Director's Update, August 11, 2024

Dear Patrons, 

Celebrate the end of summer with fun, games, snacks, and neighbors at the O’Neill Branch Block Party on Tuesday, August 13, from 4 to 6 p.m.! Neighbors of any age are welcome. Learn more here.

On Tuesday, August 13, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., decorate your own tote bag at the Valente Branch. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required. 

On Thursday, August 15, from 11 a.m. to noon, join us after our regularly scheduled story time for chalk art and a summer treat in the Central Square Library plaza!

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The Library is pleased to offer the following programs during the week that begins on August 11.

 

Weekly Activities for Kids     

 

This week, these programs will be offered at our Boudreau, Central Square, Main, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente locations. The Collins Branch is closed until the fall.  

   Sing-Alongs

· Story Times

 

Book Groups   

Learn more about our Book Groups. 

 

 

Baby Lapsit (Main) 

 

Monday, August 12

 

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: Magazine Beach Storytime (Central Square)

 

Monday, August 12

 

10-10:30 a.m.

 

Discover a world outdoors with stories read by staff from the Central Square Branch. Meet at the Mass Audubon Magazine Beach Park Nature Center (668 Memorial Drive). 

 

Wellness for Seniors: Low-impact Fitness (Virtual)

 

Monday, August 12

 

11-11:45 a.m.

 

This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen the 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 for each session is required. This is a virtual event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event.

Sewing 101 (Main)

Monday August 12

3-4:30 p.m.

In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. We 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 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 for this event.

 

LEGO Time (Main) 

 

Monday, August 12

 

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.

 

Summer Reading: Mike the Bubble Man (O'Neill)

Monday, August 12

 

4-5 p.m.

 

Bubbles come alive through music, choreography, and comedy to spark imagination and wonder. This program is appropriate for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required.

 

Summer Reading: Patio Project: String Painting (Valente)

 

Monday, August 12

 

5-6 p.m.

 

Join us for STEAM activities for all ages! Use string and paint to create symmetrical art! In case of rain, this program will be held in the Community Room.

 

Chess Hour (Boudreau)

Monday, August 12

5-6 p.m.

 

Come join us for a chess challenge. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. This is not an instructional class, but rather a gathering for individuals who want to test their skills against other members of the community. No registration is required—simply drop by and challenge yourself to improve your mastery of this classic game! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 617-349-4017 or via email: ipachoncaballero@cambridgema.gov or mmcglathery@cambridgema.gov. 

 

ESOL Conversation Class (Valente)

 

Monday, August 12

 

6-7:30 p.m.

 

Join us for an 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.

Sewing 101 (Main)

Tuesday, August 13

1:30-3 p.m.

In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. We’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 for this event.

          

Paint and Sip at the Library (O'Connell) 

 

Tuesday, August 13

 

2-5 p.m.

 

Come treat yourself to an afternoon of fun, creativity, and community while a local artist guides us step-by-step through the process of creating a beautiful, acrylic mountain landscape painting in your choice of colors. We'll provide tea and coffee. No experience is necessary. All are welcome. Acrylic paint can stain clothing, so please wear old clothing.

Seating is limited to 8. Registration is required.

Tuesday Teen Room Hangouts (Main)

 

Tuesday, August 13

 

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.

 

Sit 'n' Knit (Main)

 

Tuesday, August 13

 

2:30-3:30 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, and mend. Refreshments will be provided. 

 

Drop-in Tech Help (Central Square)

 

Tuesday, August 13

 

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 support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours. Registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact library@cambridgema.gov.

 

Equipment and Studio Reservations (Main)

 

Tuesday, August 13, 4-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 15, 2:30-6 p.m.

Friday, August 16, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 17, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

 

During this reservation period, anyone who has completed The Hive 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: Block Party (O’Neill)

Tuesday, August 13

4-6 p.m.

Celebrate the end of summer with fun, games, snacks, and neighbors old and new of any age! This event will happen outside. In case of bad weather, there will be modified activities inside.

 

Knitting Group (Boudreau)

 

Tuesday, August 13

 

6:30-7:30 p.m.

 

Bring your project, yarn, and needles to enjoy an hour in the company of other crafters. Registration is not required.

 

Make Along for Adults: Decorate Your Own Tote Bag (Valente)

Tuesday August 13

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us as we create and socialize. Make this month's project or bring your own!  All supplies for the featured craft will be provided. Registration is required.

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

Wednesday, August 14

 

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! Registration is not required.

 

Summer Reading: Storytime with the José Mateo Ballet Theatre (Valente)

Wednesday August 14

11 a.m.-Noon

Join us for a Ballet Storytime for children up to age 8. Hear When Langston Dances read aloud and learn some ballet moves with teachers from the José Mateo Ballet Theatre. Registration is not required.

