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Director's Update, May 9, 2021

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.

New library at night

Dear Patrons,

It is with a heart full of joy that I can tell you that in June we will begin limited service (by appointment) in person at the Main Library! The staff is so excited to welcome you back and to resume some of the personal services that you love and we love to provide!

We will continue to offer Contactless Holds Pickup service at the Boudreau, Central Square, O’Neill, and Valente branches for those who prefer this service.

A Happy Mother's Day to all those celebrating or honoring mothers!

Main Library Reopens with Library Express Services on June 2

We will reopen the Main Library for Library Express services, including limited browsing, on Wednesday, June 2,  by appointment. You can make appointments beginning on May 26. During this new phase of library access, you may visit the Main Library to check out holds, browse for additional items, and get quick assistance from the staff. More information about Library Express, including the hours and appointment information, will be available closer to June 2. In accordance with the City of Cambridge’s emergency order, you must wear a mask to enter the Library if you are older than 5, regardless of your vaccination status.

It is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. We will be hosting two very special events in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and City Manager’s Office:

Anti-Racism Youth Programs to Launch in May

We have lined up a number of programs aimed at combatting racism and promoting social justice. The programs, which are geared to children and their caregivers, were created by a task force launched to address systemic racism in the wake of the killing of George Floyd last year. All the programs are free and open to the public and will be held virtually. Registration is required to participate in each event

Urban Cycling Basics for Kids!

On Monday, May 10, at 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 15, at 10 a.m., learn how to take care of your bicycle and stay safe while riding this spring and summer! This virtual 30-minute workshop will be led by Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School students. It covers the rules of the road and other urban cycling tips to introduce you (and your parents) to some of the important skills necessary for safe bicycling. Registration is required.

Mindfulness & Compassion: Resilience Training for Challenging Times

On Monday, May 10, at 6:30 p.m., the certified mindfulness meditation teacher Yasemin Isler will introduce you to mindfulness and compassion and offer techniques that will help you cultivate presence and build resilience in everyday life. Previous meditation experience is not necessary. Registration is required.

Virtual ESOL Classes

Virtual English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Introductory ESOL takes place at 11 a.m., beginner ESOL at 1 p.m., and intermediate ESOL at 3 p.m. Registration is required for each class. Please see the Library’s online events calendar for more details.

Voices for Justice: Isabel Wilkerson in Conversation with Callie Crossley

On Tuesday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m., join the Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson as she talks with Callie Crossley of Under the Radar with Callie Crossley on WGBH. Isabel Wilkerson is the author of The New York Times best sellers The Warmth of Other Suns and Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. She captivates audiences with her impassioned voice as she demonstrates how history can help us understand ourselves, our country, and our current era of upheaval. Registration is required.

Voices for Justice is a free, virtual event series supporting the Cambridge Public Library's world-class Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programming and initiatives, presented by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.

Virtual Baby Lapsit

Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers, and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills in this six-week series, Wednesdays at 10 a.m. until May 26.  Registering for one will sign you up for all the remaining sessions. Registration is required.

Know Your Rights (Tween/Teen Hangout)

On Wednesday, May 12, at 4 p.m., join in a workshop from the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild’s Street Law Clinic. The public defender Makis Antzoulatos will guide tweens and teens through their rights in “stop and search” scenarios with the police. Submit your specific questions for the presenter on this form by Friday, May 7. Registration is required.

Wellness for Seniors: Low Impact Fitness

Wellness for Seniors: Low Impact Fitness is a virtual class on Thursday, May 13, at 11 a.m. It is designed for people at all levels to strengthen their muscles, heart, and brain--all while having fun and moving to great music! Take everything at your own pace. You will feel the benefits in mind and body! Registration is required.

Join Us for Story Time

We invite children and their grownups to join us from home for 20-25 minutes of engaging stories. STEAM Story Times include hands-on activities to explore science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. Plan to sing along and move around!

We are happy to offer these Story Times this week:

Registration is required for each event.

American Treasures from the Library's Archives and Special Collections

On Thursday, May 13, at noon, take a tour of the American Treasures in the  Library's Archives and Special Collections. This lecture will focus on letters from George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Paul Revere, Margaret Fuller, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., and more. Registration is required.

Virtual Sing-Along

Children and their grownups are invited to join us from home on Friday, May 14, at 11 a.m., for 20-25 minutes of wiggling, dancing, and Sing-Along favorites! Caregivers are asked to participate with their children. Plan to sing and move around! Registration is required.

Napsnacks: Haitian DjonDjon Quinoa

On Saturday, May 15, at 1 p.m., in celebration of Haitian Flag Day and the 1-year anniversary of The Haitian Croissant Youtube channel, the chef and blogger Ayida Solé will demonstrate and walk us through their remix of the traditional Haitian dish Diri DjonDjon (black mushroom rice) with a quinoa alternative that is lower in carbs and packed with proteins. It’s delicious! Registration is required.

Stay Connected

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Best wishes,

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.
Director of Libraries

Page was posted on 5/9/2021 11:36 AM
Page was last modified on 7/25/2023 5:49 AM
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