Smartphone Photography [55+] (Main)
We live in an age where we carry our smartphones everywhere we go. Built into this device is a camera that can help us document the world around us. Whether it’s taking family portraits, beautiful landscapes, or in some cases the meal we just sat down to eat, we’re all constantly taking photos. This 12-week class will not only teach you to take the best possible photos, but how to edit your photos to make them look as good as they possibly can. We will also cover how to organize the photos on your phone. We will learn how to become visual storytellers through projects I'll assign each week followed by thoughtful group discussions of your photos. You need only bring two things to this class: your smartphone and your imagination
Summer Reading: Crafternoon (Collins)
Join us for activities celebrating the theme of "Plant a Seed, Read" all summer long.
Today's activity is bird and bug suncatchers. Explore color, light and creativity as you design a suncatcher to look like a stained-glass window. We will use colored tissue paper to fill frames shaped like birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Hang the finished masterpiece in a window to watch the sun transform it into a glowing display of color.
Recommended for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.
July 7 - Tissue Paper Flowers
July 14 - Bird and Bug Suncatchers
July 21 - no activity on this date
July 28 - Perler Bead Plants
August 4 - Paint by Sticker
August 11 - Origami Peace Cranes
CPL Presents: Johnisha Matthews Levi, the author of Numbers Up (Main Library)
For four decades, Johnisha Matthews Levi believed a conventional story about her birth, picturing her happy parents at the hospital together. While sorting through her late mother's belongings, however, she discovered a document indicating that her father was instead serving time in Lorton Correctional Complex. This revelation, along with rumors about an FBI investigation of her deceased parents' "private business," leads Levi to unearth the hidden history of her family. She ties this story to public policy, demonstrating how state lottery legalization and the War on Drugs disrupted the Black institutions and communities in Washington, DC. Registration is required.
NoCA Art Reception & Reading (O'Neill)
Enjoy art, poetry, prose, and good company at the opening reception for the North Cambridge Arts (NoCA) exhibit at the O'Neill Branch Library. Refreshments will be served.
NoCa is an association of accomplished, professional visual and performing artists living and/or working in North Cambridge with a strong commitment to the neighborhood and community. NoCa includes painters, woodworkers, sculptors, photographers, jewelry makers, fabric artists, mixed-media artists, musicians, dancers, writers and poets.
Tween Book Group (Main)
Calling all middle grade readers! Meet up in the Curious George Room every third Thursday to eat pizza and talk about books with your friends. This month's book will be "How to Talk to Your Succulent" by by Zoe Persico. Copies are available at the Main children's desk.
Snacks are provided. This group is for ages 10-12.
Participants should read the book ahead of this month’s meeting. Registration is required.
For questions about Tween Book Group, please email Ellen: ekaluza@cambridgema.gov
Acrylic Painting Workshop (Valente)
Learn how to create beautiful and colorful acrylic paintings! In this class you will be introduced to painting with acrylic, including techniques in color mixing, observational painting, and composition. At your own pace you will learn how to paint still lifes using acrylic paint in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This class will cover wet on wet and wet and dry brush techniques, sgraffito/combing, overlays/glazing, gel mediums,
pattern making, and masking. You will come away from this class with beautiful paintings of your own and a greater understanding and appreciation for the medium of acrylic painting. Registration Required.
This class is suitable for beginners and can be adjusted for all levels of experience.
This class is taught by Brooke Lambert.
Brooke is a professional printmaker and painter. She holds a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and shows her work widely in New England, New York, and beyond. Brooke works in Studio 291 at Western Avenue Studios & Lofts in Lowell, MA. She is currently represented by The Society of American Graphic Artists and Equity Gallery in New York, NY and Galaray House, contemporary art gallery in Lexington, MA. She has thirteen years of teaching experience and currently teaches adult art workshops and holds artist demos at several locations in New England.
CANCELED: Summer Reading: Cyanotype Printmaking (Central Square)
Explore our outdoor world, get creative, and make sun prints (aka cyanotypes) at the Central Square Branch.
A selection of flora, other natural materials, and simple found objects will be available to create a collage and then print with the sun. Or bring your own materials! Participants will have the opportunity to display their work in the Branch during the month of August.
In the case of rain or inclement weather, we'll be indoors doing botanical water colors.
NEW DATE: Summer Reading: Cyanotype Printmaking (Central Square)
Explore our outdoor world, get creative, and make sun prints (aka cyanotypes) at the Central Square Branch.
A selection of flora, other natural materials, and simple found objects will be available to create a collage and then print with the sun. Or bring your own materials! Participants will have the opportunity to display their work in the Branch during the month of August.
In the case of rain or inclement weather, we'll be indoors painting botanical water colors.
Wiggle Party (O'Connell)
Join us for a dance party to get your wiggles out! Play a freeze dance game, shake some shakers, and learn the steps to the Macarena!
This program will take place indoors at the O'Connell Branch Library. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4019.
Wiggle Party (O'Connell)
Join us for a dance party to get your wiggles out! Play a freeze dance game, shake some shakers, and learn the steps to Cotton-Eye Joe!
This program will take place indoors at the O'Connell Branch Library. For more information, please call the library at (617) 349-4019.