 

3D Printing 101: Game Piece Design

Wednesday, August 14

1-2:30 p.m.

Learn how to create your favorite game piece in digital space and print it out using our Prusa 3D printers.

Before taking this workshop:

·       Complete The Hive Safety Training.

·       Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com. Parents may need to assist children under the age of 18 to create an account before arriving.

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

 

English Conversation Practice, Intermediate (O’Neill)

 

Wednesday, August 14

 

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 or registration is required. For more information on other ESOL classes, please call Maria Balestrieri at 617-349-4013.

 

Résumé and Job Application Support (Central Square)

 

Wednesday, August 14

 

1-3 p.m.

 

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

 

Wednesdays of Wonder – WOW (O'Neill)

 

Wednesday, August 14

 

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. This week we will make cyanotype prints using natural materials and light-sensitive paper. Registration is not required.

Summer Reading: Comics Workshop with LJ-Baptiste (Main)

Wednesday, August 14

2:30-3:30 p.m.

 

Learn how comics are made and create your own with the Boston cartoonist and comic artist LJ-Baptiste! All supplies will be provided by the Library. This program is recommended for ages 8-13. No registration is required.

          

Summer Art Tour: West Cambridge Edition (Boudreau)

Wednesday, August 14

5:30-6:30 p.m.

 

Join Cambridge Arts for a tour of the public art in West/North Cambridge. Explore public artwork and learn how Cambridge Arts commissions and maintains art for public enjoyment. Meet outside the Boudreau Branch on Concord Avenue. This is part of the Library's Summer Art Walks series. We will be strolling on sidewalks within 3/4 mile of the library. Register for this event.

 

Summer Reading: Comics Workshop with LJ-Baptiste (O’Neill)

Wednesday August 14

5:30-6:30 p.m.

 

Learn how comics are made and create your own with the Boston cartoonist and comic artist LJ-Baptiste! All supplies will be provided by the Library. This program is recommended for ages 8-13. Registration is required.

Create Résumés with Google Docs (Main)

 

Wednesday, August 14

 

6-7 p.m.

Learn how to create a résumé using Google Docs in a friendly learning environment. A Google account is required for this class. Please remember your Gmail address and password! To view and register for other Basic Tech Classes at the Library, please go to tinyurl.com/basictechclass. Registration is required.

 

Glowforge 101: Creative Laser Cutting

 

Wednesday, August 14

 

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. 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.

 

 

One-on-One Tech Help (Main, by appointment)

 

Thursday, August 15

 

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 for you 

·       computer hardware and technical maintenance 

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

 

Summer Reading: Chalk Party (Central Square)

Thursday, August 15

11 a.m.-Noon

Join us after our regularly scheduled story time for chalk art and a summer treat in the Central Square Library plaza!

 

Wellness for Seniors: Low-impact Fitness (Main)

Thursday August 15

11-11:45 a.m.

 

This class is designed for people of all levels to strengthen the 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 for each session is required. Registration is required.

 

Summer Reading: Read to a Dog (O'Neill)

Thursday, August 15

1-2 p.m.

Read with a cuddly friend! Trained therapy dogs provide warm and nonjudgmental reading companions for new or experienced readers up to age 14. Registration for each 10-minute time slot is required by calling or visiting the O’Neill Branch (617-349-4023).

 

Puzzle Party (Main)

 

Thursday, August 15

 

2:30-3:30 p.m.

 

Join our librarians for tea, cookies, and a jigsaw puzzle. It’s an hour of fun and conversation on a Thursday afternoon. Registration is not required.

 

The Hive Safety Training (Virtual)

 

Thursday, August 15

 

7-8 p.m.

 

In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. The Zoom link will be sent out 1 hour before the workshop starts. Before taking workshops in The Hive in person, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers. Registration is required.

 

Summer Reading: Chalk Art (O’Connell)

 

Friday, August 16

 

2-4 p.m.

 

Let's decorate the O'Connell Reading Garden with colorful chalk art! We’ll provide the chalk; you bring the creativity! For children of all ages and their caregivers. Registration is not required.

 

Summer Reading: Stuffed Animal Sleepover (O'Neill)

 

Friday, August 16

 

4:30-5:30 p.m.

 

Bring a stuffed animal to the Library for a fun storytime! Tuck your animal in, wish them sweet dreams, and read them a good-night story. Come back on Saturday the 17 (or later) to pick up your friend and find out what adventures they had! Please make sure to bring an animal you are comfortable leaving overnight. This program is recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. Registration is not required.

 

 

Drop-in Maker Studio (O’Neill)

 

Saturday, August 17

 

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 but no instruction. This drop-in program is for people who feel comfortable using these machines on their own. Anyone wishing to use the sewing machines must have completed a Sewing 101 training through the Library. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required.

 

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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.