Director's Update, January 7, 2024
1/7/2024 • 3 months ago
Dear Patrons,
I hope the new year is off to a good start for you.
The Library is pleased to host the 49th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day event on Tuesday, January 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The hybrid event will feature a keynote address by Randall Kennedy, the Micheal R. Klein Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and the author of many books. Registration is required to attend this event.
In celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy, the Main Library will be hosting an exhibition of portraits of Dr. King created by Korean and American artists on the autism spectrum using their own personal styles and approach. The exhibition, on L2, will open on Sunday, January 7, and will close on Saturday, January 20. On Saturday, January 13, Heyon Choi, the director of the exhibition, will give a lecture about neurodiversity through artistic expression. Register for the lecture here.
I am also excited to announce that this year, we will be launching a new Cambridge Public Library website. First, however, we want to get your feedback! We’ll be holding user testing sessions in person on Monday, January 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Learning Lab. Participants will complete a 15-20-minute beta test when they will be given tasks to complete on the new website, such as finding the hours for a specific branch. The tests will be recorded, and participants are encouraged to talk as they navigate the site. Stop by the Main Library tomorrow if you’d like to provide your feedback! Library swag bags will be provided. Registrationis helpful but not required. Feel free to drop in on Monday!
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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 8
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.
Special Story Time: Snowy Forest Friends (Collins)
Monday, January 8
10:30.-11:15 a.m.
Join us for a bonus story time featuring animals of the forest, such as foxes, bears, and owls. We'll read stories, sing songs, and complete a craft celebrating these furry and feathery winter friends. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
ESOL Conversation Class (Valente)
Monday, January 8
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, and everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, January 8
6-7 p.m.
Come join us for a chess challenge. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. This is not an instructional class but a gathering for individuals who want to test their skills against other members of the community. Registration is not required. Contact us by phone at 617-349-4017 or via e-mail: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, January 9
1-2:30 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 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)
Monday, January 8, 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, January 9, 3-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 10, 1-3 p.m.
Friday, January 12, 1-4:30 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.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, January 9
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.
STEAM Academy: iFp Studio
Tuesday, January 9
Thursday, January 11
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.
Board Game Night for Adults (Valente)
Tuesday, January 9
6-7:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening of board games. We have Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Scrabble, chess, checkers, Boggle, Bananagrams, and more! Feel free to bring a board game to play with others. We will provide pizza and beverages.
Cambridge Cooks: Nagisa Ikemura Teaches Bento! (Main)
Tuesday, January 9
6-7 p.m.
Cambridge Cooks invites local chefs for a free cooking demonstration, followed by a tasting and Q&A with the chef. Today, Cambridge Cooks invites Nagisa Ikemura of Nagomi Bento to teach the delicate art of bento, a home-cooked lunch central to Japanese home and cultural life for centuries.
Nagisa's bento journey began in middle school as a competitive athlete in Japan. She learned to make healthy, nutritious meals that kept her in shape and sparked her passion for cooking. She knew from this young age that she wanted to be a chef and kept at it even after sports had ended! A few things popped up along the way: school, moving to America, and becoming a senior tax accountant for a Big Four accounting firm. Nagisa knows firsthand the joy that thoughtful bento makes in her everyday life and for her family and friends. It is her honor and pleasure to provide this moment of comfort, expression of care, and the feeling of nagomi!
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, January 9
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Family STEAM Night - Exploring Snow (O'Neill)
Tuesday, January 9
6:30-7:15 p.m.
Families with elementary school children join us for hands-on activities focused on Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Math. Adults and children will learn and play together! The theme of January's event will be SNOW!
Estate Planning for All (Virtual)
Wednesday, January 10
10:15 a.m.-Noon
The Library and the Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School are excited to offer Estate Planning for All. Estate plans can help you prepare for unexpected changes, offer a sense of security in uncertain times, and ensure that your wishes will be carried out if you become ill, incapacitated, or die unexpectedly. Everyone—regardless of background or financial situation—can have an estate plan. Registration is required.
We will discuss:
- Financial issues during our lifetimes: power of attorney, homestead declaration, and trusts
- Health and medical issues: health care proxy, medical directives, and HIPAA authorization
- Preparing for death: wills and declaration about remains
Estate planning issues specific to veterans and individuals with disabilities will also be discussed. This webinar will be presented on Zoom. Registrants may phone in if they prefer. Zoom information will be sent to registrants before the session. Questions? Contact Lucy at LFlamm@CambridgeMA.gov or call 617-349-4022.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)
Wednesday, January 10
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, January 10
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding jobs? Join us for help with résumés, job hunting, and online applications. No registration is required. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Wednesday, January 10
1-2:30 p.m.
Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Practice. This group is for those with an intermediate or high level of English language skill. No testing is required. For more information on other ESOL classes, please call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.
Wednesdays of Wonder - WOW! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, January 10
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.
Free Drop-In Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, January 10
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 of the Main Library on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact 617-349-4027 with any questions.
Know Your Rights Clinic (Valente)
Wednesday, January 10
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Get educated and feel empowered to know and use your rights! Come learn from a local attorney, Andrew Fischer of the National Lawyers Guild, about what to do if you are ever confronted by law enforcement, including the police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or other law enforcement organizations. Open to all ages.
Wednesday Word Puzzles (O'Connell)
Wednesday, January 10
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 grown-up. Recommended for ages 11 and up. No registration is required. E-mail cmeisler@cambridgema.gov for more details.
Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Thursday, January 11
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.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, January 11
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Thursday, January 11
7-8:30 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, January 12
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.
After School Crafts (Valente)
Friday, January 12
3-4 p.m.
Join us after school and get creative! Make a craft project and take it home with you. All supplies will be provided. This program is recommended for children ages 5+ and their caregivers. No registration is required for this drop-in activity. Call 617-349-4015 for more information.
Read to a Dog (O'Neill)
Friday, January 12
3-4 p.m.
Read with a cuddly friend! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and non-judgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required and begins on Thursday, January 4, by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023).
XR Lab 101 (Main)
Saturday, January 13
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.
Isha Kriya at the Library (Main)
Saturday, January 13
11 a.m.-Noon
In this 1-hour session, you will learn Isha Kriya, a simple 12-18-minute practice, to help you become meditative effortlessly. For beginners and experienced meditators alike! Registration is required.
Daily practice of Isha Kriya meditation offers:
- Enhanced clarity
- Improved health
- Heightened focus and energy
- Greater prosperity and a state of peacefulness and joy
Crafting Corner (O'Neill)
Saturday, January 13
1:30-3 p.m.
Bring your own fiber arts project and join us for a delightful crafting session. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, enjoy tea, snacks, and engaging conversations with fellow crafters. Please remember to bring your own supplies; no formal instructions will be provided. No registration is required.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Saturday, January 13
2:30-4:30 p.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 of us will be able to complete by the end of the class. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
Saturday Songs and Stories (O'Neill)
Saturday, January 13
3:30-4 p.m.
Children of all ages and their grown-ups are invited to join librarians for 20 minutes of music, movement, and stories.
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All the best,
Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries