Director's Update, July 21, 2024

Dear Patrons,  

I am excited to introduce the Library’s new social worker, Taylor Morris, who is planning the next iteration of our social work program to connect patrons with social service resources. In 2021, Library staff, elected officials, and community members identified a lack of equitable access to social work services among patrons, so with support from the City, we established our in-house social work program in response to these needs. Library staff are well equipped to help patrons find resources, but we needed someone who could walk patrons through employing these resources for themselves and navigating the complex barriers that come with social services.  

The social worker is dedicated to offering one-on-one help to connect patrons with the resources and City services they need. This includes referrals, application assistance, and resource navigation, especially for affordable housing assistance, mental health and substance use services. Taylor is already providing assistance to staff and patrons and plans on expanding social work services in October. The development of a social work program aligned with our mission to be a welcoming space for all patrons. Our social work program is based at the Central Square Branch Library but serves community members at branch locations and over the phone.  

 

We are thrilled that Taylor is leading the next stage of our social work program! I spoke with Taylor about the importance of social work in library systems: 

 

Why is it important for a library to have a social work program?

Public libraries have long been cornerstones of communities, especially for those who rely on the library to help meet their basic needs such as accessing shelter, restrooms, water, and the internet. In social work, we strive to “meet people where they are,” and we know that people who are in search of resources come to the library because they feel safe and welcome here. This community trust enables a safe environment, free of stigma, for people to access support. Placing social workers in the library is an incredible way to make learning about and connecting to services more accessible, particularly for those who have historically faced barriers to getting connected to the resources and supports they need.   

  

What are you most looking forward to about working for the Cambridge Public Library?

I’m based out of the Central Square Branch (though able to travel to any location), and I’m looking forward to getting to know the Central Square community and learning how I can be most effective and helpful in addressing the needs that are present there. I’m excited to collaborate with other City departments and social service organizations and embed myself in the network of support that exists in Cambridge. 

  

Anyone who wants to hear more about this program, who has ideas to share, or who wants to collaborate on efforts can reach out to Taylor at tmorris@cambridgema.gov or by phone at 857-235-9916. 

 

 

Just this week, Taylor and I were pleased to participate in a roundtable event on digital equity at the Malden Public Library with Senator Ed Markey, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and other library and elected representatives. The roundtable met ahead of an FCC vote on modernizing the e-rate program, which provides funding for Wifi hotspots. The event raised visibility of the important work that libraries and their staff are doing to connect patrons to technology, increase digital skills, and support student and adult learning. Increasing everyone’s access to technology and opportunities to build digital skills benefits everyone. Chair of the CPL Board of Trustees, Jim Roosevelt, City of Cambridge’s Chief Information Officer, Patrick McCormick, and CPL Communications Coordinator, Elizabeth Edwards, were also in attendance. I’m happy to report that the FCC approved the order to modernize the e-rate program, which will help patrons across the United States!

In the photo (L-R): Julio Chang, Taylor Morris, State Senator Lewis, Senator Markey, FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Malden Mayor Christenson, Maria McCauley, Katie Walsh. 

 

Upcoming events

Join us on Thursday, July 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., for a reading by Susan Clare Zalkind, the author of The Waltham Murders, moderated by Becky Cooper, the author of We Keep the Dead Close. After the loss of her friend in a 2011 triple murder in Waltham, Zalkind determined to find out more.  An investigative reporter, Zalkind is the writer and producer behind the 2022 Hulu docuseries The Murders Before the Marathon, named one of the best shows of the year by the Wall Street Journal. Registration is required.

Join us at Joan Lorentz Park on Saturday, July 27, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for another session of Park Sounds, the Library’s outdoor summer concert series, featuring Il Contrapposto. Il Contrapposto is an early music ensemble and continuo team dedicated to traversing the more untrodden paths of 16th- and 17th-century European music.        

 

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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.    

STEAM Academy: Innovators for Purpose Summer Studio (Main)

Monday through Friday 

9 a.m.-4 p.m. 

 

Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a youth-powered design and innovation program where young creatives channel their energy and vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, iFp creatives engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. 

Baby Lapsit (Main)  
Monday, July 22
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.    

CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (O'Neill)
Monday, July 22
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. We will meet for this walk in front of the Fresh Pond Ranger Station at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway (under the clock tower). 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. This program is full; a waitlist is available. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.

ESOL Classes (Central Square)  
Monday, July 22, Tuesday, July 23, and Thursday, July 25
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m.  
Wednesday, July 24, and Friday, July 26
10:30 a.m.-Noon    

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes occur every weekday. On Mondays, High Beginner ESOL is from 10:30 a.m.to noon and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. 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.  

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)  
Monday, July 22, 2-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 23, 3:30-6 p.m.
Thursday, July 25, 2-6 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.  

Summer Reading: Teen Watercolor Workshop (Valente)
Monday, July 22
4-5:30 p.m.

Teens, join us for a watercolor workshop where you will learn how to put your brush to paper and paint a nature scene! All materials will be provided by the Library. Please wear clothes suitable for painting. This program is recommended for teenagers. Registration is required. Please call 617-349-4015 for more information.

LEGO Time (Main)  
Monday, July 22
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.  
 
ESOL Conversation Class (Valente)  
Monday, July 22 
6-7:30 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, and everyone is welcome. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.  

Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)
Tuesday, July 23, 1:30-3 p.m.
Thursday, July 25, 7-8:30 p.m.

Learn how to use our Epilog Zing, an industry-standard laser cutting machine. Complete this workshop to earn a badge for the Zing laser cutter. With a badge, you can reserve the Epilog Zing to use on our equipment booking page at designated times. Registration is required. Note: The Epilog Zing laser cutter and Glowforge laser cutter require separate trainings. You must participate in the Glowforge workshop in order to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Tuesday Teen Room Hangouts (Main)
Tuesday, July 23
2-5 p.m. 

Drop into the Teen Room any Tuesday afternoon this summer and enjoy a variety of free activities from board games to video games, 3D pens, paper crafts, anime, and more. Or just sit down with a great book from our shelves. No registration is required.  

 

Summer Reading: Middle School Book Tasting (O'Connell)
Tuesday, July 23
2-3 p.m.

Browse a buffet of new and exciting books by diverse authors for readers aged 11-14. Take a menu to help you decide on your favorites. No registration is required. All our books are available for takeout!

Beginner ESOL Class (Valente)
Tuesday, July 23
2:30-4 p.m.

Join us for an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class. This class will be taught at a beginner level. All are welcome. No registration is necessary. No testing is needed. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013 or Kerri McQuown at 617-349-4015.

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)  
Tuesday, July 23 
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.

Drop-in Tech Help (Central Square)
Tuesday, July 23
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.    

Knitting Group (Boudreau)  
Tuesday, July 23
6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Board Game Night for Adults (Valente)
Tuesday, July 23
6-7:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening of board games. We have Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Scrabble, chess, checkers, Boggle, Bananagrams, and more! Feel free to bring a board game to play with others. We will provide pizza and beverages. Registration is helpful.

Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting (Main)
Wednesday, July 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 27, 2:30-4 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 custom 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. 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. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Fiber Crafts Group - Drop-In (O'Connell)

Wednesday, July 24

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

 

Bring your project and enjoy the company of other fiber crafters. Drop in with this informal group to work on your craft, get inspired, pick up skills. and socialize. Knit, embroider, crochet, spin, mend, cross stitch, and more. All crafts are welcome!

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)  
Wednesday, July 24
1-3 p.m.  
 
Looking for help creating a résumé or finding a job? Join us for assistance with job hunting and online applications. No registration is required. For more information, call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.  
 
English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O'Neill)  
Wednesday, July 24
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.  
 
Wednesdays of Wonder – WOW (O'Neill)  
Wednesday, July 24
2-4 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 use collage to make suncatchers (colorful window decorations) using tissue paper and washable glue. 

Serger Training (Main)
Wednesday, July 24
3:30-5 p.m.

Are you an intermediate or advanced sewer? This workshop will cover serger machine setup, threading a serger, and identifying correct tension settings with different types of fabric. You will learn about ways to use our Elna Extend 864 Air serger to take your sewing skills to the next level by producing special finishing styles, hemming, trimming, and assembling your garments. Registration is required.

This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. This workshop is designed for patrons who have had experience using a sewing machine. If you are new to machine sewing, we recommend that you take our Sewing 101 workshop before using our serger.

Summer Reading: Read to a Dog (O'Connell)
Tuesday, July 24
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 and begins a week in advance. Sign up by phone or in person at the O'Connell Branch (617-349-4019).

One-on-One Tech Help by Appointment (Boudreau)
Wednesday, July 24
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. If you have questions, please send them to: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov.

Sewing Circle (Main)
Wednesday, July 24
5:30-8 p.m.

Continue building your machine-sewing skills and receive support as you work on your own sewing projects with our Library sewing community. Participants must register but may drop in anytime during the program. This program is designed for patrons who know the basics of our Janome sewing machines. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available.

Summer Art Tour: Central Square Edition (Central Square)
Wednesday, July 24
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Join Cambridge Arts and the Central Square Library for a tour of the public art in Central Square. Explore public artwork and learn about how Cambridge Arts commissions and maintains art for public enjoyment. Meet outside the Central Square Branch in the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza.  

This is part of the Library's Summer Art Walks series. We will be strolling on sidewalks within 3/4 mile of the Central Square T station.

Summer Reading: ASL at the Library - Signing Rocks! (O'Neill)
Wednesday, July 24
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Join us for a party and an American Sign Language class rolled into one!  

SIGNING Basics hosts this excellent event for beginners or people looking to brush up their skills. Get ready to have some fun! Signing Rocks! events are conducted in ASL. Sign language interpreting is not provided; you will learn the vocabulary as you go through the class. This program is great for families with kids ages 5+! Registration is recommended.

 

Summer Reading: ASL at the Library - Signing Rocks! (Central Square)
Thursday, July 25
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Join us for a party and an American Sign Language class rolled into one!  

SIGNING Basics hosts this excellent event for beginners or people looking to brush up their skills. Get ready to have some fun! Signing Rocks! events are conducted in ASL. Sign language interpreting is not provided; you will learn the vocabulary as you go through the class. This program is great for families with kids ages 5+! Registration is recommended.

One-on-One Tech Help (Main, by appointment)
Thursday, July 25
11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Looking for some basic computer or mobile device guidance? Want to access audiobooks and eBooks? Stop by for our drop-in hours! These sessions will be limited to 30 minutes for each patron.  

We can help you with:  

• accessing Library eBooks, audiobooks, and other eResources on your devices 

• e-mail and searching the web 

• smartphone and mobile app questions 

We are not able to help you with:  

• installing advanced software programs 

• completing online transactions 

• computer hardware and technical maintenance 

If you have any questions, please contact gjosette@cambridgema.gov.

Puzzle Party (Main)
Thursday, July 25
2:30-3:30 p.m.

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

CPL Presents: Susan Clare Zalkind, author of The Waltham Murders (Main)
Thursday, July 25
6-7:30 p.m.

Join the Library in welcoming Susan Clare Zalkind, the author of The Waltham Murders, for a reading and discussion moderated by Becky Cooper, the author of We Keep the Dead Close.  Zalkind is an investigative reporter and the writer and producer behind the 2022 Hulu docuseries The Murders Before the Marathon, named one of the best shows of the year by the Wall Street Journal. After the loss of her friend in a 2011 triple -murder in Waltham, Zalkind determined to find out more. In The Waltham Murders—part-memoir, part-journalistic inquiry—she is able to communicate not just the facts of this gruesome murder, as well as its possible links to the Boston Marathon bombings two years later, but also the feelings such a horrible crime brings to the fore. The reading will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. Registration is required.

Summer Reading: Middle School After Hours Hangout (O'Neill)
Thursday, July 25
6-8 p.m.

After the Library closes for the rest of the public on July 25, it's open to Middle Schoolers only! Rising 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-graders can come to the Library after hours for pizza, karaoke, T-shirt decorating, slime-making, and more. Please register in advance.

