Director's Update, January 28, 2024
1/26/2024 • 3 months ago
Dear Patrons,
The Library is pleased to welcome Antonia Hylton, the Peabody and Emmy award-winning author of Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum talking with Jesse McCarthy, Assistant Professor of English and of African and African American Studies and Director of Undergraduate Studies at Harvard University. Join us on Thursday, February 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Library’s Lecture Hall. Registration is required. This event is cosponsored by Harvard Book Store.
The MBTA plans to close parts of the Red Line in Cambridge in February in order to make track improvements, inspect tunnels, and make other upgrades. From Monday, February 5, to Wednesday, February 14, free and accessible shuttle buses will replace Red Line trains:
- From start of service until 8:45 p.m. between Alewife and Harvard.
- From 8:45 p.m. until end of service between Alewife and Park Street.
Shuttles will stop at all stations affected by the closures. Normal operation is expected to resume on Thursday, February 15. Shuttle buses will also replace train service between Harvard Square and Broadway from Saturday, February 24, and Sunday, February 25. Normal operation is expected to resume on Monday, February 26. Shuttle buses will stop at all Red Line T stations affected by the closures. For more information about the Red Line closures in Cambridge, click here. To get up-to-date information about these closures, please visit the MBTA’s Red Line Alerts page.
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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 29
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 29
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.
Bring Your Own Lunch Social (Valente)
Monday, January 29
12-1 p.m.
Bring your own lunch and we'll provide dessert! Take a break to meet your neighbors and network. Registration is helpful.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Monday, January 29, 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, January 30, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 1, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, February 2, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 3, 1:30-4:30 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 29
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 29
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 29
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 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 29
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.
Home Brewing Coffee Class with Forge Baking Company & Café (O’Neill)
Monday, January 29
This class will teach you everything you need to know to brew delicious coffee using a variety of brewing methods including aeropress, V60, chemex, and more! We'll cover the fundamentals of brewing coffee with plenty of guided tasting to help you understand what excellent coffee should taste like and how to make adjustments if your home brews aren't living up to your expectations.
Whether you are an avid home barista or just a curious coffee drinker looking to learn something new, this class will have something to offer! It will be very hands-on with lots of opportunities to practice your skills using commercial coffee equipment as well as some of the more accessible home brewing equipment. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, January 30, and Thursday, February 1
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 31, and Friday, February 2
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.
3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Tuesday, January 30
1-2:30 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.
Organize Your Files with Google Drive: Tips and Tricks (Main)
Tuesday, January 30
1-2 p.m.
Get more practice with Google Drive! Learn some tips and tricks to organize your files and images. Google Drive is the online file storage that is connected to your Gmail account. A Gmail (Google) account is required for the class. Please remember your Gmail and password! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, January 30
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 30
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. They are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose.
Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Main)
Tuesday, January 30
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.
STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)
Tuesday, January 30
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs start with students' interest in building a better world and introduce them to the underlying science and math principles that will 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 students to dive into the world of self-driving cars at the intersection of technology and innovation.
Cambridge Cooks: Mei Mei Dumplings (Main)
Tuesday, January 30
6-7 p.m.
Mei Mei Dumplings will teach participants the art of making dumplings! Cambridge Cooks invites local chefs for a free cooking demonstration, followed by a tasting and Q&A with the chef, Irene Li. Chef Li founded Mei Mei with her siblings in 2012 as a food truck. "Mei Mei” means “little sister” in Mandarin Chinese, and Mei Mei food is an expression of the Li siblings’ favorite childhood eating experiences as Chinese-American kids growing up in Boston. In 2020, Irene teamed up with Babson MBA graduates Alyssa Lee and Annie Campbell to lead the business in its transformation into a Dumpling Factory, Cafe, and Classroom. Registration is required. This program is full; a waitlist is available.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, January 30
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, January 31
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 31
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.
English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Wednesday, January 31
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 31
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.
One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau)
Wednesday, January 31
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.
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.
Sewing 101 (Main)
Wednesday, January 31
1-2:30 p.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.
Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, January 31
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.
Sewing Circle (Main)
Wednesday, January 31
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Continue building your machine-sewing skills and receive support with your projects. Participants must register but may drop in anytime during the program. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of our Janome sewing machines. Registration is required.
Wednesday Word Puzzles (O'Connell)
Wednesday, January 31
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 is required. E-mail cmeisler@cambridgema.gov for more details.
Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Thursday, February 1
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.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Thursday, February 1
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.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, February 1
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation.
CPL Nature Club: Groundhog Day Story Time (O'Connell)
Thursday, February 1
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 groundhogs and their shadows! No registration is required. Please call 617-349-4019 for details.
Antonia Hylton talking with Jesse McCarthy (Main)
Thursday, February 1
6-7:30 p.m.
Cambridge Public Library and Harvard Bookstore Library welcome Antonia Hylton, the Peabody and Emmy award-winning author of Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum talking with Jesse McCarthy, Assistant Professor of English and of African and African American Studies and Director of Undergraduate Studies at Harvard University. Join us on Thursday, February 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Library’s Lecture Hall.Registration is required. This event is cosponsored by Harvard Book Store.
Crafternoon: Button Maker (Valente)
Friday, February 2
3-4:30 p.m.
Come after school to use our button maker! Create and color your own designs, then follow the steps to bring your buttons home or give them to friends. All materials will be provided by the Library. No registration is required for this drop-in event. Recommended for children and their caregivers. For more information, please call 617-349-4015.
Cambridge Young Authors' Squad (O'Neill)
Friday, February 2
4-5 p.m.
Young people ages 10 to 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! If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful, but not required.
The Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Saturday, February 3
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Would you like to use The Hive? In this workshop you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Find out what you need to get started as a maker in The Hive here. Completion of The Hive Safety Training is the entry point to making, innovating, and collaborating in this space. Makers must also sign The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.
Isha Kriya (Main)
Saturday, February 3
11 a.m.-Noon
In this hour-long session, you will learn Isha Kriya, a simple 12-18-minute practice, to help you become meditative effortlessly. For beginners and experienced meditators alike!
Daily practice of Isha Kriya meditation offers:
- Enhanced clarity
- Improved health
- Heightened focus and energy
- Greater prosperity and a state of peacefulness and joy
Boston Festival Orchestra: The Power of Four (Main)
Saturday, February 3
2-3:30 p.m.
The string quartet, comprising two violinists, one viola, and one cello, has been the foundation of classical chamber music for centuries. But how did we get there? And what is it about this particular instrumentation that is so special? To help answer these questions, carefully chosen selections of chamber music will be performed in chronological order by musicians of the Boston Festival Orchestra. Note: While registration is preferred, it is not required. Walk-ins are welcome!
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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.