Director's Update, October 22, 2023

10/22/2023 • 6 months ago

Dear Patrons,

This week, the Library is offering several information sessions about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Find out if you are eligible for a monthly discount on home Internet. We are hosting a session in English on Monday, October 23, a session in Spanish on Tuesday, October 24, and sign-up help sessions by appointment on Thursday, October 26.

In collaboration with the Hastings Room, we are holding a reading of Seamus Heaney’s Station Island with Meg Tyler, Aidan Rooney, and Daniel Tobin on Thursday, October 26, in the lecture hall.

On Saturday, October 28, join us for an afternoon of poetry to celebrate the release of This Land, My Beloved: A Trilingual Anthology of Contemporary Haitian Poetry. A number of the featured authors will read their work in a program emceed by the editors of Trilingual Press. Registration is required.

The Library is pleased to offer the programs below for the week beginning Sunday, October 22.

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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 23
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 23
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. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Equipment and Studio Reservations
Monday, October 23, 1:15-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 24, 3-6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 25, 6-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 26, 2-5 p.m.

During this period, anyone who has completed The Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Monday, October 23
2:30-3:30 p.m.

Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation.

STEAM Academy: iFp Studio
Monday, October 23
Tuesday, October 24
Wednesday, October 25
Thurday, October 26
3:30-7 p.m.

Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a teen-powered design and innovation program where teens channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, teens engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. Teens are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose.

LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, October 23
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 23
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 6 p.m. Please contact us with any questions at 617-349-4027 (voice) or via relay at 711.

ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, October 23
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.

Save on Home Internet: Affordable Connectivity Program Info Session
Monday, October 23
6:30-8 p.m.

Join us to learn about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and how to apply. The ACP provides eligible households with a monthly discount on home Internet. Many plans are available at little to no cost. For more information, go to this link: https://www.fcc.gov/acp.

ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, October 24, and Thursday, October 26
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 25, and Friday, October 27
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.

Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, October 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 28, 2:30-4:30 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.

Navigating Solo: Planning Tools for Aging Well (Main)
Tuesday, October 24
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. Each session will include a 60-minute talk and 30-minute Q&A period on the topics listed below. After each session, a 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 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 24
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.

Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Main)
Tuesday, October 24
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.

Hand Embroidery (Valente)
Tuesday, October 24
6-7:30 p.m.

Hand Embroidery will cover an assortment of basic embroidery stitches that can embellish your clothing and hide (or highlight!) holes and stains! Leave class with a sampler of stitches you can refer back to, along with a knowledge of tools, materials, and techniques for stitching up embroidered designs. Suitable for beginners with little or no embroidery experience or those who want a refresher on the basics.

Intuitive Crystal Workshop with Roxie Zwicker (Main
Tuesday, October 24
6-7 p.m.

Come learn about the power of crystals in this free workshop taught by Roxie Zwicker. All participants will take home a variety of curated crystals. Registration is required.

Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Tuesday, October 24
6:30-8:30 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.

Programa de Descuentos para Internet: Affordable Connectivity Program (Main)
Martes, Octubre 24
6:30-8 p.m.

En este sesion de informacion, aprenderá la información que necesita para solicitar el ACP, cómo solicitar el programa y cómo utilizar el beneficio. Se requiere registro.

In this session, you will learn the information you need to apply for the ACP, how to apply for it, and how to use the benefit. This session will be in Spanish. Registration is required.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, October 24
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Pajama Story Time (O’Neill)
Tuesday, October 24
6:45-7:30 p.m.

Children and their grown-ups are invited to join us for fun and scary songs and stories for a late October treat! Feel free to wear your favorite pajamas or a scary or fun costume! Pajama Story Time is presented by the Library and the Center for Families.

Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Wednesday, October 25, and Friday, October 27
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: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Wednesday, October 25
10:15-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with 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. Registration is required.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)
Wednesday, October 25
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 25
1-3 p.m.

Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding 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.

Serger 101 (Main)
Wednesday, October 25
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.

Wednesdays of Wonder - WOW! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, October 25
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.

Half-Day Hangout: Scratch Art Tiles (Collins)
Wednesday, October 25
1-2 p.m.

Drop by for a fun after-school activity. In October, we'll create scratch art tiles. Begin with a black square and scratch a design to reveal the magical colors hidden beneath. Recommended for children ages 5-10 and their caregivers.

Half Day Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, October 25
2-4 p.m.

Join us in the Curious George Room for a screening of Rumble.

ACP Sign-up Help by Appointment
Wednesday, October 25
2-5 p.m.