Summer Reading: ASL at the Library - Signing Rocks! (O'Connell)
Thursday, July 25
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us for a party and an American Sign Language class rolled into one!  

SIGNING Basics hosts this excellent event for beginners or people looking to brush up their skills. Get ready to have some fun! Signing Rocks! events are conducted in ASL. Sign language interpreting is not provided; you will learn the vocabulary as you go through the class. This program is great for families with kids ages 5+! Registration is recommended.

Evening Yoga at the CPL (Main)
Thursday, July 25
7-8 p.m.

All are welcome to attend the Library's free outdoor yoga summer series every other Thursday until August 22. No registration is necessary. The Library will not be providing any materials; please bring your own mat and whatever item is in your practice. Shayla Tate of M.U.D.D. Flower Yoga leads us through this 60-minute evening flow.

Fiber Arts Circle (Central Square)
Thursday, July 25
7-8 p.m.

Bring your project and join other fiber crafters in your community! Crochet, sew, embroider, knit, cross stitch, spin, mend, and more at this informal drop-in fiber arts circle. All crafts are welcome!

Sewing 101 (Main)
Friday, July 26
9:30-11 a.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.  

 

Coffee, Cribbage, and Chess! (Boudreau)
Friday, July 26
11 a.m.-Noon 

Join us on the fourth Friday of the month for coffee, treats, and games (chess, cribbage, Rummikub, etc.). Bring a friend or meet a new one at the Library!

Summer Reading: Preschool Dance Party (O'Neill)
Friday, July 26
11-11:30 a.m.

Wiggle, shake, and dance with your children! For kids 0-5 and their caregivers. No registration is required.

Drop-in Studio (Main)
Friday, July 26
1-4:30 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.  

Summer Reading: Fun with Bubbles (O'Connell)
Friday, July 26
4-5 p.m.

Join us outdoors in the Reading Garden to explore and learn with bubbles! We will blow bubbles of all sizes, make bubble wands, and play bubble games! 

For children of all ages and their grown-ups.

Videography 101 (Main)
Saturday, July 27
9:30-10:30 a.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. Registration is required. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

 

Studio Recording 101 (Main)
Saturday, July 27
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.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. This workshop is full; a waitlist is available. You must complete The Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

 

Summer Reading: Drop-in Maker Studio (O'Neill)
Saturday, July 27
1-3 p.m.

Come to the Library to create something special! Use your own supplies or try out our equipment! You can use our 1-inch button maker, 2.5-inch button maker, 3-D Doodle pens, or Janome sewing machines. The Library will provide basic supplies. This drop-in program is for people who feel comfortable using these machines on their own. The Library will not provide instruction. Anyone wishing to use the sewing machines must have completed a Sewing 101 training through the Library. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

PARK SOUNDS: Il Contrapposto (Joan Lorentz Park)

Saturday, July 27
1:30-3 p.m.

Il Contrapposto is an early music ensemble and continuo team dedicated to traversing the more untrodden paths of 16th- and 17th-century European music. Performing on historical instruments, with historically informed performance practices, their varied and engaging performances are a step back into the homes and courts of Renaissance Europe. Rain date: Saturday, August 3. 

 

PARK SOUNDS 2024 brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Main Library. These events are for all ages. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation.  

 

Summer Reading: Learn Ukulele for Kids (Valente)
Saturday, July 27
3-4 p.m.

Want to try an instrument that is fun and easy to play? Join Julie Stepanek as she shows the fundamentals of playing a ukulele. No experience is necessary. Ukuleles are provided or bring your own. This program is for children ages 8-12. Please register in advance. When registering, only enter the names and ages of the children who will attend.

Julie Stepanek lives in a pine forest in western Massachusetts where she raised a son and taught herself how to play the ukulele. She has been teaching and making music at libraries, preschools, and senior centers throughout New England for the past twelve years. Registration is required.

Stay Connected    

Please subscribe to our e-mail list, follow us on X, Instagram, or Facebook, and visit our website.    

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.