Director's Update, January 21, 2024
1/19/2024 • 3 months ago
Dear Patrons,
The Library is pleased to welcome Tracy K. Smith on Wednesday, January 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a poetry reading and discussion cosponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. This event is hybrid and registration is required.
Smith is a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, memoirist, editor, translator, and opera librettist. She served as the 22nd Poet Laureate of the United States from 2017 to 2019, during which time she spearheaded American Conversations: Celebrating Poems in Rural Communities with the Library of Congress, launched the American Public Media podcast The Slowdown, and edited the anthology American Journal: Fifty Poems for Our Time. She is a professor of English and African and African American Studies at Harvard University. She has also written To Free the Captives: A Plea for the American Soul and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Life on Mars.
On January 25 at 1:30 p.m., join me as I host NBC10 and ALA's January Banned Book Club meeting. The discussion will air on ALA's Facebook Live. This month, we are discussing The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. Learn more about the book here.
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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, January 22
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: Let Your Yoga Dance® (Virtual)
Monday, January 22
11-11:45 a.m.
Breathe, stretch, and dance your way to a blissful body, joyous heart, and a steady, quiet mind! Open to all levels and abilities. Registration for each session is required. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, January 22, 2-4 p.m.
Thursday, January 25, 2-6 p.m.
During this period, anyone who has completed The Hive Safety Training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able.
LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, January 22
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 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.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Monday, January 22
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.
Fiber Arts Adventure with Lenni: A Machine-Sewing Workshop Series (Main)
Monday, January 22
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND create bespoke sewn crafts! Learn pattern-making and create your own aprons and backpacks. This four-part series is led by the fiber artist and designer Lenni Armstrong.
Registration is required. Those registered for the first session will automatically be enrolled in the following weeks. Spots are very limited; kindly enroll only if you plan to attend all four workshops.
Monday, January 22: Community Room
Monday, January 29: Community Room
Monday, February 5: Community Room
Monday, February 12: Rossi Room
This intermediate workshop is designed for patrons who know the basics of our Janome sewing machines. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, January 22
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, January 22
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 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! 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, January 23, and Thursday, January 25
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 24, and Friday, January 26
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, January 23
1-2:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 25
7-8:30 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. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. 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.
Google Sheets Basics: Creating Spreadsheets (Main)
Tuesday, January 23
1-2 p.m.
Learn how to use Google Sheets, Google's version of Excel! You will learn how to create a sheet and enter data in a friendly learning environment. A gmail account is required for this class— please remember your password! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, January 23
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. Thanks to the Adult Services team for this program.
STEAM Academy: iFp Studio
Tuesday, January 23
Thursday, January 25
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. Thanks to The Hive team for this collaboration.
STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)
Tuesday, January 23
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs starts with students' interest in building a better world and introduces them to the underlying science and math principles to bring their solutions to life. Youth in 7th and 8th grades are invited to join iFp on a journey into the world of artificial intelligence with “Smart Cars AI: Driving Innovation for All.” This 13-week adventure invites you to dive into the world of self-driving cars at the intersection of technology and innovation.
Mindfulness and Journaling: Happy, Mindful New Year!
Tuesday, January 23
6-7 p.m.
Start the new year with awareness! Join us for brief guided meditations and restorative practices to nurture a sense of present awareness, while setting personally meaningful intentions for the year. There will be time for short journal entries (optional prompts and materials provided). Beginning and experienced meditators and writers are welcome!
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, January 23
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Thanks to the Boudreau Branch team for this program.
Make Along for Adults: LED Lanterns (Valente)
Tuesday, January 23
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us for the first of a monthly make-along series to create and socialize. Make this month's project or bring your own! This month we will be making LED Lanterns; all supplies will be provided.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, January 23
7:30-8:30 p.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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)
Wednesday, January 24
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. Thanks to the O’Connell Branch team for this program.
