Director's Update, March 24, 2024

Dear Patrons,

Join us at the O’Neill Branch on Wednesday, March 27, for Trivia Night! Players of all ages are welcome to test their knowledge of science, history, literature, and culture. Snacks will be provided. Registration is helpful, but not required.

On Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m., join us for a virtual Death Cafe – an evening of open, lively, and insightful discussion about death for adults aged 18 and older.  Registration is required. While not a support group or a venue for bereavement, a Death Cafe seeks to provide an unscripted, nonjudgmental platform for those wishing to explore the many facets of this often taboo subject. It’s facilitated by Richard Davis, a long-time Death Cafe organizer and hospice volunteer.

On Saturday, March 30, from 1 to 3 p.m., stop by the Main Library to catch a screening of the Queen of Katwe (dir. Mira Rair). Queen of Katwe traces the journey of the Ugandan prodigy Phiona Mutesi from the slums of Katwe, where she is forced to abandon her schooling at the age of nine, to the upper echelons of the chess world after she develops an interest in the game at a youth outreach program. Registration is not required.

I was interviewed this week by Joshua Miller, the Assistant Metro Editor of the Boston Globe, about popular books in the Library. You can read the article, which was published in Thursday's Camberville newsletter, here.

 

                                                                                              +++

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.

Baby Lapsit (Main)
Monday, March 25
10-10:20 a.m.
           
Just for you and your baby! Enjoy time with other parents and caregivers to help babies 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: Low Impact Fitness® (Virtual)
Monday, March 25
11-11:45 a.m.  
            
This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen muscles, the heart, and the brain—all while having fun and moving to great music! Come as you are and take everything at your own pace. You will feel the benefits in mind and body! Registration is required for each session. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before it starts.    

The Hive Safety Training (Virtual)
Monday, March 25
10-10:30 a.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 it starts. Registration is required. Before taking workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.

LEGO Time (Main)
Monday, March 25
4-4:45 p.m.     
            
It’s a weekly block party! Bring 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 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.

Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Monday, March 25
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 Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact us with any questions at 617-349-4027 (voice) or via relay at 711.         

ESOL Class (Valente)
Monday, March 25
6-7 p.m.            

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

Michael Kimmage in conversation with Serhii Plokhy (Main)
Monday, March 25
6-7:30 p.m.

The Library and Harvard Book Store welcome Michael Kimmage, Professor of History at the Catholic University of America and a Nonresident Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, for a discussion of his new book, Collisions: The Origins of the War in Ukraine and the New Global Instability. He will be talking with Serhii Plokhy, the director of the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University. Registration is required.

Chess Hour (Boudreau)
Monday, March 25
6-7 p.m.

Come join us for a chess challenge. 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 not an instructional class, but a gathering for individuals who want to test their skills against other members of the community. There's no need to register in advance. Simply drop by and challenge yourself!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4017 or via e-mail: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov.

ESOL Classes (Central Square)
Tuesday, March 26, and Thursday, March 28
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.            
Wednesday, March 27, and Friday, March 29
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.

Keyboard Tips and Tricks (Main)
Tuesday, March 26
11 a.m.-Noon

Learn special tricks and keyboard shortcuts. Get more practice and level up your typing skills! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design
Tuesday, March 26
1-2:30 p.m.

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

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)
Tuesday, March 26
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.

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)
Tuesday, March 26, 3:30-8 p.m. 
Thursday, March 28, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday, March 29, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 
Saturday, March 30, 12:45-4:30 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.  

STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)
Tuesday, March 26, and Wednesday, March 27
3:30-7 p.m.

Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a teen-powered design and innovation program where teens channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, teens engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. Teens are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose.
 
Drop-in Tech Help (Central Square)
Tuesday, March 26
4-6 p.m.
 
Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want help using an online resource? Need someone to read your résumé and help with navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in hours. No registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact library@cambridgema.gov.

2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration: Beading with UV-Sensitive Beads (Collins)
Tuesday, March 26
4-5 p.m.

Prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse by using common craft materials and ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive beads to construct a person (or dog or imaginary creature). Then, we'll test materials that might protect our creation— and ourselves—from being exposed to too much UV radiation.

For children ages 5 and up with a caregiver. This event is part of the Library's 2024 Eclipse Celebration. Check out our calendar of events or ask at your branch library to learn about other events that are part of this special program: 2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration.

Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Main)
Tuesday, March 26

4-5 p.m.

Teens! Help us plan teen programs for the Library! Earn community service hours! Enjoy free snacks! We meet monthly during the school year. Registration is not required. Stop by the Teen Room or call 617-349-4027 to learn more.
 
STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)
Tuesday, March 26
4:30-6:30 p.m. 
  
Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs start with students' interest in building a better world and introduce them to the underlying science and math principles that will bring their solutions to life. Youth in 7th and 8th grades are invited to join iFp on a journey into the world of artificial intelligence with “Smart Cars AI: Driving Innovation for All.” This 13-week adventure invites students to dive into the world of self-driving cars at the intersection of technology and innovation. 

Annie Jacobsen in conversation with Theodore Postol (Main)
Tuesday, March 26
6-7:30 p.m.

The Library and Harvard Book Store welcome Annie Jacobsen, the New York Times bestselling author of Area 51 and Operation Paperclip, for a discussion of her new book, Nuclear War: A Scenario. She will be  talking with Dr. Theodore Postol, Professor of Science, Technology and National Security Policy in the Program in Science, Technology, and Society at MIT. Registration is required.

2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration: Make Along for Adults: Build a Solar Eclipse Viewer (Valente)
Tuesday, March 26
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 are making solar eclipse viewers to prepare for the total solar eclipse on April 8. All supplies for the featured craft will be provided. This event is part of the Library's 2024 Eclipse Celebration. Check out our calendar of events or ask at your branch library to learn about other events that are part of this special program: 2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration.

Knitting Group (Boudreau)
Tuesday, March 26
6:30-7:30 p.m.             

Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. 

Wellness for Seniors: Tai Chi Paradigm
Wednesday, March 27

Friday, March 29
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: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Wednesday, March 27
10;15-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with the park ranger Tim Puopolo! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots.  Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-in (O’Connell)
Wednesday, March 27
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.    

English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)
Wednesday, March 27
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.

Sewing 101 (Main)
Wednesday, March 27
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.        
 
Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)
Wednesday, March 27
1-3 p.m.          

Looking for assistance creating a résumé or finding jobs? Join us for help with job hunting and online applications. No registration is required. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.  

Language Learning with the Library (Main)
Wednesday, March 27
3-4 p.m.

Learn to use the Library's two online language learning programs, Mango Languages and Transparent Languages, and pick up some tips for language study! Please bring your library card to class. To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass.

Wednesdays of Wonder - WOW! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, March 27
3-4:30 p.m.
 
Come to the Library 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. This week we will be creating invisible ink.
 
STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)
Wednesday, March 27
3:30-7 p.m.

Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a teen-powered design and innovation program where teens channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, teens engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. Teens are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose.

The Hive Teen Hangout (Main)
Wednesday, March 27
3:30-5 p.m.

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

Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Wednesday, March 27
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 (617-349-4019).

One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau) 
Wednesday, March 27
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 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 

If you have questions, please send them to ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov. 

Free Drop-in Tutoring for Teens (Main)
Wednesday, March 27
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 Library are pleased to offer tutoring services in the Teen Room on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact 617-349-4027 with any questions.

Hand Embroidery (Valente)
Wednesday, March 27
6-7:30 p.m.

Hand Embroidery will cover an assortment of basic embroidery stitches that can be used to embellish your clothing and hide (or highlight!) holes and stains! Leave class with a sampler of stitches you can refer back to, along with a knowledge of tools, materials, and techniques for stitching up embroidered designs. Suitable for beginners with little or no embroidery experience or those who want a refresher on the basics. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist available.

About the Presenter: Jessamy 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 Cambridge Public Library, Make & Mend in Somerville, and the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts in Jamaica Plain. See her work at www.jessamyshay.com.

Trivia Night! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, March 27
6:15-7:30 p.m.

Come join us for Trivia Night! Players of all ages are welcome to test their knowledge of science, history, literature, and culture. Snacks will be provided. Individuals and groups are welcome. Registration is helpful, but not required.

Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Wednesday, March 27
6:30-7:30 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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

Wednesday Word Puzzles (O'Connell)
Wednesday, March 27
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 ages 11 and up. No registration is required. E-mail cmeisler@cambridgema.gov for more details.

