Director's Update, December 17, 2023
12/15/2023 • 4 months ago
Dear Patrons,
I am pleased to report that according to the City’s 2023 Resident Survey, the Library received the highest number of “excellent” votes of all City services. Some 91% of the respondents ranked the Library’s services as either “excellent” or “good.” Some 68% of the respondents ranked our services as “excellent,” up from 57% in 2022. Thanks to our patrons for providing information, and thanks to our staff for providing excellent services!
I am also pleased to report that our menstrual product dispenser project is complete! We installed 16 product dispensers, which offer free menstrual products in gender-inclusive and women’s bathrooms, across all seven branches. This grew out of a collaboration with the Cambridge Youth Council, who advocated for and worked with elected officials to put in a related City Council order, and a pilot coordinated by Youth Services Librarian Hill Saxton and a student from Prospect Hill Academy. The completion of this project is just one step in pursuit of the Library’s strategic priority: welcome and inclusion, and our values of access and social justice, which are outlined in our strategic framework.
All Library locations will be closed on Friday, December 22 through Monday, December 25, for Christmas. All Library locations will be closed on Monday, January 1, for New Year’s Day.
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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, December 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 appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
Wellness for Seniors: Zumba Gold (Virtual)
Monday, December 18
11-11:45 a.m.
A fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful combo. We start with some high-energy (low-impact) dance fitness, and then work our way through the seven energy centers (chakras) with Let Your Yoga Dance. You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful, happy mind/body/spirit. It’s good for everybody! 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 (Main)
Monday, December 18, 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 19, 1-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 20, 1-2:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 21, 9 a.m.-Noon
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, December 18
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 (Main)
Monday, December 18
Tuesday, December 19
Wednesday, December 20
Thursday, December 21
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.
Winter Card Party! (Collins)
Monday, December 18
4-5:30 p.m.
Join us to celebrate the changing of the seasons by making cards for family, loved ones, or neighbors! We will have supplies available, and light refreshments will be served. All ages are welcome! For more information, contact the Collins Branch at 617-349-4021.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, December 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. https://cambridgepl.libcal.com/event/10274564. Learn more.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Monday, December 18
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. Please contact us with any questions at 617-349-4027 (voice) or via relay at 711.
ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, December 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.
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, December 18
6-7 p.m.
Come join us for a chess challenge. Players of all ages and abilities 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 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, December 19, and Thursday, December 21
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 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.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, December 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.
Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Main)
Tuesday, December 19
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.
CPL Nature Club: Make Your Own Seed Paper Bookmark! (O'Neill)
Tuesday, December 19
5-6 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! Bookmarks also make great waste-free holiday gifts. Children under 7 should be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.
Film in Translation (Valente)
Tuesday, December 19
6-7:45 p.m.
Join us for a screening of an international film that will be shown with English subtitles. Please call 617-349-4015 for the name of the film. Popcorn and soft drinks will be provided.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, December 19
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)
Wednesday, December 20
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, December 20
1-3 p.m.
Looking for help 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.
Teen Anime Club (Valente)
Wednesday, December 20
4-4 p.m.
Join us for an anime-filled afternoon. Enjoy the company of friends and snacks as we dive into a show together! 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, December 20
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.
One-on-One Tech Help (Boudreau, by appointment)
Wednesday, December 20
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. If you have questions, please send them to: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, December 20
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 617-349-4027 with any questions.
Cambridge Cooks with Chef Anthony: A Holiday Breakfast!
Wednesday, December 20
6-7 p.m.
Cambridge Cooks invites local chefs to the Library for a free cooking demonstration, followed by a tasting and Q&A with the chefs. Join Chef Anthony Haley and learn to prepare a holiday breakfast that will earn you many accolades. Hint: it involves pancakes! Registration is required.
One-on-One Tech Help (Main, by appointment)
Thursday, December 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 are 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
- 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 (Boudreau)
Thursday, December 21
3:30-4:30 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 at the Boudreau Branch (617-349-4017).
Winter Solstice Celebration (O'Neill)
Thursday, December 21
5-6 p.m.
Celebrate the shortest day of the year and the beginning of the winter season! Join us for a seasonal story time, a winter craft, and a cozy treat.
CPL Nature Club: Winter Solstice Story Time (Main)
Thursday, December 21
5:30-6 p.m.
On the shortest day of the year, we'll gather for a cozy story time. Come read, sing, and welcome back the light!
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.