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Director's Update, March 20, 2023

Richard C. Rossi Room

Dear Patrons,

The Library is pleased to host the veteran arts journalist Nick Zaino on Wednesday, March 22, at 6 p.m. He will speak about Boston’s long history of comedy from vaudeville to YouTube, highlighting some of the personalities that have defined laughter in America for 100 years. Registration is required.

The Sacred Songs and Rituals: Spirituals program with the soprano Morgan Beckford has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 28, at 6 p.m. in the Lecture Hall. Beckford and her collaborative pianist, Alex Morollo, will explore the tradition of the American spiritual and its origins, from the mid-1800s through today. They will perform works by composers and arrangers such as Harry T. Burleigh, Hall Johnson, Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, and John Carter. Registration is required.

The In-person tickets for Dream Big: Reinventing Journalism to Build Hope, Agency & Dignity on March 29 have all been claimed, but you can enjoy this important conversation with the trailblazing journalists David Bornstein, Deborah D. Douglas, and Amanda Ripley through our livestream option. To get livestream access, email info@CPLFound.org. For more information about Dream Big, our speakers, and the planned conversation, please visit the event page.                                                                                 ###

Weekly Activities for Kids    

This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations.


Book Groups   

Learn more about our Book Groups this week. 

Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, March 20
10-10:20 a.m.

Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time together 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: Combo Dance Fitness & Let Your Yoga Dance® (Virtual)
Monday, March 20
11-11:45 a.m.

Join us for this fun, dynamic, and ultimately blissful combo. We start with some high-energy (low-impact) dance fitness, then work our way through the seven energy centers (chakras) with Let Your Yoga Dance. You will leave with a good workout and a peaceful, happy mind/body/spirit. It’s good for everybody! Registration is required for each session.

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Tuesday, March 21, 5-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 23, 2:30-8:30 p.m.

During this time, anyone who has completed The Hive Safety Training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve The Hive’s equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able. Learn more.

Creative Aging: Improv (Main)
Monday, March 20
2-4 p.m.

Learn how to seamlessly integrate interactive improv games, scenes, and skillful storytelling that all come together with performance in this series of classes offered in collaboration with Improv Boston. This 8-week course will end on March 20. Space is limited to 15 participants, and registration is required.  Register hereSponsored by the Cambridge Public Library. This workshop is full.

Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Monday, March 20
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 259:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.


Are you interested in podcasting, audio production, or video production? The Hive has two state-of-the-art recording studios! Join this workshop to become familiar with studio equipment and software. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

 

LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, March 20
4-4:45 p.m. 

It's a weekly block party! Join 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 up 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

Fall ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, March 20
6-7 p.m. 

Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class that will be taught at a beginner level. No testing is needed, and everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013. Learn more.

ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, March 21, and Thursday, March 23
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 22, and Friday, March 24
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.

Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, March 21
2-3 p.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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Sit ‘n’ Knit (Main)
Tuesday, March 21
2:30-3:30 p.m.

Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters as you work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills, and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, and mend. Refreshments will be provided. 

Drop-in Studio (Main)
Tuesday, March 21
3:30-5 p.m.
Saturday, March 25
12:30-4:30 p.m.

This is an opportunity to check out 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. 

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Tuesday, March 21
5-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 23
2:30-8 p.m.

During this time, anyone who has completed The Hive Safety Training and is badged to use equipment or studio(s) can reserve The Hive’s equipment or studio spaces. Staff will assist participants as they are able. Learn more.

Family STEAM Night - Paper Circuits (O'Neill)
Tuesday, March 21
6:30-7:15 p.m.

Families with elementary school age children join us for hands-on activities focused on Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Math. Adults and children will learn and play together! The activity for March will be making light-up drawings with paper circuitry!


Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, March 21
6:30-7:30 p.m.   

Bring your project and enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Learn more.

 

Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm - Level 1 (Main)
Wednesday, March 22, and Friday, March 24
10-11 a.m.

Join Sifu Mynor Diaz in this 12-week Tai Chi practice, which focuses on the mind-body connecti ion. Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low-impact routine. Due to the nature of this series, we expect participants to attend all classes. This workshop is open to participants who have attended the fall session. Sponsored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Learn more and register. This workshop is full.

 

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square) 
Wednesday, March 22
1-3 p.m.

Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding a job? Join us for help with résumés, job hunting, and online applications. No registration is required. Learn more.

Get Creative! At CPL: Watercolor Painting Workshop (Main)
Wednesday, March 22
2-4 p.m.

Create beautiful paintings with watercolor! Learn to paint with watercolor at your own pace in a fun and relaxing environment with Brooke Lambert, a professional printmaker and artist. She will cover techniques in color mixing, observational painting, composition, wet on wet and wet on dry techniques, masking, pressing, shading, light techniques, ink washes, and pattern making. Registration is required


The Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 22
2-2:30 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. The Zoom link will be sent out an hour before the workshop starts. Before taking workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.

 

The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, March 22
3:30-5:30 p.m.

Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to learn about our space and try their hand at making stickers, recording videos in our studio, and more. This is a drop-in event for ages 12-18.

 

Free Drop-In Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, March 22
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 Cambridge Public Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room. Please contact Megan Andres (mandres@cpsd.us) with questions.

 

Nick Zaino Presents 100 Years of Boston Comedy (Main)
Wednesday, March 22
6-7:30 p.m.

The veteran arts journalist Nick Zaino explores Boston’s long history of comedy from vaudeville to YouTube, highlighting some of the personalities that have defined laughter in America for 100 years. Fred Allen found inspiration at the Boston Public Library to start his vaudeville career. Bob and Ray started their radio run in Gloucester at WHDH. Rusty Warren and Tom Lehrer shocked crowds in song. Norm Crosby and Bill Dana played the swinging supper clubs. Jay Leno, Denis Leary, Paula Poundstone, Steven Wright, Janeane Garofalo, Conan O’Brien, Eugene Mirman, Mike Birbiglia, Bo Burnham, Ziwe – all are part of the fabric of Boston comedy lore. Registration is required.

 

Sewing 101 (Main)
Wednesday, March 22
7-8:30 p.m.

In this 90-minute class, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. You’ll 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 sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop In (O'Connell)
Thursday, March 23
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, cross stitch, and more. All crafts are welcome! Please call 617-349-4019 if you have questions.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, March 23
2-3:30 p.m.

Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation.

Afternoon Games (O’Neill)
Thursday, March 23
3-5 p.m.

Join us to play your favorite board game or complete a puzzle! No registration is required.

One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau)
Thursday, March 23
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 session at the Boudreau Branch. 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. 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.


Puppetry Studio (Main)
Thursday, March 23
5-6 p.m.

We will select a folktale to adapt for a tiny stage and perform our masterpiece for friends and family. This six-week puppetry workshop is for kids aged 7-10. No experience is necessary! This workshop is full.

Videography 101 (Main)
Friday, March 24
2-3 p.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. You must complete IThe Hive Safety Training before registering. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Teen Room x The Hive (Main)
Friday, March 24
3:30-5 p.m.

Grab a friend for some creative exploration and play! Try your hand at sticker-making, 3D doodling, immersive VR and more in the Teen Room. This is a drop-in event designed for ages 12-18.

Young Authors (O'Neill)
Friday, March 24
4-5 p.m.

Come to our inaugural gathering of young authors (name tbd...by you!). Those ages 10-14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and their writing. At the first meeting we will plan the structure and activity for future sessions, including and but not limited to workshopping writing, meeting local authors, collaborative writing, and more! There will be snacks! Registration is helpful but not required.

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design (Main)
Friday, March 24
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Sindoh 3D printers. Before taking this workshop, you will need to complete The Hive Safety Training and create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com. 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. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com before arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Register here. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.


Studio Recording 101 (Main)  
Saturday, March 25
9:30-10:30 a.m. 

Are you interested in podcasting, audio production, or video production? The Hive has two state-of-the-art recording studios! Join this workshop to become familiar with our studio equipment and software. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

The Hive Safety Training (Main)
Saturday, March 25
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Are you interested in using 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. Register here.

Saturday Screens (O'Neill)
Saturday, March 25
3-4:45 p.m.

Join us on the last Saturday of the month for family movies at the Library! Snacks will be provided. The March film will be Lyle, Lyle Crocodile (2020 - Disney Pixar), rated PG, running time 101 minutes.


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All the best!

Maria McCauley, Ph.D.  
Director of Libraries

              

 

 

Page was posted on 3/19/2023 9:35 AM
Page was last modified on 7/25/2023 5:53 AM
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