Director's Update, July 14, 2020

Hello,

Announcing Kids Books to Go, piloting this Thursday at Central Square Branch!

The Library is launching a new service to help young people in Cambridge access physical library books this summer. At Kids Books to Go pop-up events, youth and families may borrow bags of library books for kids and teens without having to make an appointment or place catalog requests. Title selections will be curated by Cambridge Public Library children's librarians. The pilot event will take place this Thursday, July 16, from 11 am to 2 pm outside the Central Square Branch at 45 Pearl St. 

A very Special Summer Reading event: Meet the Mayor and Vice-Mayor

Our special Summer Reading: Meet the Mayor and Vice-Mayor virtual event is on Friday July 17 at 2 pm. Participants will have the opportunity to meet Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and Vice-Mayor Alanna Mallon, hear their stories, and find out how to become leaders in the community! Registration is required. 

STEAM Storytime

From the Cambridge STEAM Initiative's STEAM@Home collection, the CPL will host its first Virtual STEAM Story Time: Trees and Leaves on Wednesday July 15 at 11 am. Children and their grownups can join us for 20-25 minutes of stories and hands-on activities to explore STEAM. Caregivers are asked to gather activity materials before the event if you plan to participate in the activities. This week, you will need leaves, paper, crayons or colored pencils and a clipboard or tape. Registration is required. A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants one hour before the program begins.

Upcoming Summer Reading Programs

Additional Summer Reading programs for kids offered this week includes Tales from African Traditions with Valerie Tutson, Sciencetellers, Jenny the Juggler, and Queer Kid Stuff Live!. 

You can also begin registering for these youth programs, which are happening next week: Brazilian Beats by Grooversity, Pineapple Project, Nappy's Puppets Presents: Shadows Around the World, Dinoman Presents Dinosaurs, and Ideas Not Theories.

Boost Mental Wellness with Tech Workshop

On Saturday, July 18 at 11 am, the CPL will offer a Boost Mental Wellness With Tech event. In times of quarantine and social distancing, technology can be a blessing and/or a curse. Public speaker Amber P. Knight will present tools, tips, and hacks about using everyday tech to help us thrive during times of uncertainty and change. Registration is required.

Have a super week,

Dr. Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries