Director's Update, October 15, 2023
10/15/2023 • 6 months ago
Dear Patrons,
This Tuesday, October 17, the Library will welcome Xochitl Gonzalez, the New York Times bestselling author of Olga Dies Dreaming, for a reading and conversation with local poet and artist Jess Rizkallah, the author of the magic my body becomes. This event is co-sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Registration is required.
On Tuesday, we are also launching our five-part Navigating Solo: Planning Tools for Aging Well series facilitated by Ailene Gerhardt, in partnership with Cambridge Neighbors and sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Sessions will cover topics such as healthcare decision-making, enhancing your support system, and exploring housing. Registration is required for each session.
The Library is pleased to offer the programs below for the week beginning Sunday, October 15.
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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, October 16
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.
Wellness for Seniors: Zumba Gold (Virtual)
Monday, October 16
11-11:45 a.m.
Put on your dancing shoes to improve flexibility and balance, strengthen muscles, and have fun! The Certified Zumba Gold instructor Emily B. will lead you through 45 minutes of low-impact and easy choreography in your own home through Zoom. Join us!
Registration is required for each session. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Monday, October 16
2:30-3:30 pm.
Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation on a Monday afternoon.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Monday, October 16, and Tuesday, October 17
1-2:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 21
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 when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, October 16
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. https://cambridgepl.libcal.com/event/10274564 Learn more.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Monday, October 16
5-6 p.m.
Need help with a class? Have a question before an exam? Tutors are available to help you! Cambridge School Volunteers and the Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 6p.m. Please contact us with any questions at 617-349-4027 (voice) or via relay at 711.
ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, October 16
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.
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, October 16
6-7 p.m.
Come join us for a chess challenge. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. This is not an instructional class but a gathering of 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! Contact us with any questions at 617-349-4017 or by e-mail at ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov.
ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, October 17, and Thursday, October 19
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 18, and Friday, October 20
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.
Navigating Solo: Planning Tools for Aging Well (Main)
Tuesday, October 17
2-3:30 p.m.
Please join us for a talk and Q&A session on this five-part Navigating Solo series facilitated by Ailene Gerhardt, an independent Board-Certified Patient Advocate and Certified Senior Advisor at Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, in partnership with Cambridge Neighbors and sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Sessions will take place on Tuesdays, October 17- November 14, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. Each session will include a 60-minute talk and 30-minute Q&A period on the topics listed above. After each session, a follow-up resource sheet tailored to attendees’ questions will be shared with registrants via e-mail using a password-protected website, hosted by Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. PowerPoint slides will not be circulated to attendees, and sessions will not be recorded.
You must register for each session. To register for:
- October 17: The Unique Planning Needs of Solo Agers, please click here.
- October 24: Health Care Decision-Making & the Value of Advance Care Planning, please click here.
- October 31: Evaluating, Assessing, and Enhancing Your Support System, please click here.
- November 7: Where You Live Matters: Exploring What the Best Housing Options Are for You, please click here.
- November 14: Bringing It All Together: Developing an Organized Solo Aging Plan, please click here.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, October 17
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, October 17, 3:30-8 p.m.
Thursday, October 19, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, October 20, 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.
Film in Translation (Valente)
Tuesday, October 17
6-7:45 p.m.
Join us for a screening of a Latin American film in Spanish. This movie will be shown with English subtitles. Please call the Valente Branch at 617-349-4015 for the name of the film. Film rating: R. Popcorn and soft drinks will be provided.
CPL Presents: Xochitl Gonzalez, Author of Olga Dies Dreaming, Talking with Jess Rizkallah (Main)
Tuesday, October 17
6-7:30 p.m.
Join Xochil Gonzalez, the New York Times bestselling author of Olga Dies Dreaming, for a reading and conversation with our local poet and artist Jess Rizkallah, the author of the magic my body becomes. This event is co-sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Registration is required.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, October 17
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Wednesday, October 18, and Friday, October 20
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.
CPL Nature Club: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mount Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
Wednesday, October 18
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Join us for a morning walk at the renowned bird watching spot in our own backyard, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn bird-watching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with autumn migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted 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 617-349-4021.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)
Wednesday, October 18
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, and cross stitch.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, October 18
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.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Wednesday, October 18
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.
Get Creative! Series: Acrylic Painting Workshop (Main)
Wednesday, October 18
2-4 p.m.
Learn how to create colorful acrylic paintings with Brooke Lambert, a professional printmaker and painter with a passionate interest and dedication to the arts. In this class you will be introduced to painting with acrylic, including techniques in color mixing, observational painting, and composition. At your own pace, you will learn how to paint still lifes in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This class will cover wet on wet and wet and dry brush techniques, sgraffito/combing, overlays/glazing, gel mediums, pattern making, and masking. You will come away from this class with beautiful paintings of your own and a greater understanding and appreciation for the medium of acrylic painting. Registration is required.