We can help you apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)! Laptops will be available to apply online. An appointment is required. This program provides eligible households with a monthly discount on home Internet. For more information, go to this link: https://www.fcc.gov/acp.

To book an appointment, please click the following link: https://tinyurl.com/acpsignuphelp or call 617-349-4041.

Tarot Readings for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, October 25
3-5 p.m.

Tarot tells the story of your life in pictures and is known as a mirror to the soul. Join the healer, artist, and educator Laura Campagna of Laura Campagna Astrology for drop-in tarot readings at the Library. This program is for teens ages 12-18.

Read to a Dog (O’Connell)
Wednesday, October 25
4-5 p.m.

Read with Bowie the Therapy Dog from Pets & People! Therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers of all ages. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required. Sign up by phone or in person (617-349-4019).

One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau)
Wednesday, October 25
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 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:

Scheduled 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.

Cambridge Cooks: Mushroom Risotto
Wednesday, October 25
6-7 p.m.

Chef Anthony Haley shows us how to make the most of a chilly autumn night by creating a mushroom risotto. This live demonstration will be followed by a free tasting and Q&A with the chef.

CPL Nature Club: Autumn Family Story Time (O'Connell)
Wednesday, October 25
6:30-7 p.m.

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for a special story time. This program will run for 20-25 minutes, with songs, stories, and rhymes about apples, pumpkins, and changing leaves. It will be held indoors. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for more information.

Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Thursday, October 26
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.

One-on-One Tech Help (Main, by appointment)
Thursday, October 26
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.

An Afternoon at the Museum: John Leysath on the Hammond Castle Museum (Virtual)
Thursday, October 26
1-2 p.m.

John Leysath, the curator at the Hammond Castle Museum, will be your guide to the unique, medieval-style home and museum of noted scientist John Hays Hammond Jr., his collection of artifacts, and his remarkable life. Hammond was one of the most prolific inventors in U.S. history and registered over 500 patents in the course of his career. He was a pioneer in many technologies, including television and sound recording. This event will be virtual on Zoom. Registration is required.

Read to a Dog (Boudreau)
Thursday, October 26
3-4 p.m.

Read with Ana the Therapy Dog! Therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers of all ages. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required. Sign up the day of the program by phone or in person (617-349-4017).

Fiber Arts Adventure with Lenni: A Machine-Sewing Workshop Series (Main)
Thursday, October 26
5:30-8:30 p.m.

Continue building your machine-sewing skills and create bespoke sewn crafts! Design your own fiber arts adventure as you make dinner napkins, high-visibility patches for being seen at night, and your own wearable Hive-made creations. This four-part series is led by the fiber artist and designer Lenni Armstrong.

The skills practiced include: identifying and straightening a fabric's grain, straight stitching, making hems and more. Registration is required. Those registered for the first session will automatically be enrolled in the following weeks. Spots are very limited; kindly only enroll if you plan to attend all four workshops.

The Hastings Room Reading Series present Seamus Heaney's Station Island
Thursday, October 26
7-8:30 p.m.

The Library and the Hastings Room Reading Series present Seamus Heaney's Station Island with Meg Tyler, Aidan Rooney, and Daniel Tobin. The poem is adapted for presentation by Michael Todd Steffen.

The Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Thursday, October 26
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 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.

Sewing 101 (Main)
Friday, October 27
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. https://cambridgepl.libcal.com/event/11112116. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

Drop-In Project (Valente)
Fridays
10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Drop by to work on a project. Each week we will have a different activity.

Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm (Main)
Friday, October 27
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.

Drop-In Studio (Main)
Friday, October 27
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.

Cambridge Young Authors’ Squad (O’Neill)
Friday, October 27
4-5 p.m.

Children ages 10-14 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.

Videography 101 (Main)
Saturday, October 28
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.

Beginners’ Mandarin Class (Main)
Saturday, October 28
10-11:30 a.m.

Come 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:

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 28
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.

Spooky Scavenger Hunt (Valente)
Saturday, October 28
1-5 p.m.

Children and their caregivers, come join us to seek out some familiar faces hidden across Valente in a seasonal spooky scavenger hunt! Complete the hunt to win a special prize at the Youth Desk. This event is recommended for ages 5+.

Trilingual Press Book Release Celebration and Reading (Main)
Saturday, October 28
1-4 p.m.

Please join the Library for a Saturday afternoon of poems to celebrate the new release of This Land, My Beloved, a one-of-a-kind anthology published by Trilingual Press. A number of featured authors will appear to read their work in an program emceed by the editors of Trilingual Press. Registration is required.

Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, October 28
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

Please subscribe to our e-mail list, follow us on X, Instagram, or Facebook, and visit our website.

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.

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