (O'Connell)
Thursday, September 28
3:30-4 p.m.

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs about science, with a craft to take and make at home, while supplies last.

The iFp Emerging Innovators (ages 14-22) are excited about the potential of AI tools. However, they are also deeply concerned about the rising mistakes and harms that come with the technology. Join us for a special open house where you'll get an inside look at our early research. Your feedback will play a pivotal role in shaping the final version of "Transforming AI," which will run throughout the school year for students in grades 7-12. We're wrapping up the event with a fireside chat moderated by iFp Innovators. If you're passionate about making AI more equitable and just for all, we can't wait to welcome you! This program is appropriate for adults and teens.

This event is part of the Cambridge Science Festival, a celebration of the leading edge in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). A multifaceted, multicultural event, the Festival makes science accessible, interactive, and fun, highlighting the impact of STEAM in all our lives. Registration is required.

Mind-Controlled at MIT: Designing the Fiction and Reality of Brain Computer Interfaces (Main)
Thursday, September 28
7-8 p.m.

While everyone marvels over ChatGPT, a much more important technology is about to be introduced to the general public: brain sensing. Reading one’s mind was a human dream documented as early as 300 BC. Now, thousands of years later, we are finally about to make brain computer interface an everyday reality. Join innovators from the MIT Media Lab as they outline how they design full-stack brain sensing systems that help fully paralyzed patients communicate, astronauts stay attentive and productive, and keep thousands of kids around the globe inspired by what comes next. To learn more about this technology and how it is used, please visit: https://braini.io.

Building on Braini's 15 years of experience in designing and creating the most cutting-edge interaction – fusion between the brain and computer, brain-computer interface – during the guided tour of the NeuraFutures installation they will touch upon the following questions: is it possible to implant memories? read your dreams while you sleep? communicate a thought between two different people throughout the continents. To learn more about this project, please visit: https://www.neurafutures.com.

This event is part of the Cambridge Science Festival, a celebration of the leading edge in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). A multifaceted, multicultural event, the Festival makes science accessible, interactive, and fun, highlighting the impact of STEAM in all our lives.

Control a Robot Using Your Brain! (Main)
Friday, September 29, and Saturday, September 30
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) allow interactions with a computer system by means of one’s brain activity. The most common BCIs measure the electrical activity of the brain through non-invasive electrodes. To build a BCI, a person is instructed to perform one or more mental actions (e.g., imagine you are moving your hand), after which an algorithm is trained to recognize the activity and then a computer system ties an associated physical action with a mental one. This system can be a wheelchair, a microwave, or –a robot! Come try it out! To learn more about Braini technology, please visit: https://braini.io.

Youth Demands in Sustainability (Main)
Friday, September 29
Noon-1 p.m.

Youth should be the centerpiece of climate education since they are the key stakeholders. It's time to ensure that they feel included, represented, and invited to engage in curriculum and conferences as well as in the classroom. Hear from a young person about what their demands look like, how youth would like to plug in, and what institutions can do to support them.

Cambridge Science Festival: Tin Foil Boats (O'Connell)
Friday, September 29
4-5 p.m.

Think you have what it takes to build an unsinkable ship? Join us for some stories, and then we will build boats out of tin foil. If your boat floats, we'll add pennies to see how much weight they hold! For children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for more information.

This event is part of the Cambridge Science Festival, a celebration of the leading edge in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). A multifaceted, multicultural event, the Festival makes science accessible, interactive, and fun, highlighting the impact of STEAM in all our lives.

Cambridge Young Authors' Squad (O'Neill)
Friday, September 29
4-5 p.m.

Young people ages 10 to 14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. There will be time for share-outs/workshopping as well as group or solo writing. Snacks are provided! Registration is helpful but not required.

Thorlabs Mobile Photonics Lab Experience (Main)
Saturday, September 20
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Thorlabs mobile photonics lab brings the science of light to you. Thorlabs will demonstrate measuring light at different colors to identify materials (spectroscopy), imaging inside the body with light (biomedical optics), transferring electrical signals through the air with laser beams (optical communications), and show what the inside of optical fiber looks like and how it works. Come inside to be introduced to the world of photonics!

This event is part of the Cambridge Science Festival, a celebration of the leading edge in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). A multifaceted, multicultural event, the Festival makes science accessible, interactive, and fun, highlighting the impact of STEAM in all our lives. Registration is required.

Bridging Cultural Identity and Research Passion: Exploring Microplastics in India (Main)
Saturday, September 30
Noon-1 p.m.

Some people might think of scientific research to be something related only to textbook facts. While that is true to some extent, the great passion that you bring to the research can be even more powerful. Join Nikhita Varma as she shares how her research in India about microplastics helped her bridge the gap between research and her cultural background. Registration is required.

Mind Tricks: The Magic of Neuroscience (Main)
Saturday, September 30
1-2 p.m.

Are you interested in neuroscience? Do you want to learn more about how your brain operates? Do you enjoy watching and learning magic tricks? Join us as Sabrina Welch shares her knowledge of brain function using magic tricks to illustrate neuroscience concepts! In this comedic magic show, we explore the function of the brain! All the featured neuroscience concepts are displayed through the lens of card magic in an understandable and fun way for all to enjoy.

Saturday, September 30

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.

Fueling Forest Fires: From a Woman in Wildfire
Saturday, September 30
1:30-2:30 p.m.

With climate change increasing the frequency of wildfires and our wildland-urban interface (WUI) expanding, wildfire fuel management is more important than ever. Learn about the science and reality of wildfires and fuel reduction methods from Georgia Scarr, a young wildland firefighter, environmental nonprofit co-founder, and wildfire researcher at the Stanford Bill Lane Center for the American West. This workshop includes hands-on demonstrations modeling wildfire behavior, firsthand accounts of fuel reduction case studies, and a chainsaw maintenance lesson.

Hands-on Entomology with Professor Bugman (O'Neill)
Saturday, September 30
2-4 p.m.

How do you inspire a new generation of entomologists and scientists? With hands-on fun, of course! Stop by and see some of the amazing arthropods featured in educational kids' enrichment programs from Professor Bugman Entomology Adventures!

EnergyTeachers.org is a network for educators interested in energy production and use.

This event is part of the Cambridge Science Festival, a celebration of the leading edge in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). A multifaceted, multicultural event, the Festival makes science accessible, interactive, and fun, highlighting the impact of STEAM in all our lives. Registration is required.

Protecting Yourself Online: A Quick and Simple Guide to Information Security (Main)
Saturday, September 30
3-4 p.m.

The digital world is full of promise, but it also holds risks untold for the everyday computer user. Malware, ransomware, and surveillance lurk in every corner of the Internet. Data breaches and financial fraud are now an unfortunate daily occurrence. We will explore the risks of the digital realm from apps to social media, email, and then some. Learn real world tools and techniques to minimize your risks, protect your privacy/identity, and shield your financial health – all while getting the most out of your digital tools. We will explore the risks to you as a computer user from your desktop to the ever-expanding world of smartphones, tablets, and the world of cloud computing. The digital realm can be a dangerous place; this presentation will give you the practical knowledge to protect yourself.

Youth Involvement in Energy

Saturday, September 30

3:30-4:30 p.m.

There are many misconceptions about the energy industry. Many believe it to be slow and dominated by old white men. However, this isn't true. There are opportunities for young people of all backgrounds and interests, from policy to tech, to get involved in the clean energy transition. This event is all about educating young people about energy and how they can connect their passions to the topic. Energy doesn't just come from a hole in the wall; there is a world of innovation and exciting opportunities to get involved with!

Stay Connected

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All the best,

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries

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