Director's Update, February 18, 2023
2/18/2024 • 2 months ago
Dear Patrons,
Join us to celebrate Black History Month with another session of Cambridge Cooks, the Library’s cooking program, with chef/owner Anthony Brooks of the Coast Café, the City’s preeminent soul food restaurant. From the delectable dishes to the familial atmosphere, the Coast Café brings a piece of the South to Cambridge. Chef Brooks will teach participants how to cook catfish in two ways: with cornmeal and blackened. Registration is required. This program is sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
This week is school vacation! Check out some special programs, like Jenny the Juggler, Professor Bugman, Button Making, the Pineapple Project, and more! Find all of our vacation week programs here.
All Library locations will be closed on Monday, February 19, for Presidents 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.
ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, February 20, and Thursday, February 22
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 21, and Friday, February 23
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.
Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Tuesday, February 20, 3-6 p.m.
Wednesday, February 21, 6-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 22, 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.
Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, February 20
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 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 to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, February 20
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.
Black History Month: Cambridge Cooks with the Coast Café (Main)
Tuesday, February 20
3-4 p.m.
Cambridge Cooks invites local chefs for a free cooking demonstration, followed by a tasting and Q&A. Chef Anthony Brooks will demonstrate how to cook catfish in two ways: with cornmeal and blackened.
Internet Safety (Main)
Tuesday, February 20
3-4 p.m.
Learn how to be safer online with accounts and passwords. We will provide an overview of frauds and scams. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Vacation Week Program: "Meet the Orchestra," presented by Boston Music Project (Valente)
Tuesday, February 20
3-4 p.m.
Join us for a performance of a youth chamber orchestra. A hands-on instrument petting zoo follows the performance, offering a chance for children to try playing a string instrument and to learn about different orchestral instruments.
This program will be held in the Community Room of the Valente Branch. Please contact the library at 617-349-4015 for more information.
Vacation Week Program: Pineapple Project (O'Neill)
Tuesday, February 20
3-3:45 p.m.
Enjoy a fun and engaging original show that explores gender, creativity, and each child's freedom to be who they are. Recommended for children ages 4-8 and their caregivers. No registration is required.
Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Tuesday, February 20
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday February 23
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 in this workshop. 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 custom 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.
Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, February 20
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters.
Make-Along for Adults: Buttons (Valente)
Tuesday, February 20
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us for a monthly make-along series to create and socialize. Make this month's project or bring your own! This month we will be making buttons. Design and press your own buttons. All supplies for the featured craft will be provided. Registration is required.
Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm
Wednesday, February 21, and Friday, February 23
10-11 a.m.
Join us in this 12-week Tai Chi practice, which focuses on the mind and body connection. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. 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. Note: We will be running two separate Tai Chi Paradigm series this year, a Wednesday series and a Friday series. Due to its subject matter, we expect participants to attend all the classes. Please register for only one series. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.
CPL Nature Club: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mount Auburn Cemetery (Collins)
Wednesday, February 21
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Join us for a walk at the renowned birdwatching spot in our own backyard, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with winter migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted year round. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. The walk will meet at the courtyard of the Collins Branch (64 Aberdeen Ave.) and head over to the cemetery together. Registration is required. This program is full; a waitlist is available. For more information, contact Michael Roberson at mroberson@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4021.
Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)
Wednesday, February 21
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.
Google Docs: Tips and Tricks (Main)
Wednesday, February 21
11 a.m.-Noon
Get more practice with Google Docs! Learn some tips and tricks when you create online documents. You will need a Gmail (Google e-mail) account. Please remember your e-mail and password before the class. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.
Vacation Week Program: Jenny the Juggler! (Boudreau)
Wednesday, February 21
11-11:45 a.m.
Jenny the Juggler connects with people through juggling, magic, music, and more to create fabulous experiences with unforgettable memories for any occasion! For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, February 21
1-3 p.m.
Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding jobs? Join us for assistance with 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, February 21
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.
Serger Training (Main)
Wednesday, February 21
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. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a wait list is available.