Connecting with Balance: Build Healthy Digital Habits (Main)
Wednesday, January 24
11 a.m.-Noon
We use technology every day, from checking e-mails and scrolling social media to online shopping and remote work. This class will share tips on building healthy digital habits to find balance in your online and offline lives. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, January 24
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.
Wednesdays of Wonder - WOW! (O’Neill)
Wednesday, January 24
3-4:30 p.m.
Come 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.
Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, January 24
4-5 p.m.
Read with Bowie the Therapy Dog from Pets & People! Therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new and experienced readers of all ages. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required. Sign up by phone or in person at the O'Connell Branch (617-349-4019).
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, January 24
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 617-349-4027 with any questions.
CPL Presents: A Night of Poetry with Tracy K. Smith (Main)
Wednesday, January 24
6-7:30 p.m.
Join Tracy K. Smith, former U.S. Poet Laureate and author of To Free the Captives: A Plea for the American Soul as well as the Pulitzer Prize-winning Life on Mars for a poetry reading followed by an author Q&A. Registration is required. This event is a hybrid event and is cosponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
Family Game Night: Big Board Games (Valente)
Wednesday, January 24
6-7:30 p.m.
Challenge your family or meet new friends over giant board games in the Community Room at Valente. The library will supply games and snacks. No registration is required for this drop-in event. This event is recommended for children ages 5 and up with their caregivers. Call 617-349-4015 for more information.
Trivia Night! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, January 24
6:15-7 p.m.
Come join us for Trivia Night! Players of all ages are welcome to test their knowledge of science, history, literature, and culture. Snacks will be provided. Individuals and groups are welcome. Registration is helpful but not required.
Wednesday Word Puzzles (O'Connell)
Wednesday, January 24
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Drop in to try some fun puzzles every week: word searches, riddles, and variety crosswords! You can come alone or bring a grownup. Recommended for age 11 and up. No registration required. E-mail cmeisler@cambridgema.gov for more details.
Death Cafe (Virtual)
Wednesday, January 24
7-8 p.m.
Join us for a virtual Death Cafe, an evening of open, lively, and insightful discussion about death for adults age 18 and older. While not a support group or 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. It’s 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. Registration is required. Questions? Contact Abby at aclinger@cambridgema.gov.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, January 25
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Join our librarians for tea, cookies and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation.
Read to a Dog (Valente)
Thursday, January 25
3-4 p.m.
Meet our new friend, Dante, a therapy dog certified through Bright Spot Therapy Dogs. Trained therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new and experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required by calling or visiting the Valente Branch (617-349-4015).
CPL Nature Club: Hibernation Story Time (O'Connell)
Thursday, January 25
3:30-4 p.m.
We invite children and their grown-ups to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories, and rhymes, with a craft to take and make at home while supplies last. We will read stories about hibernation! No registration is required. Please call (617) 349-4019 for details.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Thursday, January 26
9:30-11 a.m.
In this 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.
Coffee, Cribbage, and Chess! (Boudreau)
Friday, January 26
11 a.m.-Noon
Join us on the fourth Friday of the month for coffee, treats, and games (chess, cribbage, dominos, etc.). Bring a friend or meet a new one at the library!
Drop-in Studio (Main)
Friday, January 26
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.
Teen Anime Club (Valente)
Friday, January 26
3-4:30 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 call 617-349-4015 for more information.
Videography 101 (Main)
Saturday, January 27
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. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, January 27
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. Thanks to the O’Neill team for this program.
Saturday Story Time (Valente)
Saturday, January 27
2-2:25 p.m.
Join us for a special Saturday Story Time at the Valente Branch! Children and their caregivers are invited to join us for 20-25 minutes of stories and songs. No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4015 for more information. Our next Saturday Story Time will be on February 17.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Saturday, January 27
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Learn how to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials using the Glowforge Pro laser cutter. This 2-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. Thanks to The Hive team for offering this program.
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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.