Death Cafe (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 27
7-8 p.m.

Join us for a virtual Death Cafe,  an evening of open, lively, and insightful discussion about death for adults aged 18 and older. Registration is required.

While not a support group or a venue for bereavement, a Death Cafe seeks to provide an unscripted, nonjudgmental platform for those wishing to explore the many facets of this often taboo subject. It’s facilitated by Richard Davis, a long-time Death Cafe organizer and hospice volunteer. Come with an open mind, a healthy curiosity, and a willingness to share your thoughts, feelings, and questions with other like-minded individuals.This is a virtual event on Zoom. Space is limited. Questions? Contact Abby at aclinger@cambridgema.gov.

Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Thursday, March 28
6:30-8:30 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 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.
 
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. 

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, March 28
2:30-3:30 p.m.

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

Fiber Arts Adventure with Lenni: A Machine-Sewing Workshop Series (Main)
Thursday, March 28
5:30-8:30 p.m.

Continue building your machine-sewing skills and create bespoke sewn crafts! Project options are tailored on two tracks: those who are familiar with our Janome machines and beginner sewers and those who are intermediate sewers. This four-part series is led by the fiber artist and designer Lenni Armstrong. Registration is required. Those registered for the first session will automatically be enrolled in the following weeks. Spots are very limited; kindly only enroll if you plan to make all four workshops. All sessions meet in the Rossi Room. This intermediate workshop is designed for patrons who know the basics of how to use our Janome sewing machines. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration: World of Wonder (Main)
Thursday, March 28
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Get ready for the solar eclipse with an entertaining, multicultural shadow theater program from a master storyteller and performer, Leland Faulkner. This event is part of the Library's 2024 Eclipse Celebration. Check out our calendar of events or ask at your branch library to learn about other events that are part of this special program: 2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration.

Family Crochet Hour (O'Connell)
Thursday, March 28
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us for an hour of relaxing crochet with friends and family! Each month will feature a recommended project with hands-on instruction and limited supplies, but you are also welcome to bring your own project. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

XR Lab 101 (Main)
Thursday, March 28
7-8 p.m.

Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. Test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

Cambridge Young Authors' Squad (O'Neill)
Friday, March 29
4-5 p.m.

Young people ages 10 to 14 who love to write are welcome to share their ideas and writing. There will be time for share-outs/workshopping, as well as group or solo writing. Snacks are provided! If you are attending for the first time, registration is helpful, but not required.

Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)
Saturday, March 30
9:30-10:30 a.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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is enabled.

You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

WHM at the CPL: Saturday Screening of Queen of Katwe (Main)
Saturday, March 30
1-3 p.m.

Stop by and catch a screening of the film Queen of Katwe (dir. Mira Rair). During Women's History Month, we will be screening films directed by women on Saturdays at 1 pm. Queen of Katwe traces the journey of the Ugandan prodigy Phiona Mutesi from the slums of Katwe, where she is forced to abandon her schooling at the age of nine, to the upper echelons of the chess world after she develops an interest in the game at a youth-outreach program. Starring Lupita Nyong'o, David Oyelowo, and Ntare Mwine. Rated PG. Runtime: 124 minutes.

2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration: Make an Eclipse Viewer (O'Neill)
Saturday, March 30
2-4 p.m.

Use recycled materials to create an eclipse viewer at the Library. Then safely view the eclipse on April 8!

This program is open to people of all ages. It is part of the Library's 2024 Eclipse Celebration. Check out our calendar of events or ask at your branch library to learn about other events that are part of this special program: 2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration.

2024 CPL Eclipse Celebration: Let's Go to the Moon! A Moon Exploration Workshop (Main)
Saturday, March 30
2-3 p.m.

Join the NASA Solar System Ambassador and educator Benadette Manning for a hands-on workshop all about the moon! Learn about the phases of the moon, the moon’s role in the upcoming solar eclipse, and space exploration missions to the moon. All ages are welcome!

Benadette Manning is a retired math teacher with nearly 30 years in Boston and Cambridge schools. She is the cofounder of Classroom Hives, a nonprofit that installs beehives in K-12 schools and colleges. In her spare time, she makes origami figures, tinkers with microcontrollers and microprocessors, rides bikes; she is  a mother of four and a grandmother of one.

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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.