This workshop is designed for patrons who have experience using a sewing machine. If you are new to machine sewing, we recommend you take our Sewing 101 workshop before using our serger.
Wednesdays of Wonder - WOW! (O’Neill)
Wednesday, February 21
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.
Vacation Week Program: Professor Bugman (Main)
Wednesday, February 21
2-3 p.m.
Amazing creatures have amazing adaptations! And what better way to discover these concepts than through hands-on experiences with a whole zoo of exotic invertebrates? Can you create and draw your own arthropod with its own special adaptations? Come hang out with Professor Bugman! Recommended for children ages 5-11 and their caregivers.
This program can accommodate 50 people. 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.
Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, February 21
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 at the O'Connell Branch (617-349-4019).
Creative Patching (Main)
Wednesday, February 21
6-7:30 p.m.
Creative Patching will focus on how to repair holes, tears, and stains in clothing using fabric patches and hand embroidery techniques. Participants will learn about tools and materials for patching and how to combine fabric patches with simple hand embroidery stitches to create eye-catching visible mends. Leave class with a sampler of techniques that you can refer back to when tackling your own clothing at home. Suitable for beginners with little or no sewing experience. Jessamy, the instructor, is a Somerville-based textile artist and sustainable fashion designer specializing in creative mending and upcycling. She earned a BFA in Fibers and a Certificate in Fashion Design from the Massachusetts College of Art & Design and has taught mending at the Library, Make & Mend in Somerville, and the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts in Jamaica Plain. See her work at www.jessamyshay.com.
Wednesday Word Puzzles (O'Connell)
Wednesday, February 21
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 age 11 and up. No registration is required. E-mail cmeisler@cambridgema.gov for more details.
One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Main)
Thursday, February 22
11 a.m.-1 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.
Nintendo Switch Party for Ages 10-13 (Main)
Thursday, February 22
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Join our Nintendo Switch party for ages 10-13! We'll have two multiplayer games available on our library consoles. Feel free to bring your own Switch console to play other library Switch games. There will be a Nintendo Switch Party for younger kids in March. This program can accommodate 16 gamers. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. The gamer must be present to receive a ticket. This program starts promptly, and any unclaimed spots will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.
Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, February 22
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation.
Vacation Week Program: Button Making Workshop (Boudreau)
Thursday, February 22
3-3:45 p.m.
Draw your design and then use our button maker to make it into a button you can wear or put on your backpack! Recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. Registration is required.
Crafternoon: Origami Cranes (Collins)
Wednesday, February 22
4-5 p.m.
An ancient Japanese legend tells that anyone who folds a thousand paper cranes will be granted a wish, a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times. Please join us to fold origami cranes and see how many we can create together. For age 5 and up with a caregiver.
Videography 101 (Main)
Friday, February 23
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.
Vacation Week Program: Rockabye Beats (Collins)
Friday, February 23
11-11:45 a.m.
Join Rockabye Beats for an interactive musical program experience. We'll sing, play, explore instruments, dance, pretend, learn a little Spanish, and show off our goofy side. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Coffee, Cribbage, and Chess! (Boudreau)
Friday, February 23
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!
Sewing 101 (Main)
Friday, February 23
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.
Drop-in Studio (Main)
Friday, February 23
1-4:30 p.m.
This is an opportunity to learn 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.
Vacation Week: Family Movie at the Library (O'Neill)
Friday, February 23
2-3:45 p.m.
Join us for a cozy family movie (Trolls Band Together, DreamWorks - PG, 91 minutes)! Snacks will be provided.
Vacation Week Program: "Meet the Orchestra," presented by Boston Music Project (Main)
Saturday, February 24
11 a.m.-Noon
Join us for a performance of a youth chamber orchestra. A hands-on instrument petting zoo follows the performance, offering a chance for children to try playing a string instrument and to learn about different orchestral instruments.
Chess Hour (O'Neill)
Saturday, February 24
3-4 p.m.
Join us for a game of chess! Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. This is a space for individuals to play and test their skills against other members of the community. This is not an instructional class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4023 or via e-mail: sjoycefarley@cambridgema.gov.
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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.