Teen Anime Club (Valente)
Wednesday, October 18
3-4:30 p.m.
Join us for an anime-filled afternoon. Enjoy the company of friends and snacks as we dive into the world of Haikyuu! Open to preteens and teens ages 12 and up. Please contact us at 617-349-4015 for more information.
Wednesdays of Wonder - WOW! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, October 18
3-4:30 p.m.
Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration is required.
Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, October 18
3:30-5 p.m.
Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to come learn about our space and try their hand at sticker making, video recording in our studio, and more. This is a drop-in event designed for ages 12-18.
Family Concert with Carrie Ferguson (O'Connell)
Wednesday, October 18
3-4:30 p.m.
The singer Carrie Ferguson presents a family concert offering children and families welcoming and inclusive messages about accepting feelings, celebrating differences, and loving themselves exactly as they are. Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers.
Sewing Circle (Main)
Wednesday, October 18
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 how to use our Janome sewing machines. Registration is required.
Reception and Gallery Talk: Hierosgamos: From Requiem to Revival (Main)
Wednesday, October 18
6:30-8 p.m.
Join us for a reception and gallery talk by Constantia Thibaut as she discusses her latest artwork, Hierosgamos: From Requiem to Reunion.
When Thibaut's partner, Bill, died in 2018 after a long illness, she created a series of portraits that represent his struggle with his illness during the last months of his life when he was in hospice. Thibaut based these portraits on the hundreds of photographs she took of Bill with her cell phone and digital camera. Registration is required.
The Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Wednesday, October 18, 7:30-8 p.m.
Thursday, October 19, 2:30-3 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 1 hour before the workshop starts. Before taking workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers. Registration is required.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Thursday, October 19
10-11 a.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.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main, by appointment)
Thursday, October 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.
Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
Thursday, October 19
3-4 p.m.
Saturday, October 21
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 by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023).
CPL Nature Club: Make Your Own Seed Paper Bookmark! (Boudreau)
Thursday, October 19
4-5 p.m.
Children and adults of all ages are welcome to join us in making a seed paper bookmark! Read with your bookmark all winter and then plant it in the spring to grow wildflowers! Children under 7 should be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.
Fabric Mending: Darning (Main)
Thursday, October 19
6-8:30 p.m.
Darning is a fabric mending technique that involves reinforcing or reweaving a portion of fabric by hand. In this workshop presented by Jessamy, a Somerville-based textile artist and sustainable fashion designer specializing in creative mending and upcycling, we’ll learn how to visibly mend holes and weak areas in sweaters, socks, and other knit fabrics using seed stitch and square darning techniques. You’ll leave with a sampler of both techniques that you can refer back to when tackling your own darning projects at home. Suitable for beginners with little or no darning experience, though it does help if you have some experience with hand sewing. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Thursday, October 19
7-8 p.m.
Saturday, October 21
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. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Drop-in Project (Valente)
Friday, October 20
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Drop by to work on a project. Each week we will have a different activity. Please call 617-349-4015 if you have any questions.
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Friday, October 20
10-11 a.m.
Join us in this 11-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.
Creating Resumes with Google Docs (Muna)
Friday, October 20
2-3 p.m.
Learn how to create resumes using Google Docs in a friendly and welcoming learning environment. A Gmail account is required for this class. Please remember your password! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Teen Room x The Hive
Friday, October 20
3:30-5 p.m.
Grab a friend for some creative exploration and play! Try your hand at sticker-making, 3D doodling, and more in the Teen Room. This is a drop-in event designed for ages 12-18.
Beginners’ Mandarin Class (Main)
Saturday, October 21
10-11:30 a.m.
Come to the Library and learn the second most-spoken language in the world! This class, taught by Sunling Liew—an experienced Chinese-language instructor at the Ming Hui Academy Boston—is designed for beginners. No testing or experience is needed, but registration is required.
The class sessions are as follows:
- Saturday, October 14, 2023
- Saturday, October 21, 2023
- Saturday, October 28, 2023
- Saturday, November 4, 2023
- Saturday, November 18, 2023
- Saturday, December 2, 2023
- Saturday, December 9, 2023
- Saturday, December 16, 2023
It is strongly encouraged that any interested parties register for ALL of the classes; the lessons build upon one another. If you have any questions or would like to register for the class but foresee a scheduling issue, please reach out to zbond@cambridgema.gov.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Saturday, October 21
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.
The Afghanistan Freeharmonic Orchestra (Main)
Saturday, October 21
1-3 p.m.
The Afghanistan Freeharmonic Orchestra (AFO) is a dedicated ensemble comprising Afghan and international musicians representing various nationalities across the globe. This special reunion unites performers across the world for a Cambridge premiere.
Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, October 21
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, October 21
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 when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple 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
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The City of Cambridge does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to people with disabilities. For more information contact us at library@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4032 (voice), or via relay at 711.