Director's Update, September 3, 2023
9/10/2023 • 7 months ago
Dear Patrons,
All Library locations will be closed on Monday, September 4, for Labor Day. We are pleased to offer the following programs this week.
National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to promote awareness that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. To honor this important event, here is a list of book selections to browse on this topic. In need of support? Please contact:
MA Substance Use Helpline
MA Behavioral Health Helpline
Your local librarians are also happy to connect you with important resources pertaining to this topic. You can also connect with the Library Social Worker.
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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.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, September 5
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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Tuesday, September 5, 3-6 p.m.
Thursday, September 7, 2-6 p.m.
Friday, September 8, 1-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 9, 11 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.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, September 5
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.
ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, September 5, and Thursday, September 7
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 6, and Friday, September 8
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 5
5-7 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.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Tuesday, September 5
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.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, September 5
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Death Café
Tuesday, September 5
7-8:30 p.m.
Join other adults, 18 and older, for Cambridge's virtual Death Cafe, an evening of open, lively, and insightful discussion about death. While not a support group nor a venue for bereavement, a Death Cafe seeks to provide an unscripted, nonjudgmental platform for those wishing to explore the many facets of this often-taboo subject. Facilitated by Richard Davis, a long-time Death Cafe organizer and hospice volunteer. Come with an open mind, a healthy curiosity, and a willingness to share your thoughts, feelings, and questions with other like-minded individuals. This is a virtual event on Zoom. Space is limited. Questions? Contact Marie at MMathieu@cambridgema.gov.
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Wednesday, September 6
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.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, September 6
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.
Resume Writing and Help with Job Hunting (Central Square)
Wednesday, September 6
1-3 p.m.
Do you need help preparing your resume or looking for a job on the Internet? Drop in every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Central Square Branch. No registration is necessary. Help will be provided.
Serger 101 (Main)
Wednesday, September 6
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.
Sewing Circle (Main)
Wednesday, September 6
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.
Sola Mahfouz and Malaina Kapoor Present: DEFIANT DREAMS
Wednesday, September 6
6-7:30 p.m.
Join Sola Mahfouz, the author of the debut memoir Defiant Dreams: The Journey of an Afghan Girl Who Risked Everything for Education, appearing with her co-author, Malaina Kapoor. A reading and conversation, the program will be moderated by Matthieu Aikins, the author of The Naked Don't Fear the Water: An Underground Journey with Afghan Refugees and a 2023-2024 Radcliffe Fellow in Journalism and Nonfiction. Registration is required.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Thursday, September 7
10-11 a.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 7
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 7
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.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Thursday, September 7
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.
Videography 101 (Main)
Friday, September 8
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, September 8
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.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Saturday, September 9
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.
Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, September 9
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.
Stay Connected
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All the best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries