Director's Update, January 16, 2022

Dear Patrons, 

I hope you have a meaningful day of observance in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Last week, as part of the 47^th Annual Martin Luther King Day program, we had the privilege of hearing Clint Smith, the author of How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America. He spoke about how the enslaved in America had to fight for (often as part of everyday living) and imagine a better future for their future generations, knowing that they most likely would not experience freedom themselves. He called on us to strive for the things we believe in, knowing that they may not occur during our lifetimes. This reminds me of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s popular quote, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” May we all work toward justice for today, tomorrow, and many tomorrows. 

Next week our friends Many Helping Hands, My Brother’s Keeper Cambridge, and the YWCA are hosting the Cambridge MLK Day of Service. This includes a community walk celebrating Cambridge’s Black & Brown history, discussions on racial justice and hands-on service projects.  

Library programs include an Evening of Exceptional Poetry with the New England Poetry Club and The Voices of Poetry, Audio Engineering in Garage Band, and Pajama Storytime. 

All Library locations will be closed on January 17 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Outdoor Programs for Kids

This week, these outdoor programs for young children will be offered (weather permitting) at our Central Square, Collins, Main, and Valente locations:  

• Baby Lapsit: Just for you and your toddler! Enjoy time together with other parents, caregivers, and babies to learn, play, and develop language and motor skills.  
• Sing-Along: All ages are invited to sing and dance! 
• Outdoor Songs & Stories: All ages are invited to sing, dance, and share a story!
• Story Time: All ages are invited to join us for a half hour of stories!  

Please see the events calendar for further details. Registration is not required. 

Book Groups

• Contemporary Book Group (Virtual) Tuesday, January 18, 6-7 p.m. What's Mine and Yours, by Naima Coster 
• Central Square Book Group (Virtual) Tuesday, January 18, 6-7 p.m. Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables by Joshua McFadden 
• Chapter Chat Book Group (Virtual) Thursday, January 20, 4-5 p.m. Melissa's Story by Alex Gino
• O’Connell Book Group (Virtual) Thursday, January 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.  Dancing in the Mosque: An Afghan Mother's Letter to Her Son by Homeira Qaderi 
  

3D Modeling with Tinkercad (Virtual)
Tuesday, January 18 
5:30-6:30 p.m. 

Learn the fundamentals of Tinkercad to design and edit objects for 3D printing. Tinkercad is a free, web-based application. Basic computer skills are necessary for this course, which is open to everyone. You do not need to take Hive Safety Training before attending this virtual workshop.Registration is required.

Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Tuesday, January 19, 1-1:30 p.m. 
Friday, January 21, 3:30-4 p.m.

In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Registration is required. Before attending workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.

ESOL Classes (Virtual)
Tuesdays only 
11 a.m.-Noon
Tuesdays and Thursdays 
1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. 
Wednesdays and Fridays 
10:30 a.m.-Noon

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur virtually on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Beginner ESOL takes place at 1 p.m., Intermediate ESOL at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Higher Beginner ESOL at 10:30 a.m. Registration is required for each class.  

Pajama Storytime (Virtual)
Wednesday, January 19 
6:45-7:30 p.m. 

We invite children and their grown-ups to join us from home for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories, and rhymes to wind down the day. Feel free to wear your favorite pajamas! Caregivers are asked to participate with their children.Registration is required. 

Family Storytime (Virtual) 
Thursday, January 20 
4-4:20 p.m. 

Children and their grown-ups are welcome to join us for 20-25 minutes of songs, stories, and rhymes. Caregivers are asked to participate with their children--it will be as important as ever to model movement and song for your little one during this virtual session. Plan to sing along and move around! Registration is required. 

Audio Engineering in Garage Band (Virtual) 
Thursday, January 20 
1:30-2:30 p.m. 

Get started with audio editing for podcasts, music, audiobooks, and other creative sound projects using GarageBand, the sound creation software found on Mac and iOS devices. You will become familiar with the GarageBand interface, explore the basics of audio engineering, and learn more about resources and tools you can use at home and in The Hive to create sound. This course is open to everyone. You do not need to take Hive Safety Training before attending this virtual workshop. Registration is required. 

An Evening of Exceptional Poetry
Thursday, January 20 
6-7:30 p.m. 

Join the New England Poetry Club and the Voices of Poetry for an evening of exceptional poetry with award-winning poets: Eileen Cleary, Charles Coe, Susan Donnelly, and Paul Nemser. Cosponsored by the Cambridge Public Library.Registration is required. 

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main) 
Thursday, January 20, 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
Saturday, January 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.  

During this time period, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Learn more about becoming a badged maker. Staff will assist participants as they are able. Registration is required.

Stay Connected

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Warm regards, 

Maria McCauley, Ph.D. 
Director of Libraries